University of Melbourne Law School

The University

The University of Melbourne has a reputation for excellence and leadership in research, innovation, teaching and learning developed over our 150 year history. Our outstanding performance in international rankings puts us at the forefront of higher education in the Asia Pacific region and the world.

In 2008, the University introduced a new curriculum known as the Melbourne Model, strengthening our position as a leading educational institution. This distinctive new educational approach will align the University with the best of European and Asian practice and North American traditions.

At last count, the University’s student community of 44,000 included more than 9,800 international students from over 100 countries. We invite you to study with us and discover for yourself why staff and students of the highest calibre are attracted to the University of Melbourne.

The Law School

Melbourne Law School is an international leader in legal education and scholarship and one of the finest law schools in the world. We have a rich tradition of excellence and an outstanding reputation for quality teaching and research. Our world-class learning and research facilities and dedicated student support services produce graduates who have the knowledge and skills required to make a contribution to the global community.

Melbourne Law School has more than 150 years’ experience in teaching law. In 2008, we became the first all-graduate law faculty in Australia as part of the innovative ‘Melbourne Model’. The move to graduate law at Melbourne Law School is part of a worldwide trend in response to the challenge of providing the best legal education to support the increasingly international profession of law. This move builds on a rich tradition of success, which has enabled Melbourne Law School graduates to become leaders in legal, political and public life across Australia and around the world.

Our exceptional students, talented and dedicated academic staff, international outlook, outstanding facilities and commitment to innovation ensures our students have an exceptional law school experience.

The Program

The Melbourne Law Masters offers outstanding programs for both law and non-law graduates.

The program is comprised of the Master of Laws (by coursework or a combination of coursework and minor thesis), 10 specialist masters degrees and 19 graduate diplomas. It covers the following 20 core areas of legal specialisation which focus on contemporary legal issues, combining the latest legal professional expertise with academic excellence:

- Asian Law
- Banking and Finance Law
- Commercial Law
- Communications Law
- Competition Law
- Construction Law
- Corporations and Securities Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Environment, Energy and Resources Law
- Government Law
- Health and Medical Law
- Human Rights Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Economic Law
- International Law
- International Tax
- Labour Relations Law
- Law and Development
- Sports Law
- Tax

Offering a choice of over 140 subjects in 2010, the breadth of the program gives students the opportunity to tailor their course to meet their personal and professional goals.

All subjects are limited to 25 to 30 students, facilitating interaction and contribution from all participants. Ninety percent of subjects are taught intensively over five consecutive weekdays, offering maximum convenience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the subject content.

The program’s teaching staff brings together the best legal minds in Australia and includes leading scholars, practitioners and industry professionals with specialist expertise, as well as visiting international scholars and practitioners to offer an extraordinary depth of knowledge.

Our students benefit from a rich educational environment, learning alongside professionals from many backgrounds and industries and gaining the specialised expertise and experience needed to gain a professional edge.

The Faculty

At Melbourne Law School, we pride ourselves on the calibre of our academic staff. We bring together the best legal minds in Australia, drawing from the academic sphere, legal practice, industry and government in Australia and around the world. Our staff have won numerous awards for excellence in teaching and research and regularly provide advice to the highest level of business and government in Australia and around the world.

Each year a number of international visiting lecturers also join us in Melbourne to teach in our program, further enriching the learning experience of our students. The chance to learn from international experts right here in Melbourne is truly one of the most exciting aspects of the Melbourne Law Masters. Our students relish this stimulating opportunity, which also attracts students from across the globe to select Melbourne Law School as their graduate study destination.

In 2010, 40 international visiting lecturers will teach in the Melbourne Law Masters. These international visitors will include academics from institutions such as the Oxford, NYU and the Sorbonne. Practitioners in international law firms and experts from major international organisations such as the IMF and the Dutch Development Bank will also teach in 2010.

The Law School also hosts a variety of teaching and research institutes and centres specialising in areas as diverse as international law, Asian law, labour relations, media and communications law, corporate law, tax and intellectual property. Our vibrant research culture ensures our students are exposed to a number of cutting edge developments that have a practical contribution to law reform, policy development and legal enquiry. Our innovative research program attracts scholars from around the globe and contributes to the research culture of our law school.

Entry Requirements

Selection is based on the following criteria:

Master of Laws by Coursework
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience.

