Courses and degrees

A-Z study options

Public interest law

Why study Public interest law?

The Public Interest Law specialisation within the Master of Laws program offers the opportunity to study at an advanced academic level the intersection of law and the public interest. It continues the School's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to developments in the justice system and was developed by La Trobe School of Law in collaboration with Public Interest Law Clearinghouse House (Vic) and Consumer Law Centre Victoria.

This specialisation of the Masters of Law program responds to the challenges of pro bono work or public interest practice, the impact of policy on the public interest, the challenges of regulatory work and the need for skills development and the development of theoretical frameworks for public service work in the community legal centre or legal aid sectors.

Career opportunities

This specialisation will appeal to lawyers interested in pro bono or public interest practice, policy makers, and those seeking careers in regulatory agencies and community legal centre's and legal aid agencies.

Courses

Local students

Public interest law courses (Mid year entry)
Offer year	Course title	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts
2011	Master of Commercial Law	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	Anytime
Master of Commercial Law continued… Course description Corporations increasingly require people to have a knowledge of commercial law issues. This program, taught by some of the world's leading academics and commercial practitioners, provides an opportunity for those without a legal qualification to gain a solid background in domestic and international commercial law. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian law prepares graduates for a career in an international business or a legal environment. The course is open to graduates from any non-law discipline. Prerequisite LLB or undergraduate or graduate degree from an Australian university, or comparable degree from a recognised or accredited institution outside of Australia. Bachelor's degree should have been completed with an average grade of Credit or above in the final year. For non-LLB graduates, at least two years of relevant professional experience is required. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2011): $21,030 (per 120 credit points) How to apply Download and complete a postgraduate coursework application form, and send it directly to the relevant campus. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 15 July. Full course details Commercial Law (Master)Melbourne
2012	Master of Commercial Law	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.	Anytime
Master of Commercial Law continued… Course description Corporations increasingly require people to have a knowledge of commercial law issues. This program, taught by some of the world's leading academics and commercial practitioners, provides an opportunity for those without a legal qualification to gain a solid background in domestic and international commercial law. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian law prepares graduates for a career in an international business or a legal environment. The course is open to graduates from any non-law discipline. Prerequisite An Australian Bachelor's degree, or approved international equivalent, plus two years' professional experience or full membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia or CPA Australia. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2012): $22,290 per 120 credit points. How to apply Apply direct to the University. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 15 July. Download and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 1.9Mb); please ensure you also provide all supplementary information requested. Full course details Commercial Law (Master)Melbourne
2011	Master of Global Business Law	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Master of Global Business Law continued… Course description The era of globalisation increasingly requires people with business and other backgrounds to have an understanding of commercial law issues. This program presents an opportunity for non-lawyers to be equipped with an understanding of domestic and international commercial law in preparation for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students study in subject areas of global interest, including international business and arbitration law, and US business and corporations law. Prerequisite Australian Bachelor's degree or approved equivalent, and two years' professional experience, as might be demonstrated by full membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia or CPA Australia. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2011): $21,030 (per 120 credit points) How to apply Download and complete a postgraduate coursework application form, and send it directly to the relevant campus. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required. Apply direct to the University. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 15 July. Full course details Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne
2012	Master of Global Business Law	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)
Master of Global Business Law continued… Course description The era of globalisation increasingly requires people with business and other backgrounds to have an understanding of commercial law issues. This program presents an opportunity for non-lawyers to gain an understanding of domestic and international commercial law in preparation for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students study in subject areas of global interest, including international business and arbitration law, and US business and corporations law. Prerequisite Australian Bachelor's degree or approved equivalent, and two years' professional experience, as might be demonstrated by full membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia or CPA Australia. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2012): $22,290 per 120 credit points. How to apply Apply direct to the University. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 15 July. Full course details Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne
2012	Master of Laws	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	Anytime
