Master of Laws
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 9201
- CRICOS code 000733G
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $42,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $42,000*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $59,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $60,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Immersive learning
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Flexible degree
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Specialisation options
Application closures for 2026
International applications for all undergraduate programs, as well as postgraduate programs offered by the faculties of Arts, Design & Architecture, Engineering (excluding Master of Information Technology and associated programs) and Science are now closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) for 2026 intakes.
Postgraduate programs offered by the Business School and the faculties of Law & Justice and Medicine & Health remain open. Master of Information Technology (and associated programs) also remain open.
Find a postgrad program to match your personality
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Gain expert insights and personalised recommendations for postgraduate courses that support your goals.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Deepen your legal expertise with the UNSW Master of Laws (LLM) – a one-year, full-time postgraduate degree that allows you to specialise in one or more areas of legal study.
Learn from legal experts who shape public debate, policy and law reform, from addressing data and privacy breaches to challenging modern slavery and police misconduct. Explore a mix of domestic, international and comparative perspectives to hone your legal and research skills and meet the industry’s evolving needs.
In 2026, UNSW Law & Justice is offering five LLM specialisations:
- Corporate & Commercial Law
- Criminal Justice & Criminology
- Human Rights Law & Policy
- International Law
- Technology, Intellectual Property & Media Law
Alternatively, you may complete a generalist program and benefit from choosing courses across our specialisations, building knowledge across multiple areas of legal practice.
Our LLM is ideal for law graduates seeking to pivot, upskill or specialise and for professionals in other sectors looking to better understand the legal frameworks shaping their industry.
Please note: this program is not a pathway to legal practice. If you’re seeking admission as a lawyer in Australia, consider the UNSW Juris Doctor.
Key features
Learn industry-aligned knowledge and skills
Law is ever-evolving, and we continuously review the program to ensure the curriculum reflects our expertise, meets the industry’s needs and offers the latest education innovations.
Balance study with your life
Design a study experience that fits your schedule. There are several ways to study a Master of Laws at UNSW – choose from flexible delivery options including intensive, weekly, evening, online and in-person classes to suit various learning preferences and help you balance work and family commitments.
Access world-class research centres
Engage with leading academics and thought leaders through UNSW’s renowned legal research hubs, including the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law and the Allens Hub for Technology, Law & Innovation. Learn from leading researchers and teachers driving progress for all in areas such as technology law, human rights and environmental protection.
Why study at UNSW?
Study at Australia’s leading law school
UNSW Law & Justice is ranked 2025 in Australia and #12 globally for law and legal studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) and #1 in Australia for employer outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2026).
Access tailored career support
Plan your next career move with the support of UNSW Law & Justice’s dedicated careers service. Access personalised advice, explore emerging career paths and connect with industry professionals through workshops, panels and networking events. Gain practical experience through internships, clerkships and placements with our legal centre and extensive partner network.
Gain global perspectives
Study other countries’ legal systems through the suite of overseas electives we offer around the world. Add international experience and legal knowledge to your study program, while experiencing local culture and attractions.
Want to see more from UNSW Law and Justice?
Entry requirements
The UNSW LLM is open to law and non-law graduates. If you’re applying to the program with a non-law degree or with a law degree from a non-common law country, you’ll need to incorporate compulsory core courses into your program.
To be eligible for the Master of Laws (LLM) by Coursework, you must have achieved a credit average (WAM of 65% or higher, as determined by UNSW Postgraduate Admissions) in one of the following qualifications:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Honours.
- A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) obtained through either a double degree program or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with a minimum 4-year duration.
- A postgraduate degree in law or a relevant cognate discipline.
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant cognate discipline and at least two years of documented relevant professional experience.
For the purposes of (4), relevant professional experience could include professional experience in legal and policy issues gained as an officer in local government; consulting on legal and policy issues; an officer/manager or similar for state or federal government agency with responsibility for legal and policy issues; corporate auditing, monitoring or managing legal and policy issues; project management with a legal or policy focus; NGO or international organisation responsible for law or policy reform.
Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed postgraduate law courses at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations.
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English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
The UNSW LLM is open to law and non-law graduates. If you’re applying to the program with a non-law degree or with a law degree from a non-common law country, you’ll need to incorporate compulsory core courses into your program.
To be eligible for the Master of Laws by Coursework, you must have any of the following:
- a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Honours) degree with a credit average from UNSW Sydney or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution.
- a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with a credit average from UNSW Sydney or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution.
- a Juris Doctor degree with a credit average from UNSW Sydney or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution.
