University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma in Law
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Ground your development as a socially responsible and ethical professional.
Course overview
The law is a fundamental part of society, from the rules that govern the rights that protect people. With an online Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Canberra, you can learn the legal fundamentals, advocacy skills and practical problem-solving strategies for a changing world.
When you’re equipped with the right legal skills and you’ve developed diverse and inclusive advocacy abilities, you can do more for those who need your help.
Study foundational legal units, understand legal fundamentals, develop practical dispute-resolution skills, study online around your life and work, and experience support at every stage.
Key facts
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma in Law comprises eight units – two foundation units and six electives of your choice. Each unit duration is seven weeks. The University of Canberra advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.
Foundation
Complete the following units:
- Legal Methods and Skills
- Legal Systems
Electives
Complete two units from the following:
- Dispute Management
- Evidence Law
- Lawyers and Professional Responsibility
- Contract Law
- Torts Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Constitutional Law
- Corporations Law
- Property Law
- Administrative Law
- Equity and Trusts Law
- Civil Procedure
- Legal Theory
- International Law
- Advanced Legal Research and Writing Skills
- Law, Innovation and Technologies
- Law Reform and Social Change
- Human Rights Law
- Workplace Law in Context
- Intellectual Property Law
- Negotiation
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Law, applicants must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any non-law discipline, with a GPA of at least 5/7.
English language requirements
You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.
The Graduate Diploma in Law requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Legal fundamentals - Gain the foundations in legal studies to develop diverse and inclusive advocacy abilities and legal skills, while understanding the theory and history of law.
- Problem prevention and problem solving - Learn practical legal problem-solving and dispute resolution skills, including evaluating responses to legal issues and solutions to legal problems.
- Manage new worlds of technology, business and justice - Discover how the law engages with and shapes disruptive technologies and understand the profession's broader social and economic contexts.
Career outcomes
With a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Canberra, you will be building your legal knowledge to apply in a variety of work settings. If you continue to study the Juris Doctor, your career options include working as a:
- Solicitor
- Legal Counsel
- Workplace Relations Consultant
- Family Lawyer
- Legal Case Manager
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $4,250 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course cost in 2026: $34,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Who You Will Learn From
Dr Trevor O'Ryan
UC Course Director, Juris Doctor
“The University of Canberra online Juris Doctor makes the depth of experience of academics and practitioners at Canberra Law School more accessible than ever and will set you up with the skills you need to make a difference."
Associate Professor Trevor Ryan teaches Legal Theory and Constitutional Law at Canberra Law School. His main research interests are elder law and the role of social norms and civil society in legal and regulatory reform. His methodology is comparative, drawing especially from Australia, the UK, the USA, and Japan. Topics Trevor has published on include tortious liability for accidents caused by dementia-related behaviours such as wandering, legal issues surrounding accommodation for senior citizens, adult guardianship and enduring powers, family trusts, retirement income disputes, welfare entitlements of non-citizens, the contractualisation of welfare and the political rights of persons with mental impairment.