Juris Doctor
The RMIT Juris Doctor is an innovative postgraduate law course focusing on the fundamentals of law and the justice system.
This course is based on a unique approach that we call 'bringing law to life.' It has been designed specifically to create job-ready graduates, with direction and input from a Program Advisory Board made up of senior executives from law firms, representatives from the Bar, Magistrates and other senior members of the profession.
You will build practical legal skills such as mooting and advocacy, research and policy development, interviewing and working with clients and negotiation, influencing and mediation. These are integrated into the study of substantive areas of law.
You will learn how to conduct research, to gain insights into policy development and law reform through a subject focussed on innovative justice that incorporates design thinking in law. We offer a core subject in Law and Technology that gives you skills for the changing world of work and critiques the impact of technology on the law.
You will also choose from a range of law electives that cover human rights law, tax law, intellectual property law, international business law, competition and consumer law, insolvency, acquisitions and mergers, labour law, environment and planning law, health law, wills and family law.
The RMIT Juris Doctor has a three-year flexible structure. The course can be delivered in ways that suit your life. For example, a part time option is available, or you can study off-campus via Open University Australia's online portal.
* A letter from the Boards of Examiners, Victorian Council of Legal Education (or equivalent interstate body) must be submitted which lists the course(s) required to be completed and the educational institutions that are accredited to provide the relevant course(s).
Commonwealth supported places
A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are awarded on academic merit alone. The minimum requirement to be considered for a CSP is a GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0. However, the actual GPA is dependent on the number and standard of applications received during the application period.
Students currently enrolled in an AFP place may apply for a CSP place after completing at least one year of full-time equivalent study (96 credit points) and have demonstrated a GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0).
RMIT's Juris Doctor graduates have access to a range of legal opportunities. These include practising law in the commercial legal sector, practising as a barrister, or working as an in-house lawyer with corporations, governments or not-for-profit organisations.
JD graduates work in many other fields where knowledge of legal principles and the ability to think deeply and rigorously are essential. These fields include public administration, NGOs, politics and business. RMIT JD alumni are building a reputation as fully prepared, work-ready legal professionals. Finally, for those who are not contemplating a career change, the JD is a Masters level qualification can be a significant enhancement to your existing career.