University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma in Government Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Designed to provide you with expertise in matters that lie at the cutting edge of government law in Australia and elsewhere.
Course overview
As a student taking the Graduate Diploma in Government Law, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the framework of law and practice in which government operates, which includes not only constitutional and administrative law but also a host of particular legal regimes that apply to government actors. This constantly changing branch of the law lends itself to comparison between countries, allowing you to understand the different ways of tackling problems and how to draw lessons from them.
This program is available for both law and non-law graduates and the flexible structure makes it ideal for working professionals looking to immerse themselves in this dynamic branch of the law.
The Graduate Diploma in Government Law is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.
Key facts
February, 2026
March, 2026
June, 2026
July, 2026
August, 2026
December, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects below. Each subject is valued at 12.5 credit points.
Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.
This introductory subject is compulsory for graduate diploma students with no previous training in law. It is highly recommended for international students who do not have a degree from a common law jurisdiction. Students are advised to attend Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions prior to undertaking any other subject.
- Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions (zero credit points)
Entry Requirements
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed one of the following:
- A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70.
- A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented relevant professional experience.
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least one year of documented relevant professional work experience.
Disciplines relevant to this course include law.
Professional experience relevant to this course includes legal roles.
Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.
Where our admission criteria include a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading and pass marks.
English Language Requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous studies taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:
- IELTS (Academic) – 7.0, with no band less than 6.5
- TOEFL – 94+, with writing 24; speaking 20; reading 19; listening 20
- Pearson – 72+, with the written communicative skill of 65 and no other communicative skill below 64
- Cambridge – 185+, with no skill less than 176
Recognition of Prior Learning
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning). Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
As a student in the Graduate Diploma of Government Law, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of government law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:
- The legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice.
- An analysis and resolution of the complex problems of government law.
- A range of alternative approaches to government law in other countries and systems and the methodology of comparative public law.
- The context within which government law operates and the sensitivities peculiar to it.
- You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative first-year and total course fee in 2026: $24,992 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total course fee shown above assumes a study load of 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) commencing semester one of the listed year, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFTSL.
Fees are subject to annual review by the University, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.