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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Juris Doctor (JD)

  • Juris Doctor

The Juris Doctor gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to have a long and successful career in law. A successful career in a demanding profession requires comprehensive training.

Key details

Degree Type
Juris Doctor
Course Code
20820
Study Mode
In person

About this course

By studying the Juris Doctor at UWA, you'll benefit from our Law School's longstanding and deep links with the legal profession. These ties contribute to consistently high rates of employment for our graduates. You'll also have the opportunity to learn from the very best of the legal profession as well as academic staff recognised nationally for excellence in teaching and research. You can participate in practical skill-building programs including mooting (legal advocacy) competitions and internships, and build lifelong friendships with a talented, diverse and vibrant cohort of future leaders. After completing the Juris Doctor you'll enter the competitive graduate market with an edge, armed with both an undergraduate degree and the JD, which is a prestigious qualification offered by institutions such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities. You'll join the ranks of nationally and internationally renowned UWA Law School graduates including Rhodes Scholars, the members of the Judiciary and legal profession, as well as leaders at the highest level of business and government.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

If you're interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements
(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and;
(b) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.5*.
(2) To be considered for admission to this course an Indigenous applicant must have-
(a) met the general admission requirements under 4.(1);
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree via the UWA Indigenous Direct Pathway; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0*;
or
(c)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) a School of Indigenous Studies' Law Admission Test and interview
(3) To be considered for admission to this course via the Equity and Diversity Pathway an applicant must have-
(a)
(i) held a protection, refugee or humanitarian visa within seven years prior to applying for admission to this course; or
(ii) experienced significant personal, medical, social, educational, cultural or financial disadvantage or hardship, including any disadvantage or hardship resulting from an applicant's sexual orientation or gender identity that has had an effect on their prior academic studies;
and
(b) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(c) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0.
(4) To be considered for admission to this course via the alternative experience pathway an applicant must have-
(a)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience, since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iii) completed the equivalent of one year full time in a UWA undergraduate course with a minimum GPA of 5.5 undertaken within the past two years;
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0; and
(iii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iv) personal statement; and
(v) interview.
To be considered for transfer to this course an applicant must-
(a) have been enrolled in a recognised Juris Doctor course at another Australian University; and
(b) have successfully completed at least one full semester (or equivalent part time study) in that Juris Doctor;
and
(c) have achieved the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 60 per cent in that Juris Doctor course.
*All completed tertiary studies will be used when calculating the WAM and GPA.
Admission Requirements
(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and;
(b) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.5*.
(2) To be considered for admission to this course an Indigenous applicant must have-
(a) met the general admission requirements under 4.(1);
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree via the UWA Indigenous Direct Pathway; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0*;
or
(c)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) a School of Indigenous Studies' Law Admission Test and interview
(3) To be considered for admission to this course via the Equity and Diversity Pathway an applicant must have-
(a)
(i) held a protection, refugee or humanitarian visa within seven years prior to applying for admission to this course; or
(ii) experienced significant personal, medical, social, educational, cultural or financial disadvantage or hardship, including any disadvantage or hardship resulting from an applicant's sexual orientation or gender identity that has had an effect on their prior academic studies;
and
(b) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(c) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0.
(4) To be considered for admission to this course via the alternative experience pathway an applicant must have-
(a)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience, since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iii) completed the equivalent of one year full time in a UWA undergraduate course with a minimum GPA of 5.5 undertaken within the past two years;
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0; and
(iii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iv) personal statement; and
(v) interview.
To be considered for transfer to this course an applicant must-
(a) have been enrolled in a recognised Juris Doctor course at another Australian University; and
(b) have successfully completed at least one full semester (or equivalent part time study) in that Juris Doctor;
and
(c) have achieved the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 60 per cent in that Juris Doctor course.
*All completed tertiary studies will be used when calculating the WAM and GPA.
2025 Selection GPA Calculation
GPA refers to your Grade Point Average, a simple numerical index that summarises academic performance in a course.

Your selection GPA for JD admission will be calculated on a maximum 7-point scale and is rounded to two decimal places. Where appropriate, your grades will be converted to this scale using approved guidelines.