- a bachelor's degree in social sciences or humanities with a credit average, from UNSW Sydney or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution.
- a Juris Doctor degree or a bachelor's degree in laws, Social Sciences or Humanities from UNSW Sydney or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution with a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience;
- a bachelor's degree from UNSW Sydney with a credit average or a qualification considered equivalent from another university or tertiary institution and a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience.
For (5) and (6), relevant professional experience could include professional experience in legal and policy issues gained as an officer in local government; consulting on legal and policy issues; an officer/manager or similar for state or federal government agency with responsibility for legal and policy issues; corporate auditing, monitoring or managing legal and policy issues; project management with a legal or policy focus; NGO or international organisation responsible for law or policy reform.
Please note: Applicants from non-211 Chinese Universities interested in studying this program must achieve a minimum overall average of 80 in their current university’s grading system. This is equivalent to a 75% scaled average using the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator.
Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed postgraduate law courses at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations.
Cognate disciplines | |
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English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
You can complete the UNSW Master of Laws (LLM) in one year of full-time study or part-time across four or more terms. Courses are offered either online or involve in-person classes. Depending on what courses you choose, it may be possible to complete your LLM fully online.
Select from five specialisation areas or complete a generalist program to choose a combination of courses from any of our specialisations. To be awarded an LLM with a specialisation, you must complete at least four courses in your chosen field.
Students can also choose to study up to two elective courses from the Master of Science in Taxation (MSc Tax) at the University of Oxford, subject to faculty approval. These courses may contribute to the Corporate, Commercial and Taxation Law specialisation.
Full program structure
In the Master of Laws, you’ll complete a total of 48 Units of Credit (UOC) split across eight courses. Your program may include core foundational courses (if required), a specialisation made up of a four-course sequence or a generalisation program made up of any level 8 LAWS courses. You may also study up to 12 UOC of cross-disciplinary electives from across UNSW’s faculties.
Core foundational courses – 12 UOC
All students must complete the following two courses in their first term, unless they have an Australian law degree. Students with substantial work experience or prior learning in a common law jurisdiction may apply for a waiver for an exemption to this requirement.
- Legal Concepts, Research and Writing – 6 UOC
- Global Common Law Systems – 6 UOC
Specialisation (optional) – 24 UOC
- International Law
- Corporate and Commercial Law
- Human Rights Law and Policy
- Technology, Intellectual Property and Media Law
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
If you choose to complete a specialisation (made up of a major sequence of four courses), you’ll receive the name of the specialisation in parentheses after 'Master of Laws' on your testamur.
Electives – up to 48 UOC
Any level 8 LAWS courses
Cross-disciplinary electives – up to 12 UOC
Students can take up to a maximum of 12 UOC of cross-disciplinary electives. See the handbook for a list of eligible electives.
Future careers
Demand for legal professionals is expected to grow by 20% over the next five years, with average salaries for lawyers in Australia ranging from $100,000 to $120,000 (Seek, 2025). A Master of Laws from UNSW equips you with advanced, integrated and up-to-date legal knowledge you can apply across a wide range of law and non-law careers.
Accelerate your career with a postgraduate law degree from a university ranked #1 in Australia and #32 globally for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings, 2026). UNSW graduates also earn the highest median salaries among Group of Eight universities, three years after graduation (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024), reinforcing UNSW’s reputation for strong career outcomes.
Potential roles
- Climate policy advisor
- Diplomatic legal attaché
- Environmental law consultant
- Government legal officer
- Human rights advocate
- In-house counsel
- International aid legal advisor
- International law advisor
- Legal consultant
- Legal officer (NGOs or UN agencies)
- Legislative advisor
- Media and entertainment legal advisor
- Policy advisor
- Politician
- Privacy and data protection officer
- Public policy analyst
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
This high-demand program is part of UNSW’s Grouped Offer Rounds. We assess and rank applicants who meet minimum entry requirements, then issue offers based on academic merit and program capacity within each round. UNSW uses a quota system to ensure optimal teaching and learning quality and reserves the right to adjust application and acceptance deadlines to maintain these quotas. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarship
UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 1, 2025
Designed to empower the brightest and most passionate international students to achieve their goals through their UNSW studies, this scholarshop opens for applications on the 1st of September 2024 and closes 30th of November 2024. There are a range of scholarships open to international students when you submit an application for the UNSW Scholarships for International Students Commencing Term 1, 2025 (PUCA1029). The value of these scholarships along with eligibility requirements varies, you can find out more on our Scholarships page.
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