Juris Doctor

At the completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. a body of advanced knowledge of key areas of current Australian law that includes the extended understanding of new and developing areas of the law and legal practice.
2. the ability to find, interpret, understand and critique Australian law within its historical and comparative contexts, using effective learning strategies and appropriate methods, including both recent and traditional technologies.
3. the ability to reflect critically on theory and professional practice in the discipline of law.
4. cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, and concepts and to apply established theories to different disputes and debates.
5. cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
6. the application of knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative to new situations in legal or other professional practice and/or for further learning.
7. the ability to communicate effectively to convey their knowledge, reasoning and decisions in a clear and fluent manner.
8. high level personal autonomy and accountability.
9. awareness of the philosophy and the social and global contexts of law, and willingness to uphold their community responsibility to advocate for justice and to act with integrity in all matters in their professional work and personal lives.
10. the ability to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or professionally focused project.

The Juris Doctor (JD) is an internationally recognised professional legal qualification at masters level for graduates of other disciplines.

This degree satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia and is a launchpad to other enhanced career opportunities. The JD seeks to provide you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in law or to become a legally literate leader in another field.

The JD offers an innovative model of postgraduate education grounded in problem-based learning. It is offered fully online, allowing flexibility to balance your other commitments.

It is 3 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete seventeen core (compulsory) topics and six option topics chosen from the study areas of: Applied Law; Commercial Law; International Law; and Research Paper. These topics aim to provide students with advanced knowledge of key areas of current Australian law that includes the extended understanding of new and developing areas of the law and legal practice and the ability to plan and execute a substantial research-based project, capstone experience and/or professionally focused project. It also offers students the opportunity to further their knowledge in interest areas.

The degree also includes a compulsory clinical legal education subject that provides students the opportunity to participate in authentic legal work.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four subjects per semester and part-time students undertake two subjects per semester. 

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Juris Doctor, students must successfully complete seventeen core (compulsory) and six option topics chosen from the study areas of:

• Applied Law
• Commercial Law
• International Law; AND
• Research Paper.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $101,304

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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Applicants normally must hold either:

• A bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in a discipline other than Law from an approved tertiary institution; OR
• A bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in Law from an approved tertiary institution that does not make them eligible to be admitted to practise law in Australia.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.