Master of Laws continued… Course description A general Master of Laws program is available to applicants withd an undergraduate qualification in law. Students can specialise in public interest law and/or global business law. The global business law streams utilise existing global business law subjects currently available at Master and Graduate Diploma level. Prerequisite Bachelor of Laws or international equivalent. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2012): $22,290 per 120 credit points. Additional information Subjects are normally assessed by a month-long take-home exam to meet the needs of busy professionals. How to apply Apply direct to the University. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 15 July. Full course details Laws (Master)Melbourne
2011	Master of Laws (coursework)	Melbourne (City)	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time	Anytime
Master of Laws (coursework) continued… Course description This flexible program allows specialisations in public interest law or global business law. Increasingly, the practice of law has a pro bono or public interest component; the Public Interest Law program continues La Trobe Law's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to developments in the justice system. It will appeal to practioners, policy makers and those working in regulatory agencies with an interest in the intersection of law and the public interest. The Global Business Law program presents an opportunity to study commercial law in areas of global interest taught by some of the world's leading academics and commercial practitioners. Prerequisite LLB from an Australian university. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2011): $21,030 (per 120 credit points) Additional information Subjects are normally assessed by a month-long take-home exam to meet the needs of busy professionals. How to apply Download and complete a postgraduate coursework application form, and send it directly to the relevant campus. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required. Apply direct to the University. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Applications for Semester 2 close 15 July. Full course details Laws (Master - coursework)Melbourne
2012	Master of Laws in Global Business Law	Melbourne	1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.	Semester 1 (March)
Master of Laws in Global Business Law continued… Course description This course presents an opportunity for law graduates and certified practising accountants to study commercial law in areas of global interest, taught by some of the worlds leading academics and commercial practitioners. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian Law prepares graduates for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students may also take public interest law subjects (with approval). Prerequisite Australian Bachelor of Laws or international equivalent, or full membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and CPA Australia, or progression from the Graduate Certificate in Global Business Law with appropriate grade average. Fee type Fees (Fee-Help available) Fee amount Indicative (2012): $22,290 per 120 credit points. How to apply Apply direct to the University. Visit our postgraduate website to download an application form. Applications for Semester 1 close 31 January. Full course details Laws in Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Public interest law international courses
Offer year	Course title (CRICOS)	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts	Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2011	Master of Commercial Law (059364G)	Melbourne	1 year	January, June, December	$22 710
Master of Commercial Law continued… Year 2011 Course description Corporations increasingly require people to have a knowledge of commercial law issues. This program, taught by some of the world's leading academics and commercial practitioners, provides an opportunity for those without a legal qualification to gain a solid background in domestic and international commercial law. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian law prepares graduates for a career in an international business or a legal environment. The course is open to graduates from any non-law discipline. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from the La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent. Academic entry requirements An undergraduate Bachelor's degree from an Australian university, or approved international equivalent, or progression from the Graduate Certificate in Global Business Law with a satisfactory grade average. Special requirements Students with no prior legal studies must normally enrol in the subject Introduction to Australian Law (LAW5IAL), which runs in a five-day block release mode in July. Additional information All subjects in this program are offered in five-day block release mode usually between teaching period one and teaching period two (June-July), and over summer (December-February), so students should plan their arrival accordingly. Course details Commercial Law (Master)Melbourne
2012	Master of Commercial Law (059364G)	Melbourne	1 year	January, June, December	$24 070
Master of Commercial Law continued… Year 2012 Course description Corporations increasingly require people to have a knowledge of commercial law issues. This program, taught by some of the world's leading academics and commercial practitioners, provides an opportunity for those without a legal qualification to gain a solid background in domestic and international commercial law. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian law prepares graduates for a career in an international business or a legal environment. The course is open to graduates from any non-law discipline. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent. Academic entry requirements An Australian Bachelor's degree, or approved international equivalent. Special requirements Students with no prior legal studies must normally enrol in the subject Introduction to Australian Law (LAW5IAL), which runs in a five-day block-release mode in July. Additional information All subjects in this program are offered in five-day block release mode usually between teaching period one and teaching period two (June to July), and over summer (December-February), so students should plan their arrival accordingly. Course details Commercial Law (Master)Melbourne
2011	Master of Global Business Law (059365F)	Melbourne	1 year	January, June, December	$22 170