Specialist masters degrees
- A degree in a relevant discipline and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in a relevant discipline, successful completion of four subjects in a cognate graduate diploma and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant work experience.

English language requirements
English language requirements may also apply to international students and Australian permanent residents.

Application Procedure

International applicants must complete an ‘Application for Admission as an International Graduate Student’ and provide other relevant information including academic transcripts and a current curriculum vitae.

For further information about the application procedure, go to
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/grad/gradcou…

Tuition and Fees

Masters degrees at Melbourne Law School generally require the completion of eight subjects. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law system must usually complete the subject Fundamentals of the Common Law as part of their degree.

In 2010, the fee per subject in the Melbourne Law Masters is AU$3,712.50.

Financial Aid

Scholarships may be available for some international applicants. For further information please see www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/

Location

Melbourne is Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. It is an exciting and vibrant hub of cultural, social, sporting and business life and has consistently been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities.

There is much to love about Melbourne – just ask the locals! This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those lucky enough to live here. Residents love its vibrant energy, staggering choice of restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, luscious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character.

Proudly pre-eminent in business, international trade, arts, entertainment, sport and major international events, Melbourne’s city centre is home to around 50,000 people and welcomes more than 400,000 workers, visitors and tourists every day.

Melbourne is home to Australia’s largest arts and entertainment precinct, located near the Yarra River. It includes the National Gallery of Victoria, the acclaimed Victorian Arts Centre, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian Ballet, Victorian College of the Arts, the Australian Opera, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Federation Square.

The city hosts many colourful festivals throughout the year as well as major sporting events such as the Formula One Grand Prix, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Melbourne Cup and the Australian Open Tennis.

Melbourne Law School is located on the city fringe, an easy 15 minute walk from the centre of the city, or a short tram ride.

We are proud to invite you to be part of this thriving community during your studies with us. For more information about the city of Melbourne please see www.visitmelbourne.com.

Accommodation

Arriving in a new city can be both daunting and exciting, especially if you have never been there before. The University of Melbourne has a dedicated Student Housing Services team available to assist you in finding affordable, safe and appropriate accommodation during your studies.

The University arranges pre-departure briefings to help new international students prepare for life in Melbourne. Orientation programs are designed to assist all new students settle into their Melbourne student life. Comprehensive information about accommodation is also included with their letter of offer to study at the University of Melbourne.

For further details about student housing options please see www.services.unimelb.edu.au/housing/

Student Life

As a student with Melbourne Law School, you can take full advantage of our superb facilities, high level student support and commitment to providing quality, innovative legal education.

Outstanding facilities
Melbourne Law School is an impressive facility with state-of-the-art research resources, high tech features and purpose-built teaching spaces. The Law School’s graduate teaching spaces feature modern IT facilities, a student lounge and a professional environment in which to learn. The Melbourne Law Library contains one of the best law collections in Australia and the advanced technology required for legal research today.

High level student support
Specialised student services are tailored to support you academically and personally, giving you the confidence and capacity to thrive. The University provides an award-winning range of support services for international students. Ongoing student support and advice is always available, including access to the University’s health and counselling service.

We also provide a range of support programs for students who wish to further develop their skills in legal research, academic writing or English language through the Law School’s Legal Academic Skills Centre.

Campus life
Campus life is exciting, vibrant and always diverse at the University of Melbourne. The Student Union provides students with a range of services including cultural events and resources, clubs and societies, support services, student representation and academic advocacy.

Melbourne University Sport offers a range of outstanding sport and recreation services and facilities, including a strength and fitness gym, 25 metre heated indoor pool, indoor courts, athletics track, hockey field and ski lodge, plus group fitness classes and access to over 40 sports clubs.

Summer Program

Subjects in the Melbourne Law Masters are available for most of the year, including some intensive subjects during the summer break from December to February. Around 90% of subjects in the program are offered on an intensive basis over five consecutive weekdays, allowing students to tailor a study program to suit their needs and interests.

Pre-LLM Course

International students are encouraged to undertake the preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions before beginning their masters degree. It provides an introduction to the law and the legal system in Australia, as well as a basic framework for the development of basic legal skills including the use of primary sources of law, namely common law and statutory law. The program focuses on the operation and practical application of these sources of law in a common law system.