Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
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.
Career opportunities
Completing the Diploma of Laws may lead to roles in politics, industrial relations and community advocacy in government, private companies and non-government organisations (NGO).
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 in 2025 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.
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)
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)
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)
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 (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit Type | Credit Points | Specific Requirements |
| Core (1 unit) | 10cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 10 credit points as detailed below. LWZ115 Legal Process (replaces LWZ111) |
| Specialist Electives (7 units) | 70cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 70 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below. Students that completed any of the following units prior to 2022 may still count them as specialist electives for this course: |
| 80cp | Total 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 Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points may be taken from 300 level units, or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 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 AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
Unit added as a specialist elective option LWA120 Law in Context.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 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 AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 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 enrolling in a full-time study 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:
- LWZ115 is to be completed in the first semester of study; and
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Note: All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
Specialist Elective Availability for 2025
Law Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
Specialist Electives Available in 2025 | |||
COM105 Business and Communication Skills
| COM105 Business and Communication Skills IAS201 Cultural Capabilities LWA110 Legal History LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems LWA213 Family Law LWA219 Criminology LWZ116 Torts LWZ118 Contracts LWZ204 Constitutional Law LWZ211 Trusts | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) |
Specialist Electives Next Offered in 2026 | |||
| LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law (INT-6) | |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study 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:
- LWZ115 is to be completed in the first semester of study; and
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Note: All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
Specialist Elective Availability for 2025
Law Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
Specialist Electives Available in 2025 | |||
COM105 Business and Communication Skills
| COM105 Business and Communication Skills IAS201 Cultural Capabilities LWA110 Legal History LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems LWA213 Family Law LWA219 Criminology LWZ116 Torts LWZ118 Contracts LWZ204 Constitutional Law LWZ211 Trusts | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) |
Specialist Electives Next Offered in 2026 | |||
| LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law (INT-6) | |
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study 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:
- LWZ115 is to be completed in the first semester of study; and
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Note: All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| Law specialist elective 1 | SE | ||||
| Law specialist elective 2 | SE | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | Law specialist elective 6 | SE | ||
| Law specialist elective 3 | SE | Law specialist elective 7 | SE | ||
| Law specialist elective 4 | SE | ||||
| Law specialist elective 5 | SE | ||||
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
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from 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 Module (including One Skill Retake) | A 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 Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A 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, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (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
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
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
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
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, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | 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
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/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
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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.
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