Law degrees explained: understand your study options
By Luan KoayPublished on
There’s more than one way to study law in Australia. This guide breaks down the main qualifications, what you’ll study, how courses are structured and the career paths they can open up.
Law qualifications at a glance
I often get questions about the law qualifications available through Open Universities Australia.
The good news is we have something for everyone – whether you’re looking for first steps into university study, or are an accomplished professional wanting to upskill.
Undergraduate law qualifications
Usually for those studying at university for the first time.
Qualification | What it usually covers | Typical duration | Common outcome | May suit you if |
Undergraduate Certificate in Law | Introductory law subjects and academic skills | 6-8 months full time | A short entry point into law study | You need a pathway towards a full degree |
Diploma of Legal Studies | Foundation law and justice subjects | 1 year full time | A standalone qualification or pathway into further study | You want a shorter course with possible credit options |
Bachelor of Laws | Core law subjects, legal reasoning, research and electives | 3-4 years full time | An academic pathway toward legal practice, where accredited | You want a full undergraduate law degree |
Law-related bachelor degree | Legal studies, justice, criminology, policy or business law | 3 years full time | Legal knowledge for non-lawyer roles | You want law skills without necessarily becoming a lawyer |
Postgraduate law qualifications
Usually for those with a bachelor degree.
Qualification | What it usually covers | Typical duration | Common outcome | May suit you if |
Juris Doctor | Graduate-entry legal study | 2-3 years full time | A postgraduate pathway toward legal practice, where accredited | You want to become a lawyer and already have a bachelor degree in another field |
Graduate certificate or graduate diploma | Focused postgraduate legal study | 6 months to 1 year full time | Specialist knowledge or professional development | You want targeted legal knowledge |
Master of Laws or specialised masters degree | Advanced or specialised legal study | 2 years full time | Further expertise in a legal area | You want to build on legal training or relevant law experience |
When I help students compare law course options, I suggest making a shortlist first, then you can check the details course by course. Course structure, entry requirements, fees, credit and accreditation vary between universities.
What qualifications can you study in law?
Choose a law course based on your study history, career goals and available time.
Undergraduate Certificate in Law
6-8 months full time
Choose this if you: want a pathway to a Bachelor of Laws.
An Undergraduate Certificate in Law is a short introductory qualification that helps you build foundational legal knowledge.
It can help you:
- explore law before committing to a degree
- build university study skills
- create a pathway into a bachelor degree
Before enrolling, check entry pathways, credit options and whether the course supports your goal.
Explore pathways into lawDiploma of Law
1 year full time
Choose this if you: want a standalone qualification and/or a pathway into a bachelor degree with possible credit available.
A diploma is another shorter qualification that can help you start working in a legal field and build towards future options.
A diploma in an area such as paralegal studies or conveyancing can help you:
- prepare for entry-level legal support work
- gain a recognised qualification sooner than a full degree
- explore a specific area of law in more depth
- receive credit towards a bachelor degree, where available
Before enrolling, check the course outcomes, entry requirements, credit options and whether the diploma aligns with the kind of legal work or further study you want to pursue.
Explore diplomas in lawBachelor of Laws
3-4 years full time
Choose this if you: want to become a lawyer and this will be your first bachelor degree.
A Bachelor of Laws is the main undergraduate law university degree for people who want to become a lawyer. The Bachelor of Laws ranges from approximately $52,000 to $78,000, depending on the university, but you don’t have to pay this upfront and can defer the cost with a HELP loan if you’re eligible.
You will build skills in:
- legal reasoning
- legal research and writing
- core law subjects
- elective subjects
- practical or skills-based subjects
Some courses let you combine law with another discipline, such as business, arts, criminology, politics or commerce.
When planning your study journey, it’s worth understanding the difference between a Bachelor of Laws and a Juris Doctor.
Explore Bachelor of Laws optionsLaw-related bachelor degree
3 years full time
Example qualifications: Bachelor of Legal Studies, Bachelor of Commerce (Business Law)
Choose this if you: want to integrate legal knowledge into your undergraduate studies.
A bachelor degree in a legal area of specialisation focuses on law-related fields like justice, policy, advocacy or legal issues, without necessarily preparing you to become a lawyer.
If you’re drawn to legal topics but don’t want to become a lawyer, you may choose to focus your major or elective studies in:
- Business law
- Criminal justice
- Criminal psychology
- Criminology
- Forensics
- Human rights
- International relations
- Juris Doctor
- Law or legal studies
- Public policy
- Security and counter terrorism
Check whether the course supports your law and justice career goals, whether you want to work in policy, government, compliance, justice, advocacy or something else.
It may not qualify you for legal practice, so be aware of this before enrolling.
Explore bachelor degrees in law and justicePostgraduate law courses
Postgraduate law study can mean two different things, depending on your starting point.
Juris Doctor
2-3 years full time
Choose this if you: have a bachelor degree in another field and want to qualify as a lawyer.
A Juris Doctor (JD) is a postgraduate law degree for students who already have a bachelor degree in another field and want to work towards becoming a lawyer.
