Master of Public and International Law

Most Melbourne Law Masters subjects are available online in 2021 with some taught on campus. See subject quotas for current subject availability.

Students must complete 100 credit points in total.

Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction must complete Fundamentals of the Common Law, as well as 87.5 credit points from the prescribed lists. They are also recommended to undertake the subject International Law.

Students with a law degree from a common law jurisdiction must complete at least 87.5 credit points from the prescribed lists and may choose the remaining 12.5 credit points from the subjects available in the Master of Laws (excluding Fundamentals of the Common Law and the Minor Thesis). They are also recommended to undertake the subject International Law if they have not previously studied international law.

As a student in the Master of Public and International Law, you'll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of public and international law, including:

• The legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
• Analysis and resolution of the complex problems of government law
• A range of alternative approaches to government law in other countries and systems and the methodology of comparative public law
• The context within which government law operates and the sensitivities peculiar to it
• The legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
• The nature, major principles, processes and structures of the international legal system and the relationship between international and domestic law
• Legal issues in contemporary public and international affairs
• The increasing significance of international law domestically, regionally and globally.

You'll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients.

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

• Australian or New Zealand citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

(View eligibility requirements and application dates for International citizens)

The majority of students will start in either the Semester 1 (start year) or Semester 2 (mid year) intake:

For students wishing to begin study outside of the normal intake periods (for example, a winter intensive subject) - find your first subject's starting date in the Handbook, then find the name of the intake period you should apply for below.

Applicants are advised to apply at least a month prior to the start of the subject.

Note: Students will need to ensure their desired subject hasn't yet reached its quota limit - view quotas

Once we receive the completed application, we aim to have a response to you within four to six weeks.

• Orientation week for full-time students
  • Start year intake: 22-26 February 2021, online via Zoom
  • Mid year intake: TBC
• Orientation for part-time students
  • Online via the Learning Management System (Canvas LMS)