Graduate Diploma in Laws

Build legal expertise and develop practical skills for diverse careers in law, corporate, and government sectors.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in an area other than law

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Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

1 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2026 : $35,500 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Laws at Flinders?

In just 12 months, this graduate diploma develops practical legal skills that open career opportunities in policy, compliance, risk management, and corporate advisory, while also providing a clear stepping stone to further legal study such as the Juris Doctor.

Broaden your legal knowledge

Expand your understanding of key areas of law to complement your career and prepare for further legal studies.

Enhance your qualifications and career pathways

Open doors in governance, policy development and compliance with a qualification that strengthens your professional profile.

Apply the law to real-world scenarios

Develop practical skills to interpret and apply legal principles in professional contexts.

Your pathway to the Juris Doctor

Progress into a flexible and prestigious law degree that provides the opportunity to practise law.

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

You’ll study 8 topics that provide comprehensive legal education, combining foundational courses with advanced study in various areas of law. The program is divided into two semesters: the first covers core legal concepts, and the second focuses on specialised areas such as international law, legal innovation, and property law.

Course handbook

Semester 1

First semester may include the following core topics:

The Australian Legal System
Contract
Torts
Legal Theory and Research

Semester 2

Second semester may include:

Dispute Resolution
Legal Innovation and Problem Solving
Property, Equity and Trusts
Principles of Public International Law

Your career

The Graduate Diploma in Laws opens doors to career opportunities in legal, corporate, and government sectors. Graduates can pursue roles in policy development, compliance, risk management, or corporate advisory, or use this qualification as a pathway to further legal studies and professional advancement.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$110,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Expected salary
$145,000^*

Expected salary
$130,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$110,000^*

Potential employers

Law firms
Corporations entities
Government
Non-profit organisations
Legal consultancies

Connect with industry

In this course, you’ll gain insights grounded in real-world practice through Flinders’ strong partnerships with law firms, government agencies, and not-for-profit organisations. Your studies will emphasise the practical application of legal principles, giving you the skills and confidence to apply legal knowledge directly in your workplace or future career.

Get inspired

Discover more about Flinders Law.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Pathway to qualify to practise law in Australia and in Singapore with a university ranked in the top 2% globally.

No. 2 in Australia in Law & Paralegal Studies for teaching quality**

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows

Fast-track foundational legal knowledge complete the program in just 1 year and gain a strong understanding of essential legal principles and their applications

In demand skills. Improve decision-making, compliance, and problem-solving in various industries, making you more competitive in your field

Learn from experienced Lawyers through interactive, cased-based teaching

^{**THE World University Rankings 2024 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities)

**The Good Universities Guide 2023 (postgraduate)}

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Robert Chalmers

Senior Lecturer

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Robert draws on his diverse experience as a lawyer, educator, and commercial adviser to prepare students for real-world challenges. Specialising in intellectual property and technology, he explores the dynamic interplay between technological innovation, societal impacts, and regulatory frameworks.

Simone Daniells

Associate Lecturer

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Simone is a lawyer with over 13 years' experience, and integrates legal and business innovation into her teaching. As Dedicated Course Mentor for the Juris Doctor program, she fosters student success by blending practical expertise in law with collaborative problem-solving and design thinking approaches.

Professor Tania Leiman

Dean of Law

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Tania leads Flinders Law’s innovative undergraduate curriculum, focusing on legal education for emerging technologies, access to justice, and sustainability. An award-winning educator and researcher, she contributes to national initiatives on future mobility, legal tech, and regulatory frameworks, shaping the future of legal practice and education.

Entry requirements

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.

Three qualifications in one

Flinders University offers staggered qualifications as you complete certain milestones. Finish four topics and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate. Finish another four topics, and you’ll receive a Graduate Diploma. Complete a further 12 topics in addition to those, and you will be awarded a Juris Doctor.

6-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Laws

12-month

Complete 8 topics to earn
Graduate Diploma in Laws

3 years

Complete 24 topics to earn
Juris Doctor

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Who can study a Graduate Diploma in Laws?

The Graduate Diploma in Laws is designed for graduates from non-legal disciplines who wish to gain a foundational understanding of law. It’s ideal for those looking to advance their careers in fields such as corporate governance, policy development, or compliance, or as a pathway to further legal studies.

Can I study the Graduate Diploma in Laws part-time?

Yes, the program is flexible, offering part-time study options to accommodate your personal and professional commitments.

How long does the course take to complete?

The Graduate Diploma in Laws is typically completed in one year of full-time study. If you choose to study part-time, the duration will depend on your study load.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the Graduate Diploma in Laws?

Yes, you need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. No prior legal knowledge is required.

Is the Graduate Diploma in Laws recognised by employers?

Yes, this qualification is highly regarded by employers in legal, corporate, and government sectors for its emphasis on practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge.

Can I use the Graduate Diploma in Laws as a pathway to becoming a lawyer?

Yes, it is a pathway to advanced legal studies, such as the Juris Doctor, which leads to admission into the legal profession.

What is Practical Legal Training?

If you want to practise law in Australia, Practical Legal Training (or PLT) is the next step to complete after graduating after completing a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws – Legal Practice Entry. It is a requirement that helps you transition from your academic studies to real-life legal practice.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 3 March 2025 – Applications close 28 February 2025
Semester 2: teaching commences 28 July 2025 – Applications close 25 July 2025

Some courses have non-standard semester commencement dates as follows:

February Study Period: teaching commences 24 February 2025 – Applications close 21 February 2025
June Study Period: teaching commences 30 June 2025 – Applications close 27 June 2025
September Study Period: teaching commences 29 September 2025 – Applications close 26 September 2025

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.