University of Canberra
Juris Doctor
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 4 Years
- Course Type: Master's
Gain the power to make a difference as an ethical legal professional.
Course overview
Learn the legal fundamentals, advanced advocacy skills and practical problem-solving strategies for a changing world with the University of Canberra Postgraduate Online Juris Doctor.
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.
Understand legal fundamentals, develop practical dispute-resolution skills, and explore justice in disruptive industries while completing a research-based project and a law internship, studying online around your life and work and receiving support at every stage.
UC's practical, supported and accelerated online courses are designed to deliver outcomes that create real impact and inspire real change in the world around us. UC postgraduate courses are not only delivered online – they are career-relevant and designed for demand, so you can apply your learning faster.
Key facts
September, 2026
October, 2026
What you will study
The Juris Doctor comprises 24 units. Each unit duration is seven weeks. SCU advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.
- Legal Methods and Skills
- Legal Systems
- Constitutional Law
- Contract Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Torts Law
- Lawyers and Professional Responsibility
- Corporations Law
- Administrative Law
- Equity and Trusts Law
- Civil Procedure
- Evidence Law
- Property Law
- Dispute Management
- Legal Theory
- Advanced Legal Research Writing and Skills
- International Law
- Legal Research Project A
- Legal Research Project B
- Law Internship
Complete four units from the following:
- Law, Innovation and Technologies
- Law Reform and Social Change
- Human Rights Law
- Intellectual Property
- Workplace Law in Context
- Negotiation
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Juris Doctor, applicants must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any non-law discipline, with a GPA of at least 5/7.
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.
English language requirements
The Juris Doctor 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 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. - Flexible work-integrated learning
As a student, you'll have the flexibility to build a course that aligns with your professional goals, with opportunities to apply your knowledge throughout the course.
Career outcomes
With a Juris Doctor from the University of Canberra, you’ll be equipped to work in a wide variety of organisations and areas of law, including:
- Corporate law
- Property law
- Human rights law
- 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 cost in 2026: $102,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 24 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.