Deakin University
Juris Doctor
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)Prepare for a first-class law career at one of Victoria’s top 3 law schools.* Deakin’s practise-focused Juris Doctor (JD) is built on the principle that lawyers can be catalysts for positive change in society. Designed for non-law graduates, this prestigious law program goes beyond the typical theory-centred model. You will focus on sharpening your critical thinking and practical skills, while developing a solid foundation of legal knowledge.
Delivered fully online, Deakin’s JD gives you comprehensive training in each of the major areas of legal practice, with research, theory and policy considerations embedded throughout the curriculum. With flexibility at its core, lectures and interactive live seminars are recorded so you can schedule your study around your other commitments.
Learn from world-leading scholars in human rights, intellectual property, land, property, mining and engineering law, and be guided by teachers with strong practicing backgrounds, including a former judge. This impressive array of expertise helps shape the course, so you can be confident everything you learn is relevant to industry and can be applied as soon as you enter the field.
Delivery mode
Deakin University offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Online
Set your own study schedule and balance study with your other commitments.
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a different discipline with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65
- completion of a bachelor degree in a different discipline with a WAM of 60 and at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate in a law or related discipline* with a minimum (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65
- completion of a masters degree in a different discipline
- A) A bachelor degree in a different discipline must be a nonlaw bachelor degree that is not accredited or approved by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (previously COLE) as meeting the requirements for admission to the legal profession.
- B) Applicants with a law degree from an overseas jurisdiction, deemed to be the AQF equivalent of a three year bachelor degree, will be eligible to apply.
- C) A masters degree in a different discipline must be a masters degree that is not accredited or approved by VLAB as meeting the requirements for admission to the legal profession.
- *A 'related discipline' award for this course is Graduate Certificate of Law, Graduate Certificate of Business Law, Graduate Certificate of Migration Law, Graduate Certificate of Property Law, Graduate Certificate of Criminology, Graduate Certificate of Cyber Law, Graduate Certificate of Legal Studies, Graduate Certificate of International Law etc.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency
Course fees
For more information about this course and payment options please enquire now.
Career opportunities
The Juris Doctor will prepare you for the following roles.
Government Lawyer
A Government Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to government departments and agencies. You might work in areas such as policy develop...
In House Counsel
An In-House Counsel provides legal advice and representation within an organisation. You might work in a corporate setting, non-profit, or governme...
Judge
Judges are experienced legal professionals who preside over civil and criminal proceedings in Australian courts of law. Depending on their professi...
Lawyer
A Lawyer is hired to represent a client in a range of legal proceedings. You might provide legal advice and prepare cases being heard in court. Law...
Legal Consultant
A Legal Consultant provides expert legal advice and guidance to businesses, government agencies, or individuals, often specialising in areas such a...
Public Prosecutor
A Public Prosecutor represents the state in criminal proceedings. You might work in local, state, or federal courts. Public Prosecutors focus on pr...
In House Lawyer
An In House Lawyer is employed by a large company or organisation to provide legal services. You might represent the company during legal proceedin...
Family Lawyer
A Family Lawyer specialises in legal proceedings involving family law such as divorce settlements or dealing with wills. You might represent a clie...
Property Lawyer
A Property Lawyer represents a client during legal matters relating to property. You might offer legal advice and work with clients during the sale...
Litigation Lawyer
A Litigation Lawyer, or Litigator, acts on behalf of a client during legal action. You might gather information to prepare for court cases and appe...
Patent Attorney
A Patent Attorney provides legal expertise on intellectual property rights, specialising in patents. You might work in law firms, corporate legal d...
Taxation Lawyer
A Taxation Lawyer advises clients on various aspects of tax law and ensures compliance with tax regulations. You might work in a law firm, a corpor...
International Lawyer
An International Lawyer provides legal services on cross-border issues involving multiple jurisdictions. You might work for multinational corporati...
Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Criminal Defence Lawyer represents individuals or organisations charged with criminal offences. You might work in a law firm, public defender’s o...
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
A Medical Malpractice Lawyer advocates for clients who have been injured due to medical negligence. You might work in a legal firm specialising in...
Legal Aid Lawyer
A Legal Aid Lawyer provides legal representation and advice to individuals who cannot afford private legal services. You might work in legal aid or...
Community Lawyer
A Community Lawyer provides legal support and advocacy for individuals and groups within the community. You might work in non-profit organisations,...
Parliamentary Counsel
A Parliamentary Counsel provides legal expertise and support to government members in drafting and reviewing legislation. You might work within a p...
Human Rights Lawyer
A Human Rights Lawyer advocates for individuals and groups whose rights have been violated. You might work for non-profit organisations, government...
About Deakin University
As one of Australia's largest universities, Deakin has strong global linkages, world-class research and, most importantly, an educational portfolio that blends the best of campus and digital delivery into a highly supportive and personalised student experience.
