Law (Graduate Entry)
Study postgraduate law at La Trobe University
The law program at La Trobe University's Melbourne (Bundoora) campus began in 1992 with a strong commitment to social justice and interdisciplinary enquiry. Initially Victoria's first Graduate-only intake, the School of Law subsequently opened its doors to school leavers, but still has a significant graduate intake, whose professional and life experience contribute to a rich and diverse teaching and learning environment. Since 2004, students have also been able to undertake the first two years of their studies at La Trobe's Bendigo campus before transferring to our Melbourne (Bundoora) campus.
Today, the School of Law has approximately 1200 students and offers a wide range of innovative undergraduate and post-graduate programs including two single degrees and nine double degrees, all of which lead to admission to practice. With a strong justice and global business law focus, and numerous experiential and international learning opportunities, including an annual study tour to Shanghai and winter school in Hong Kong or Geneva, our undergraduate programs prepare graduates for employment in a global legal economy; and provide students with strong practical, analytical and research skills. Assisted by a dedicated Careers and Placement officer, our graduates are well represented in both the public and private sector including top-tier law firms, the Bar, government and corporate bodies, legal aid and other organisations promoting access to justice.
The School has a strong teaching focus with a dedicated Director of Teaching and Learning and a commitment to small group teaching with tutorials or seminars in both compulsory and electives subjects; and a varied range of assessment designed to enhance collaborative problem solving and communication skills. Bendigo students enjoy small group teaching in all their classes and can participate in a unique clinical legal education program, Rural and Regional Issues in Justice, during their time there.
Bachelor of Laws
This course is specifically designed for graduates and leads to an accredited professional qualification in law. It provides an innovative legal education that combines technical excellence with the insights and methods needed to appreciate the social and economic context of law. It includes the units required for admission to legal practice as well as a broad range of electives, many with a practical skills component, such as clinical education, communication and advocacy skills, and negotiation.
Opportunities during the course include: an Introduction to Chinese Law unit in summer school at Shanghai University; winter school in Hong Kong or Geneva; placement within a community legal service or legal aid environment; work under supervision in government and nongovernment legal agencies; externships; judicial mentoring; and participation in other experiential learning such as simulated client interviewing, mediation and mooting. Students can also complete up to four units from the Master of Laws in Global Business Law and/or the Public Interest Law program, subject to approval.
Career opportunities
Graduates can practise law as a barrister or solicitor or use their legal skills in other areas including politics, business, or government service. Admission to practice normally requires the completion of a supervised workplace traineeship (formerly referred to as articles of clerkship) or a practical legal training course such as that conducted by the Leo Cussen Institute or the College of Law Victoria. Once admitted in Victoria, graduates can practise in other Australian jurisdictions without further training. Joining the Victorian Bar normally requires the completion of a Bar Readers course and a period of pupillage with a member of the Bar.
Course information
This course is offered at the following campuses: Bendigo; Melbourne (Bundoora)
How to apply
Local students apply by direct application to the Faculty of Law and Management.
Information for international students
The following section helps assist international applicants in locating the course information and required application procedures.
