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Undergraduate

Diploma of Laws

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time
1 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

CDU Waterfront Darwin, Online
CDU Waterfront Darwin

Credit points required

80

Course code

YLAW01
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Diploma of Laws offers you a general understanding of the law, legal processes and legal principles, as well an opportunity to gain the specialist knowledge you may need for work or other reasons.

This program is also suitable for internationally qualified lawyers who need to complete some Australian subjects to qualify for admission to legal practice in Australia and is a recognised pathway to the Bachelor of Laws at Charles Darwin University.

This course does not lead to professional accreditation, though students can transfer to the bachelor of Laws degree, which is accredited with the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board of the Northern Territory, with up to 80 credit points of credit transfer depending on the units completed under the Diploma of Laws.



Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $28,848.00. This equates to $ $3,606.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

CDU Law Student

Why study law at CDU?

Study law with the experts in online legal education at CDU. Learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more. 

  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Fast-track your law degree and qualify in 3 years
  • #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
International student Adele

Why study Law and Legal Studies at CDU?

Study law at CDU to learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more.

  • #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
CDU Law Student

Why study law at CDU?

Study law with the experts in online legal education at CDU. Learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more. 

  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Fast-track your law degree and qualify in 3 years
  • #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
International student Adele

Why study Law and Legal Studies at CDU?

Study law at CDU to learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more.

  • #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)

What will I study?

One core unit and a minimum of seven units selected from a range of elective units.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit TypeCredit PointsSpecific Requirements
Core 
(1 unit)
10

Compulsory Core units totalling 10 credit points as detailed below.

LWZ115 Legal Process (replaces LWZ111)

Specialist Electives 
(7 units)
70

Specialist Elective units totalling 70 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below. 

Students may enrol in other law units as a specialist elective with the prior approval of the Course Coordinator. See the Bachelor of Laws course structure for full list of units. 

COM105 Business Communications 
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities 
LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence (unit title change 2023) (previously LWB205) 
LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (previously LWB201) 
LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law 
LWA113 Customary Law (not offered in 2024) 
LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems (previously LWZ112) 
LWA120 Law in Context 
LWA210 Contemporary Issues 
LWA213 Family Law (not offered in 2024) 
LWA217 Resources and Energy Law 
LWA219 Criminology (not offered in 2024) 
LWA221 Human Rights Law (previously LWB206) 
LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening 
LWZ114 Criminal Law 
LWZ116 Torts 
LWZ118 Contracts 
LWZ204 Constitutional Law 
LWZ210 Equity 
LWZ211 Trusts 
LWZ223 Property Law

Students that completed any of the following units prior to 2022 may still count them as specialist electives for this course: 
CUC100 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability (last offered 2021) 
CUC107 Cultural Intelligence and Capability (last offered 2021) 
LWA114 Law, Justice and the State (no longer offered) 
LWA133 Legal Reasoning (added from 2021) 
LWZ212 Transnational Law (last offered 2020)

Electives 
(0 units)
0There are no elective units in this course
 80Total Credit Points
  NB: Students are required to complete LWZ115 as it is a prerequisite for most law units at a higher level. However, students are not precluded from seeking prior recognition of learning or credit transfer for a similar unit they may have completed at another tertiary institution.

 

COURSE CHANGES FOR 2022

Students that have completed CUC100 should not complete COM105. 
Students that have completed CUC107 should not complete IAS201.

LWA/LWZ coded units are included in the WLAW02 Bachelor of Laws course structure. Students planning to continue their study of law with the WLAW02 Bachelor of Laws should note only credit for law units can be applied. 
Students undertaking or seeking a pathway to the LACCL1 Bachelor of Accounting/Diploma of Laws should complete COM105 and IAS201.

COURSE CHANGES FOR 2021 

Unit added as a specialist elective option LWA120 Law in Context.

COURSE CHANGES FOR 2020 

The following units have been removed from the course structure. These units will still count towards course completion for students who have already completed the unit or have prior approval from the Course Coordinator before unit enrolment. 

