Juris Doctor (MC-JURISD) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
   • a tertiary degree in a discipline other than law or a degree in law from an overseas jurisdiction.
     Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
   • prior academic performance in all tertiary studies.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7.5 is required (no band below 7.0).

Note: Graduate Degree Package for School Leavers

The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Degree Packages to high achieving school leavers, allowing them to secure places (Commonwealth Supported Places for domestic students or International fee places) in the Juris Doctor provided they meet certain requirements.

For a Commonwealth Supported Place or an International Fee Place, the applicant must:

• complete an Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 2018 or later either:
  • in Australia; or
  • outside Australia and be an Australian citizen;
• achieve an ATAR (or notional ATAR) of at least 99.80;
• apply for a University of Melbourne Graduate Degree Package for commencement in the year following completion of Year 12 or IB via VTAC;
• enrol immediately or be granted deferral in the year following Year 12;
• successfully complete a Bachelor of Agriculture, Arts, Biomedicine, Commerce, Design, Fine Arts, Music or Science at the University of Melbourne including all the specified prerequisite subjects; and
• commence the Juris Doctor within 18 months of completing the undergraduate degree.

Applicants should refer to the University handbook for the additional entry requirements for the undergraduate degrees in the Graduate Degree Packages.

Note: Indigenous Applicants

Melbourne Law School offers an alternative entry pathway for Indigenous applicants to the JD. The pathway provides an opportunity for applicants to contextualise their prior academic performance by reference to their previous work history, personal circumstances and other relevant experiences.

In order to be considered for entry via the Indigenous entry pathway, applicants must have completed:

• a tertiary degree in a discipline other than law or a degree in law from a different legal system; and
• an interview with a Sub-Committee of the JD Selection Committee

To be considered, applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Confirmation of Indigenous status will be sought for such applicants.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance in all tertiary studies;
• the interview; and,
• any supporting documentation supplied.

Applicants should contact the Program Manager, Indigenous Law and Justice Hub for further information about the purpose and structure of the interview.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

Melbourne Law School welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Law School policy to take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the School's programs.

The inherent academic requirements for the study in Melbourne Law School are:

1. The ability to attend classes and actively engage in the analysis of complex materials and debate;
2. The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
3. The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
4. The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
5. The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
6. The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the University for Student Equity and Disability Services.

Last updated: 6 March 2024