Juris Doctor

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Apply advanced legal knowledge as required for admission to practise law.
2. Determine relevant factual, legal and policy issues by undertaking advanced and in depth research.
3. Solve novel problems and evaluate complex issues through the contextual and sophisticated application of legal knowledge.
4. Persuade effectively through advanced professional oral, written, and visual communication.
5. Demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
6. Collaborate effectively to manage professional projects focussed on innovation, change or social impact.
7. Critically evaluate theory and professional practice in the discipline of law and maintain high standards of ethical academic and professional behaviour.

The Juris Doctor (JD) is an extended masters level qualification for graduates of other disciplines that satisfies the academic knowledge requirements for legal practice and can enhance other career opportunities.

The JD offers a distinctive model of postgraduate education grounded in problem-based learning. It includes a unique focus on legal innovation that also builds core practice skills.

Graduates who complete the JD cannot be admitted to Legal Practice without completing further practical training.

Recommended study pattern

You’ll study 18 core law topics and develop advanced skills in areas you choose to specialise in, including Corporate Law, Health Law and Ethics, Advanced and Comparative Intellectual Property, and more, with topics built by experienced international lawyers. You will compete in competitions and get access to prestigious internships.

Year 1

First year may include:

• The Australian Legal System
• Contract
• Torts
• Legal Theory and Research
• Dispute Resolution
• Legal Innovation and Problem Solving
• Property, Equity and Trusts
• Principles of Public International Law.

Year 2

Second year may include the following core topics and two additional option topics:

• Constitutional Law
• Real Property Law
• Criminal Law
• Administrative Law
• Civil Procedure
• Corporate Law.

Year 3

Third year may include the following core topics and four additional option topics:

• Evidence
• Ethics and Regulation of the Legal Profession
• Reforming Social Justice
• Future Practice Skills.

Option Topics

Over the course of the degree two option topics are selected in second year and four option topics in third year, allowing you to specialise, including but not limited to:

• Advanced and Comparative Intellectual Property
• Advanced and Comparative Competition Law
• Advanced and Comparative Technology Regulation
• Advanced Corporate Law
• Family Law
• Employment Law
• Health Law and Ethics
• International Environmental Law
• International Human Rights
• Law of the Sea and Space 
• Research Projects (topic by agreement).

Award requirements

To qualify for the Juris Doctor (JD) at Flinders University, a student must:

• Successfully complete 108 units in accordance with the Program of Study.
• Complete all core topics as specified in the course structure.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as per university regulations.

Upon successful completion of the JD, graduates are eligible to apply for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completing the required Practical Legal Training (PLT) or supervised workplace training as mandated by the relevant legal admissions authority.

Exit points

Students who do not complete the full JD program may be eligible to exit with a lower-level qualification:

• Graduate Certificate in Laws: upon completion of 18 units of approved study.
• Graduate Diploma in Laws: upon completion of 36 units of approved study.

These exit awards provide formal recognition of completed coursework and may offer pathways to further study or career advancement in legal and regulatory fields.

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.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

• hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in an area other than law, or 
• hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in law 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.