Juris Doctor

Juris Doctor graduates will have the foundational legal knowledge required for a career as a legal practitioner or legal/non-legal roles in a variety of law-related fields You will also possess the ability to analyse a problem involving a question or questions of law and, through research, to provide a solution to it. You will possess the skills needed to practice law in a variety of fields, industry sectors and locations; and you will develop skills in effective writing, drafting, advocacy, interviewing and advising, negotiation, team work and presentations. You will have an understanding of the application of ethical standards; be able to demonstrate judgment and strategic reasoning; and be effective in self-management and be lifelong learners. Possessing strong self management skills, you will be able to work well individually and as members of teams. You will have sound commercial judgment and an awareness of the ethical and justice issues affecting all stakeholders in the Australian legal system.

On the successful completion of this program, you will be able to:

1.    Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge, including competence in the prescribed areas of knowledge, in professional practice.
2.    Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, legal methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions.
3.    Identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues.
4.    Practice law in a variety of fields, industry sectors and locations.
5.    Apply and integrate professional theory with practice in authentic Work Integrated Learning (WIL) contexts, professional contexts and industry settings.

The Juris Doctor program is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) in Victoria as meeting the educational requirements for admission to practice as an Australian lawyer. You will be able to be admitted to practice after completing a recognised Practical Legal Training course (6 months), or supervised workplace training with a law firm (12 months). You will possess a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the Australian legal framework and fundamental legal principles, an understanding of comparative and international legal systems, an understanding of the ethical framework in which the Australian legal system operates, and a fundamental knowledge of the extra-legal factors impinging upon the substantive law.

Learning activities and experiences in this program include case-based learning with students encouraged to engage in critical discussion in seminars and online forums, supplemented by active, authentic experiential learning opportunities in various simulations that develop legal skills. These simulations include writing briefs and other legal documents, mooting, interviewing, negotiation and mediation skills. These are integrated into most substantive law courses to ensure that students develop the skills in close connection with the legal knowledge. Clinical legal education and industry placement opportunities are also provided.

A capstone experience will be provided in the subject OJD416 (LAW2413) Legal Practice Management & Professional Conduct which will give you the opportunity to critically reflect on this degree’s curriculum. The subject promotes the integration and synthesis of a range of knowledge and skills gained in the program and the application of these in discipline related real-world scenarios.

Students can determine their own study load each session – perfect for those wishing to fast-track but also flexible for those wishing to combine study with work and family commitments.

Recommended study pattern

The Juris Doctor contains subjects with pre-requisites, please check each subject for details. Students must start with OJD110 (LAW2396) Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Methods as this is the pre-requisite for all core subjects.

To graduate Juris Doctor students must complete:

• 18 Core subjects
• Six (6) approved Law Electives

Law electives are predominately offered in Session 3.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Juris Doctor students must successfully complete 18 core subjects and six (6) approved law electives for a total of 24 subjects.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Level 1 Core Subjects - Juris Doctor

• Level 2 Core Subjects - Juris Doctor

• Level 3 Core Subjects - Juris Doctor

• Law Electives - Juris Doctor

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

Indicative total fee $111,744

The amount shown here is 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.

One of Australia's largest dual-sector institutes, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 96,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

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16

Academic Entrance requirements

Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline except an LLB (Common Law), with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (out of 4.0)

Alternate Entry

Applicants with either an Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline except an LLB (Common Law) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0) may be considered for a full fee place when a personal statement is provided demonstrating evidence of significant interest or intended career progression in law.

Please note: Applications for the Juris Doctor will only be accepted for Session 1 and 2. Applications submitted after the close of applications for Session 2 will be considered for Session 1 of the following year.

All non-Australian residents and overseas full-fee paying students are required to meet RMIT English language requirements. For more information on these requirements and acceptable English Language tests please see:

www.rmit.edu.au/international/english-equivalent

Australian law degrees are required to include 11 core areas of knowledge – the ‘Priestley 11’. These areas are: Criminal Law and Procedure, Tort, Contract, Property, Equity, Company Law, Administrative Law, Federal and State Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Evidence, Professional Conduct.

Exemptions of Priestley 11 subjects are not possible unless the subjects concerned are the equivalent subjects in another postgraduate law program leading to legal practice.

Credit can only be granted in accordance with RMIT Policy and Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) requirements.

If you wish to apply for RPL or Credit, please complete the RMIT Credit RPL Application Form and attach it to your course application.

If you have already submitted your course application, please send your RPL/Credit application directly to RMIT via RMIT Connect.

To be eligible for admission to an RMIT program applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the commencement date of the program in which they want to enrol.