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Juris Doctor courses

Earn your Juris Doctor online and get qualified for a range of legal careers

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Juris Doctor

This postgraduate law degree is an option for you if you have previously studied in another discipline, but have realised law is your calling. 

Through Open Universities Australia you can compare Juris Doctors offered by leading law schools from across the country. We’ll help you earn your qualification at a flexible pace, so that you can continue to work full or part-time in your current career.

Once you graduate from this course, you will satisfy the educational requirements needed to practice as a lawyer in Australia. Though with your comprehensive understanding of the law, you will be free to pursue a career in any sector where legal expertise is required, including business, government or the not-for-profit sector. 

Are you ready to take the first step?

Lisa, Juris Doctor student with RMIT University, through Open Universities Australia.
Lisa studied a Juris Doctor with RMIT University through Open Universities Australia

Discover Juris Doctor courses

Online Juris Doctor degrees

Macquarie University

Postgraduate

RMIT University

Postgraduate

University of Southern Queensland

Postgraduate

Flinders University

Postgraduate

Study Juris Doctor with leading Australian universities.

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Juris Doctor study FAQs

What do you learn in a Juris Doctor?

In your Juris Doctor, you will learn about the core areas of legal practice and gain an in-depth understanding of Australia’s legal system. Your studies will cover the ‘Priestley 11’, which are 11 law subjects you must complete if you would like to apply for admission to practice as a lawyer. 

Those subjects are: 

  • Administrative law
  • Civil procedure
  • Company law
  • Contracts
  • Criminal law and procedure
  • Equity and trusts
  • Ethics and professional responsibility
  • Evidence
  • Federal and state constitutional law
  • Property
  • Torts

You can also choose from a range of electives in other areas of interest, including consumer law, environmental law and health law. Students often discover an area that they would like to specialise in while exploring these subjects. 

Student stories and study advice

What area of law should I practice?

Law is a fascinating field to study—and provides many different areas in which you can specialise. Have you considered these areas of practice? 

Helping Aussie filmmakers navigate the law

With the help of people like Lisa, the Australian film industry lives on, and the voices of our home-grown storytellers continue to be heard.

Lawyer, or law professional?

The title ‘lawyer’ has long been coveted—but there are a lot of hoops to jump through to get there. If that's not for you, know that you can still pursue a career in the wider legal industry.

Taking law cross-country

After working as a barrister in Romania, Daniela needed to re-qualify herself when she moved to Australia, which she achieved through gaining a degree online.

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 497,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

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As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

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