University of Western Australia
Graduate Diploma in International Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Advance your knowledge in international law and open up career opportunities in government, non-government and private institutions where international law is relevant.
Course overview
Taught by a diverse team of international law experts with extensive backgrounds in practice and research in international law, our award-winning teaching staff bring a practical, real-world perspective to international law. This course is suited to both the current law practitioner and those pursuing a career in Australia or overseas relevant to international law in government, non-governmental organisations, inter-governmental organisations and private institutions where international law is relevant.
The Graduate Diploma in International Law is available to both law and non-law graduates and is particularly complementary to other disciplines such as international relations, economics and history. Study begins with core units in the foundations of international law, theory, method and contemporary issues, as well as foundations of public international law. You can then specialise by electing units from areas such as international criminal, human rights, environmental, oil and gas, and World Trade Organization law. You can also undertake a research paper to further deepen your knowledge and critique of a specific field of international law. You will apply the law to real-world situations and learn the skills needed to implement international law knowledge in the workplace, including research skills, oration and critical analysis.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
October, 2025
November, 2025
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Diploma in International Law, students must fulfil 24 credit points. Each unit is valued at six credit points unless otherwise stated.
Core Unit
Students without a recognised Law degree take the following unit (six points).
- Public International Law
Option - Group A
Take units from Group A to complete the remainder of the points (18 points).
- Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions
- International Environmental Law
- Comparative Legal Method
- International Criminal Law
- International Humanitarian Law
- Theories for Contemporary Criminal Justice
- Theory, Method and Contemporary Issues of International Law
- International Human Rights Law
- International Dispute Settlement
- International Sales Law
- Technology Law and Governance
- Climate Change Law
- Governing the Commons: Oceans, ice and outer space
- Research Paper I
- Research Paper II (12 points)
Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course, an applicant must have one of the following:
- A Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.
- A bachelor's degree in a cognate area, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA and the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent.
- A bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA and the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; and at least two years of relevant professional experience.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 6.5. Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are enrolled in a course at UWA, you can apply for credit for units passed in a previous course, either at UWA or from an external university or institution. To apply, complete an Application for credit transfer, advanced standing and recognition of prior learning form and submit it to your Student Advising Office via Email Us or in person.
If you're applying for credit from an external university or institution, attach an original or full-colour scan of your formal academic transcript to your application. Please note that informal transcripts, eRecords, screenshots or letters cannot be accepted as proof of results.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and analyse the complex institutional structure in which international law is created, debated and applied.
- Appreciate the impact international law has on people worldwide.
- Deepen and refine oral and written analytical and delivery skills.
- Expand your knowledge of speciality sub-fields of international law.
Career Outcomes
This course opens career opportunities relevant to international law in government, non-government, not for profit and private institutions.
Fees and CSP
Estimated total course fee in 2025: From $8,496 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 24 credit points (0.5 EFTSL).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per units you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.