Juris Doctor

Online and timetabled Study online from anywhere, with live interactive classes that follow a set schedule—most sessions are recorded so you can watch them later. Queensland's #1 university for law and criminology. (ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025) Prepare for a rewarding legal career with Griffith's Juris Doctor, a graduate-entry program designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Whether your goal is to practise law, work in government or influence policy, this degree provides the knowledge, skills and practical experiences to succeed. Highlights of studying the Juris Doctor Future-proof your career with the option of completing a major in Canadian law, international law, or migration law. Study crime, contracts, torts, constitutional and property law while building skills in reasoning, advocacy, research and ethics. Choose from a wide range of electives that match your career aspirations ranging from environmental law, digital media, cyber law, family law, competition and consumer law, human rights and international arbitration. This program can be completed in two years by taking courses across each trimester. Practical legal experience from day one Work alongside experienced lawyers and participate in immersive, practical experiences including law clinics and the Innocence Project , where you'll apply your knowledge to real cases. These opportunities ensure you graduate with the confidence to navigate both the courtroom and complex legal systems. A world-class legal education Ranked among the world's top law schools, we're recognised for our commitment to social justice, ethical practice and innovation in legal education. You'll learn from leading academics and practising lawyers who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. The Juris Doctor integrates theory with practical experience, ensuring you're not just studying the law, you're learning how to use it to create impact. The Juris Doctor is an AQF Level 9 Masters Extended degree. Majors Canadian Law Prepare for legal practice in Canada's common law provinces while preparing to meet the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) requirements. This major covers the foundations of Canadian law, Indigenous-settler legal relations and the role of law in society. Core courses in constitutional, administrative, and criminal law, plus professional responsibility, provide a strong grounding in Canada's principles, institutions and ethical frameworks. You'll graduate with the knowledge, adaptability and practical skills to pursue legal careers in Canada or internationally. International Law Gain advanced knowledge of the legal frameworks, institutions and disputes that shape the global order, with a focus on applying principles in cross-border contexts. Study the United Nations, international negotiations, and build skills in diplomacy and cross-cultural dispute resolution. Core areas include international criminal, human rights, environmental and trade law. You can also tailor your studies to your specific goals and interests with specialist options including investor-state arbitration, international family law, transitional justice and cyber law. Graduates are prepared for careers in international organisations, government, NGOs, law firms and multinational corporations. Migration Law Prepare for a career in one of Australia's most complex and fast-evolving legal fields. You'll study migration law, practice, and Australia's visa system, gaining expertise in applications, legislative requirements and client advice. Office simulations embed practice in realistic scenarios, while courses in visa compliance, cancellation, review and advocacy prepare you for tribunal work, submissions and representation. Graduates are equipped for roles as migration agents, or in legal practices, government or non-government organisations. The Trimester 3 intake is available at the Gold Coast and Online only. Professional recognition To be eligible for admission as a solicitor, a person must complete an approved Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree (undertaken approved practical legal training via a practical legal training course or supervised traineeship at a law firm) and be able to satisfy the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board and the Supreme Court of their fitness to practise law. Find out more through the Queensland Law Society . You can also explore our steps to practising law interactive tool, which outlines information on admission and practising law in Queensland, interstate and internationally. Griffith's law degrees can be used as a basis to seek admission in a number of overseas law jurisdictions, including Canada, Malaysia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Brunei and India. View the full list of relevant professional bodies residing in the most popular international destinations for Griffith Law School graduates. Please note that different jurisdictions' admission rules and requirements are subject to change. You should carefully examine the relevant legal requirements which are usually available on each jurisdiction's relevant law or bar association's websites. Attendance information This program is offered full-time on-campus at Brisbane South (Nathan), Gold Coast and online. As a full-time student you will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and early evening throughout the week and online. Some law electives are based at Brisbane South (Nathan) and some at the Gold Coast. A few law electives are run in intensive mode, including in trimester 3. Intensive mode means that classes may be compacted over a week, or over several weekends. Some law electives are 'clinics' which typically involve work off campus. Law electives are not normally undertaken until the final two years of your law degree. If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The recommended study load for international student in each compulsory trimester is 40CP. Managing Study Interruptions Leave of Absence Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure . Student story Colleen Battersby Juris Doctor "I chose my degree because I have always aspired to be a lawyer, specifically a criminal defense lawyer. Griffith University appealed to me not only for its location but also for its Canadian Pathway program. During my exploration of options, the Dean of Law at Griffith personally reached out to me. This exceptional level of customer service gave me confidence in my decision to study at Griffith." Work-integrated learning This program provides the opportunity for optional work-integrated learning through its variety of clinic courses.