Study the UNSW Juris Doctor to develop your legal knowledge in a challenging and dynamic learning environment under the guidance of the 13th best law faculty in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023).

The UNSW Juris Doctor (JD) is a distinctive postgraduate degree that provides the basis for admission to legal practice in Australia, as well as a wide range of careers in government, business, legal and social policy and international relations.

It’s a flexible program, with the option to study part-time, and a variety of classes available to shape your timetable to suit your priorities. 

The JD offers a pathway to become a legal practitioner for graduates of disciplines other than law, or those with an undergraduate degree in law from an overseas institution.

You’ll be prepared for the future of law by learning about new and emerging topics while establishing a foundation in key areas of law. Our world-class researchers and teachers are leading critical debate in some of today’s greatest challenges, bringing their ethos and commitment to justice for all to their teaching. You’ll be part of a cohort of students that are engaged with social justice initiatives and driven to be the next leaders in legal practice.

What's the difference between the LLB and JD?
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and UNSW Juris Doctor (JD) are both professional law degrees, meaning they lead to admission to legal practice. The LLB is typically for those commencing law studies from high school, while the JD is for those who already have a degree or have studied at postgraduate level.

Key features

Student-centred learning in seminar classes
You won’t sit in a lecture theatre among hundreds of students when studying the UNSW JD. We are proud to have pioneered student-focused, interactive seminar-style teaching, as we believe our students learn best when they’re actively engaged. In our classes you will be challenged through discussion and debate to develop practical skills such as reasoning, legal research, analysis, argument and negotiation – the skills for you to succeed in your future career.