Graduate Certificate of Laws

• Demonstrate an advanced and integrated body of legal knowledge.
• Critique and analyse the broader context in which law and legal principles have application including interdisciplinary, international and comparative.
• Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise applied ethical judgment in the recognition and resolution of legal problems.
• Synthesise legal research skills and implement them to ensure the successful resolution of specific legal problems and to the formulation and articulation of law and policy reform.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written forms to specialist and generalist audiences.
• Carry out independent research and take responsibility for self-directed learning.
• Develop new and creative ideas and solutions to contemporary legal problems.
• Demonstrate advanced professional skills suitable for addressing legal issues in a contemporary workplace.

The Graduate Certificate of Laws is designed for non-lawyers who wish to obtain foundational law knowledge or pursue a study pathway towards a law career. You’ll develop your critical-thinking, research, analytical and judgement skills. And you’ll improve your capacity to work in a self-directed way, thereby enhancing your ability to manage real-world legal and policy challenges. The course provides preparation for further postgraduate study in law, including our Juris Doctor.

Recommended study pattern

You will study Foundations of Laws, Criminal Justice and Public Policy, The Law of Obligations 1 - Contracts, Public International Law.

Award requirements

Completion of four subjects as recommended in the study pattern.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $17,300

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

9

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 55.