LWA207 Dispute Resolution 
LWA298 Legal Clinic 
LWA316 Intellectual Property Law 
LWA317 Research Paper (previously LWC304) 
LWA319 Private International Law 
LWA321 Public International Law (replaces LWA318) 
LWA322 Moot Court 
LWA325 Succession 
LWA328 Competition and Consumer Law 
LWA329 Conveyancing Law 
LWA331 Finance and Securities Law 
LWA332 Science and the Law 
LWZ304 Administrative Law 
LWZ315 Corporations Law 
LWZ316 Evidence 
LWZ317 Civil Procedure 
LWZ320 Professional Responsibility 
 

COURSE CHANGES for 2019 

CUC106 has been removed from the Course Structure as a Specialist Elective and will no longer be available as part of this course. Students who have completed CUC106 in the Diploma of Laws prior to 2019 will have the unit counted towards their award. 
 

Study plan


Students Commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure LWZ115 is completed in the first semester of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. LWZ210.

All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study.

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
LWZ115 Legal ProcessCOSpecialist Elective 4SE
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 5SE
Specialist Elective 2SESpecialist Elective 6SE
Specialist Elective 3SESpecialist Elective 7SE

Specialist Elective Availability for 2024

Law Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Summer Semester

Intensive Periods (INT)

Specialist Electives Available in 2024

COM105 Business and Communication Skills
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities
LWA120 Law in Context
LWZ114 Criminal Law
LWZ210 Equity
LWZ223 Property Law

 

 

COM105 Business and Communication Skills
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities
LWA110 Legal History
LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law
LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems
LWA210 Contemporary Issues
LWZ116 Torts
LWZ118 Contracts
LWZ204 Constitutional Law
LWZ211 Trusts
LWA210 Contemporary Issues
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities







 
LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4)
LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4)
LWA217 Resources and Energy Law (INT-6)
LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2)
LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4)



 

Specialist Electives Not Offered in 2024



 

LWA213 Family Law
 
 LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4)
LWA219 Criminology (INT-4)


Students Commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

When designing an individual study plan:
- ensure LWZ115 is completed in the first semester of study;
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. LWZ210.

All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study.

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  LWZ115 Legal ProcessCO
  Specialist Elective 1SE
  Specialist Elective 2SE
  Specialist Elective 3SE
Year 2
Specialist Elective 4SE  
Specialist Elective 5SE  
Specialist Elective 6SE  
Specialist Elective 7SE  


 

Specialist Elective Availability for 2024

Law Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:

Semester 1

Semester 2

Summer Semester

Intensive Periods (INT)

Specialist Electives Available in 2024

COM105 Business and Communication Skills
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities
LWA120 Law in Context
LWZ114 Criminal Law
LWZ210 Equity
LWZ223 Property Law

 

 

COM105 Business and Communication Skills
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities
LWA110 Legal History
LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law
LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems
LWA210 Contemporary Issues
LWZ116 Torts
LWZ118 Contracts
LWZ204 Constitutional Law
LWZ211 Trusts
LWA210 Contemporary Issues
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities







 
LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4)
LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4)
LWA217 Resources and Energy Law (INT-6)
LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2)
LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4)



 

Specialist Electives Not Offered in 2024



 

LWA213 Family Law
 
 LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4)
LWA219 Criminology (INT-4)


Students Commencing in Summer Semester

Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    LWZ115 Legal ProcessCO
    Law specialist elective 1SE
    Law specialist elective 2SE
      
Year 2
Law specialist elective 3SELaw specialist elective 7SE  
Law specialist elective 4SE    
Law specialist elective 5SE    
Law specialist elective 6SE    

 

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.

* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.

 

ATAR profile

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

CDU offered an amazing fast track option for law. I could complete my law degree in three years, as opposed to the usual four. Finishing my law degree in a shorter amount of time will mean I reach the workplace faster and there's no compromise on how many different areas of the law I study.

Ade

CDU student

Student sitting with laptop

Thanks to the Law school we had the chance in the past to participate in professional development days attended by lawyers, judges, and legal officers which gave us a clear idea of how the law works in practice.

Adele

CDU student

International student Adele (Law)

CDU offered an amazing fast track option for law. I could complete my law degree in three years, as opposed to the usual four. Finishing my law degree in a shorter amount of time will mean I reach the workplace faster and there's no compromise on how many different areas of the law I study.

Ade

CDU student

Student sitting with laptop

Thanks to the Law school we had the chance in the past to participate in professional development days attended by lawyers, judges, and legal officers which gave us a clear idea of how the law works in practice.

Adele

CDU student

International student Adele (Law)

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.

Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
15 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study 12 .0
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
6 .0
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 33 .0

Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Diploma of Laws
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Law and Legal Studies

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.

If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
CDU Waterfront Darwin (CSP)
186001
Online (CSP)
186001
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
CDU Waterfront Darwin
089409F

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