If you have completed more than one degree qualification, your selection GPA will include all completed qualifications. Each qualification is weighted by standard full-time degree duration, as part of a combined selection GPA.
2025 Selection GPA Calculation
GPA refers to your Grade Point Average, a simple numerical index that summarises academic performance in a course.

Your selection GPA for JD admission will be calculated on a maximum 7-point scale and is rounded to two decimal places. Where appropriate, your grades will be converted to this scale using approved guidelines.

If you have completed more than one degree qualification, your selection GPA will include all completed qualifications. Each qualification is weighted by standard full-time degree duration, as part of a combined selection GPA.
Calculation of your selection GPA includes:
  • unit grades from all completed* University-level degrees, including fails
  • unit grades for any advanced standing that contributes toward your completed qualifications**
  • unit grades for non-exchange cross-institutional study
    • Calculation of your selection GPA does not include:
  • units studied as part of an incomplete degree, except where some or all units contribute advanced standing toward a completed degree
  • unit advanced standing based on vocational-level study (e.g. TAFE or vocational diploma)
  • ungraded passes (note that ungraded fails are included and counted as zero)
  • unit grades for formal overseas student exchange studies


    • *completed courses includes qualifications due to be complete prior to 31 December the year before admission. Applicants with incomplete qualifications may be issued a conditional offer subject to achieving the required selection GPA.
    ** a unit grade can only be used once within the selection GPA calculation and cannot be double-counted. This means that advanced standing is normally only included when advanced standing is based on units that are undertaken as part of incomplete degree studies.

    Selection GPA vs Course Transcript GPA

    Your selection GPA may differ from your course transcript GPA due to advanced standing or if you hold more than one completed degree or degrees from different institutions.

    Concession Scheme - Removal of four lowest grades

    If your selection GPA is below the requirement of 5.50, your selection GPA will be recalculated by removing the four lowest grades. The minimum level of study to be used to calculate your selection GPA is 12 units (1.5 FTE).

    Your selection GPA will not be recalculated if your selection GPA is above the requirement for the applicable admission pathway.

    Removal of the four lowest grades from the selection GPA will not alter fee category eligibility. Rankings for commonwealth-supported places will be based on the full selection GPA with all results included.

    Please note the Concession scheme will not be applied for the Alternative Experience pathway if the selection GPA is below 5.0.

    Weighting of degrees Your combined selection GPA is weighted according to the standard full-time duration of your completed degrees. Unit credit points are standardised across institutions based on equivalent full-time study load (EFTSL) completed in-degree. For example, if an applicant has completed:
  • UWA Bachelor's degree (3-year EFTSL, 144 credit points), with a course GPA of 5.50
  • UWA Graduate Diploma (1-year EFTSL, 48 credit points), with a course GPA of 6.00
    • Their GPA will be calculated as follows: 5.50 x 3 years EFTSL = 16.5
    6.00 x 1 year EFTSL = 6
    (weighted GPA 16.5 + 6 = 22.5) / (total EFTSL 3 + 1 = 4) = 5.625.

    The combined selection GPA would be 5.63 (rounded to two decimal places).

    Ph.D. or Master by Research degree calculation Applicants who hold a completed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are automatically awarded a selection GPA of 7.00.
    Applicants who hold a Master by Research will have a bonus of 0.20 applied to the GPA calculation, however, the course itself will not be included in the GPA calculation.
    Ranking and Selection Process
    Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on-
    (a) for indigenous applicants under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c):
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c);
    and
    (ii) the indigenous student quota of up to 20 per year;
    (b) for applicants in the Equity and Diversity Pathway:
    (i) the admission requirements under 4.(3) (a), (b) and (c); and
    (ii) the Equity and Diversity Pathway quota of 20 per year;
    or
    (c) for applicants who do not have a place in a Direct Pathway into this course and are not transferring from another Juris Doctor course:
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(1); and
    (ii) the intake quota for that year.
    Ranking and Selection Process

    Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on-
    (a) for indigenous applicants under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c):
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c);
    and
    (ii) the indigenous student quota of up to 20 per year;
    (b) for applicants in the Equity and Diversity Pathway:
    (i) the admission requirements under 4.(3) (a), (b) and (c); and
    (ii) the Equity and Diversity Pathway quota of 20 per year;
    or
    (c) for applicants who do not have a place in a Direct Pathway into this course and are not transferring from another Juris Doctor course:
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(1); and
    (ii) the intake quota for that year.