Master of Global Business Law continued… Year 2011 Course description The era of globalisation increasingly requires people with business and other backgrounds to have an understanding of commercial law issues. This program presents an opportunity for non-lawyers to be equipped with an understanding of domestic and international commercial law in preparation for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students study in subject areas of global interest, including international business and arbitration law, and US business and corporations law. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from the La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent. Academic entry requirements An Australian Bachelor's degree, or approved international equivalent, plus two years' professional experience or full membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia or CPA Australia. Additional information This course has intakes in January, June and December (the start date depends on the subjects chosen). All subjects in this program are offered in five-day block release mode normally between teaching periods 1 and 2 (June-July) and over summer (December- February) so students should time their arrival accordingly. Course details Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne
2012	Master of Global Business Law (059365F)	Melbourne	1 year	January, June, December	$24 070
Master of Global Business Law continued… Year 2012 Course description The era of globalisation increasingly requires people with business and other backgrounds to have an understanding of commercial law issues. This program presents an opportunity for non-lawyers to gain an understanding of domestic and international commercial law in preparation for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students study in subject areas of global interest, including international business and arbitration law, and US business and corporations law. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent. Academic entry requirements An Australian Bachelor's degree, or approved international equivalent. Additional information This course has intakes in January, June and December (the start date depends on the subjects chosen). All subjects in this program are offered in five-day block release mode: normally between teaching periods 1 and 2 (June to July) and over summer (December to February) so students should time their arrival accordingly. Course details Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne
2011	Master of Laws in Global Business Law (059366E)	Melbourne	1 year	January, June, December	$22 710
Master of Laws in Global Business Law continued… Year 2011 Course description This course presents an opportunity for law graduates and certified practising accountants to study commercial law in areas of global interest, taught by some of the worlds leading academics and commercial practitioners. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian Law prepares graduates for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students may also take Public Interest Law subjects (with approval). English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from the La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent. Academic entry requirements An Australian Bachelor of Laws degree or approved international equivalent, full membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practising Accountants in Australia), or progression from the Graduate Certificate in Global Business Law with an appropriate grade average. Additional information All subjects in this program are offered in five-day block release mode normally between teaching periods 1 and 2 (June-July) and over summer (December- February), so students should time their arrival accordingly. Course details Laws in Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne
2012	Master of Laws in Global Business Law (059366E)	Melbourne	1 year	January, June, December	$24 070
Master of Laws in Global Business Law continued… Year 2012 Course description This course presents an opportunity for law graduates and certified practising accountants to study commercial law in areas of global interest, taught by some of the worlds leading academics and commercial practitioners. An extensive range of subjects in US, European and Asian Law prepares graduates for a career in an international business and legal environment. Students may also take public interest law subjects (with approval). English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or TOEFL Computer-Based Test - A minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or TOEFL Paper-based Test - A minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or more in the test of Written English; or TOEFL Internet-based Test - A minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or Completion of the English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at PG (postgraduate) level available from La Trobe Melbourne; or Approved equivalent. Academic entry requirements An Australian Bachelor of Laws degree or approved international equivalent, full membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practising Accountants in Australia), or progression from the Graduate Certificate in Global Business Law with an appropriate grade average. Additional information All subjects in this program are offered in five-day block release mode normally between June-July, and over summer (December- February), so students should time their arrival accordingly. Course details Laws in Global Business Law (Master)Melbourne

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Related study options

Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:

Your study experience

Overseas study opportunities

Gain valuable overseas experience by taking part in the student exchange program for 6-12 months. We have over 22 exchange partners in Canada, the US, South America, Europe and the UK. See student exchange.

We also offer a winter school program in Shanghai, Introduction to Chinese Law, led by Professor Jianfu Chen. Study in Hong Kong or Geneva as part of the Duke University Summer School program.

Further Information

Postgraduate Public Interest Law subjects offered in 2011 [PDF 189KB]
Human Rights and Comparative Disability Law [PDF 149KB]
Public Interest Law Professional Development application form [PDF 185KB]

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or focus on staff in Public interest law.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our Public interest law postgraduate students.

After finishing my German Law Degree in 2004 I was keen to try something new.

Mr Florian Schwarz, Law and Management