It is:
- designed for people who already hold a bachelor degree
- similar in content to a Bachelor of Laws
- condensed for postgraduate study
- a pathway towards legal practice
The total cost of a Juris Doctor ranges from approximately $52,000 to $135,000, depending on the university, with funding via HELP loans available to defer your payments.
Find out more about the JDSpecialised postgraduate law courses
6 months to 2 years full time, depending on the course
Example qualification: Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance
Choose this if you: want to build on your legal knowledge in a specialist area.
Postgraduate law courses can build specialised knowledge for your current role or a particular legal field.
They include:
- Graduate certificates (6 months full time)
- Graduate diplomas (1 year full time)
- Masters degrees (2 years full time)
Before enrolling, check:
- the course purpose – practice, specialisation or general knowledge
- entry requirements
- whether work experience is required
- how it supports your goal
- whether FEE-HELP is available
How do law qualifications fit together?
Your path may involve several courses. I suggest choosing each step based on where you’re starting and the legal career you want.
If you’re not ready for a full degree
Begin with a single law subject
Move into an undergraduate certificate or diploma
Use completed subjects as credit where possible
If you need a pathway into university study
Start with an introductory option, such as an undergraduate certificate or diploma
Move into a Bachelor of Laws or law-related bachelor degree once eligible
Compare pathway options before enrolling
If you want to become a lawyer
Choose an accredited Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor
Complete the required core law subjects
Move on to Practical Legal Training after your degree
If you want legal knowledge for another career
If you’re interested in law-related careers, but don’t want to work as a lawyer, you could:
Complete an undergraduate degree
with major studies in criminology, legal studies, business law or a related field
Start your career in a law-related area
Add postgraduate study later to specialise or progress
If you already have a bachelor degree
Choose your pathway based on your current degree:
- Hold a degree in another field? Consider a Juris Doctor as a graduate-entry pathway into legal practice.
- Already have a law-related degree? Compare graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters degrees to build specialised legal knowledge.
Which law qualification is right for your goals?
When I help students compare law courses, I suggest starting with four questions:
- What have you studied before? Your prior education will shape your entry options.
- What career do you want? If you want to practise law, check that the course supports the academic requirements for admission as a lawyer.
- How much study can you commit to? Compare course length, workload and flexibility.
- What outcome do you need? Look closely at course structures, subjects and specialisations, pathways, and professional requirements.
The course title only tells you part of the story. Always check the full structure before enrolling.
Explore law and justice coursesWhat should you consider before choosing a law qualification?
When I help students compare law courses, I suggest looking beyond the course title. Check these things:
Qualification level
Choose between an undergraduate law degree, a Juris Doctor or postgraduate study based on your prior education and career goal.
Admission requirements
If you want to practise law, confirm the course structure covers the required academic law curriculum, often called the Priestley 11:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Torts
- Contracts
- Property law
- Equity and trusts
- Constitutional law
- Administrative law
- Civil dispute resolution
- Evidence
- Company law
- Ethics and professional responsibility
Electives and specialisations
Look for subjects that support the areas of law you’d like to move into, such as:
- Commercial law
- Family law
- Criminal law
- Human rights
- Environmental law
- Technology law
- Intellectual property
- Dispute resolution
Flexibility
Compare course length, study load, online delivery and part-time options.
Fees and funding
Compare total course fees for legal courses, the cost per subject and whether you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
Long-term pathway
Check whether the qualification can lead to legal practice, specialised postgraduate study or credit towards another course.
How can you get started in law?
Start with the resource that matches your next step:
- Compare law courses by looking at start dates, fees and course content
- Understand the entry requirements to enrol
- Find an alternative pathway if you don't meet those requirements
- Learn about what it's really like to study law and how the experience differs online
- Get guidance on how to choose the best online law course for you
- Enrol with your chosen university through Open Universities Australia when you're ready
If you’re still unsure, you can book a Choose a Course consultation with an advisor like me for personalised advice.
Explore your study options through us
Browse law qualifications available online through Open Universities Australia. We help you compare your options and enrol, while you’ll study directly with your chosen university.
About the author
Frequently asked questions about law degrees
Do all Australian law degrees cover the same core subjects?
No, not in exactly the same way. Accredited law degrees usually cover the required core curriculum areas, but universities may structure and name subjects differently. Always check the course structure and accreditation details.
Can you choose electives or majors in a law degree?
Yes, most law degrees let you choose some electives, allowing you to explore areas of law that interest you. Majors are less common within a law degree itself, although some courses offer specialisations or majors. Options vary by university, so check the course structure before choosing.
Can you combine a law degree with another discipline?
Yes, some universities offer combined law degrees. These may let you study law alongside business, arts, criminology, psychology or politics. Check the total course length, fees and study load.
Can you transfer between law degrees or universities?
Sometimes, but it depends on the course, university and your completed subjects. Credit is not guaranteed, so check credit rules before enrolling.
Will employers care which university your law degree comes from?
Some employers may consider the university, but it is rarely the only factor. They may also look at results, experience, communication skills, practical training and role fit.
Is a law degree only useful if you want to become a lawyer?
No. A law degree can also support careers in policy, compliance, regulation, government, business, advocacy and justice.