    APPLICATION
    Alternative Experience pathway

    Entry for 2025

    If you would like to start the JD in Semester 1, 2025 and would like to apply for our Alternative Experience pathway, please apply to Admissions with your personal statement outlining which pathway you are applying for, your resume and any other supporting documents as outlined in the admission requirements.

    Applications for the Alternative Experience pathway close on 15 November 2024.

    APPLICATION
    Alternative Experience pathway

    This pathway requires a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience, since completion of your undergraduate degree.

    Resume

    Please attach a resume outlining your professional and other relevant experience, including details on each employment or other position (dates, tasks performed).

    Personal statement

    Please attach a statement setting out the unpaid or paid work, study and/or other experience you have undertaken since completing your undergraduate degree that demonstrates your competency to study in the JD course.

    The statement should not exceed 1000 words.

    Skills that demonstrate competency to undertake JD studies include:
    • Intellectual rigour
    • Time management
    • Self-management and self-reflection
    • Learning and achievement through service activities
    • Understanding and experience of collaborative learning
    • Reading skills
    • Writing skills
    • Analytical skills
    • Critical thinking skills
    • Communication skills
    • Accepting and responding to feedback
    • Understanding the importance of and a demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning
    • Emotional intelligence

    Process and timeline

    Applications are assessed by the UWA Law School after the pathway applications close on 15 November 2024. This pathway includes an interview component, scheduled for mid to late November 2024.
    ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
    English competency

    English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

    This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.5 and no band less than 7.0. For more information visit ELC requirements.

    ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
    English competency
    APPLICATION
    Equity and Diversity pathway

    Entry for 2025

    If you would like to start the JD in Semester 1, 2025 and would like to apply for our Equity and Diversity pathway, please apply to Admissions with your personal statement outlining which pathway you are applying for and any other supporting documents as outlined in the admission requirements.

    Applications for the Equity and Diversity pathway close on 6 January 2025.

    APPLICATION
    Equity and Diversity pathway

    Personal statement

    Please attach a statement describing your circumstances, ensuring that you explain how your academic achievement has been impacted by these circumstances. Disadvantages can include Personal, Social, Cultural, Financial, Educational, LGBTQI, Medical. The statement should not exceed 500 words. If the panel requires further information you may be asked to provide additional details. Where appropriate, please include supporting statements or documentation relevant to your application, for example, statements of support from a professional or support person who has knowledge of your disadvantage. If you have held an Australian temporary protection or humanitarian visa in the past 7 years, please attach evidence of this to your application.

    Process and timelines

    Applications for the Equity and Diversity pathway are assessed by the UWA Law School after the pathway applications close on 6 January 2025.


    Study locations

    Perth

    Career pathways

    Careers and further study

    Explore the career opportunities available to you.

    Career Pathways
    Although the practice of law (lawyer, solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel or judge) is the most common career progression for law graduates, the JD also equips you to head into other areas such as politics, international relations, leadership positions and legal publishing.
    Career Pathways Although the practice of law (lawyer, solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel or judge) is the most common career progression for law graduates, the JD also equips you to head into other areas such as politics, international relations, leadership positions and legal publishing.
    Further Study
    Following the JD, you can choose to study a more specialised and advanced law degree. At UWA you can undertake further study in Law, Commercial and Resources Law, International Law, Taxation Law, International Commercial Law, Mining and Energy Law and Chinese Business Law. Or, if you would like to pursue a research dissertation, you could enrol in the Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Laws or another of UWA's research degrees.
    Further Study Following the JD, you can choose to study a more specialised and advanced law degree. At UWA you can undertake further study in Law, Commercial and Resources Law, International Law, Taxation Law, International Commercial Law, Mining and Energy Law and Chinese Business Law. Or, if you would like to pursue a research dissertation, you could enrol in the Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Laws or another of UWA's research degrees.

    Course structure

    Core

    Take all units (102 points):

    Option - Group A

    Take units to the value of 0-36 points from Group A.

    Option - Group B

    Graduate outcomes

    Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Law & Paralegal Studies courses at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
    77.2%
    Overall satisfaction
    81.2%
    Skill scale
    60.4%
    Teaching scale
    84.9%
    Employed full-time
    $70k
    Average salary
    Data source

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