University of Melbourne Law School

The University

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne has a 150 year history of leadership in research, innovation, teaching and learning. Our outstanding performance in international rankings puts us at the forefront of higher education in the Asia Pacific and the world. We are consistently ranked among the top 25, with international peers placing us in the top 10 worldwide.

This powerful international reputation is underpinned by excellence in teaching and learning, and our status as Australia’s highest-ranked research university.

In 2008, a new curriculum known as the Melbourne Model will strengthen our position as a leading educational institution. This distinctive new educational approach will align the University with the best of European and Asian practice and North American traditions.

At last count, the University’s student community of 44,000 included more than 9,800 international students from over 100 countries. We invite you to join our tradition and discover why staff and students of the highest calibre are attracted to the University of Melbourne.

The Law School

Melbourne Law School

Melbourne Law School is an international leader in legal education and scholarship and one of the finest law schools in the world. We have a rich tradition of excellence and an outstanding reputation for quality teaching and research. Our world-class learning and research facilities and dedicated student support services produce graduates who have the knowledge and skills required to make a contribution to the global community.

Melbourne Law School has over 150 years’ experience in teaching law. We offer a variety of quality programs in traditional and emerging areas of law, ensuring we attract the very best students from across the globe. As one of our students, you will become part of our rich tradition, graduating with an internationally recognised degree from a truly outstanding institution.

Our exceptional students, talented and dedicated academic staff, international outlook, outstanding facilities and commitment to innovation will ensure you have an exceptional law school experience.

The Program

Through the Melbourne Law Masters program, Melbourne Law School offers a diverse range of general and specialist program, combining the latest legal professional expertise with academic excellence.

Programs are available for law and non-law graduates, allowing students to benefit from a rich educational environment, learning alongside professionals from many backgrounds and industries. Melbourne Law Masters students gain the specialised expertise and experience needed to gain a professional edge.

The Law School is proud of the quality of the Melbourne Law Masters program, and our graduate students make a valuable contribution to our Faculty. Our programs are world-class, offering graduate legal study of the highest standard. We offer our students an internationally renowned degree with a real professional focus and world-class facilities, enabling you to realise your professional potential.

The Faculty

Our teaching staff are internationally renowned experts and include leading scholars, practitioners and industry professionals with specialised expertise, as well as visiting international scholars and practitioners. Our staff have won numerous awards for excellence in teaching and research and regularly provide advice to the highest level of business and government, in Australia and around the world.

The Melbourne Law Masters program is taught by the Law School’s most experienced teaching faculty and includes leading scholars, practitioners and industry professionals as well as international visitors. In 2008, over 50 international visitors will be teaching in the program, including academics from institutions such as the University of Oxford, Yale University and the Université Pantéon-Sorbonne. International teachers from organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the London Bar and the High Court of South Africa will also be teaching in 2008, further enhancing your educational experience.

We are committed to innovative legal research across a range of contemporary legal areas. We host a variety of teaching and research institutes and centres specialising in areas as diverse as international law, Asian or Islamic law, labour relations, media and communications law, corporate law, tax and intellectual property. Our vibrant research culture ensures you will be exposed to a number of cutting edge developments that have a practical contribution to law reform, policy development and legal enquiry. Our innovative research program attracts scholars from around the globe and contributes to the research culture of our law school.

Entry Requirements

The Selection Committee will evaluate your ability to pursue the course of study using the following criteria:

Master of Laws by Coursework
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), and at least two years of documented, relevant professional experience.

Specialist masters degrees
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in a relevant discipline and at least two years of documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in a relevant discipline and successful completion of four subjects in a cognate Graduate Diploma and one year of documented, relevant work experience.

English language requirements
English language requirements may also apply to international students and Australian permanent residents.

Application Procedure

International applicants must complete an ‘Application for Admission – International Postgraduate Student’ and sprovide other relevant information including academic transcripts and current curriculum vitae.

For further information about the application procedure, go to
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/ipg/

Tuition and Fees

Masters programs at Melbourne Law School are generally comprised of eight subjects. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law system must usually complete the subject Fundamentals of the Common Law as part of their degree.

In 2008, the fee per subject in the Melbourne Law Masters is A$3,500.

Financial Aid

Scholarships may be available for some international applicants. For further information please see www.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/

Location

City of Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. It is an exciting and vibrant hub of cultural, social, sporting and business life and has consistently been voted one of the world’s most liveable cities.

There is much to love about Melbourne – just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those lucky enough to live here. Residents love its vibrant energy, staggering choice of restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, luscious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character.

Proudly pre-eminent in business, international trade, arts, entertainment, sport and major international events, Melbourne’s city centre is home to around 50,000 people and welcomes more than 400,000 workers, visitors and tourists every day.

Melbourne is home to Australia’s largest arts and entertainment precinct, located near the Yarra River. It includes the National Gallery of Victoria, the acclaimed Victorian Arts Centre, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the Australian Ballet, Victorian College of the Arts, the Australian Opera, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Federation Square.

The city hosts many colourful festivals throughout the year as well as major sporting events such as the Formula One Grand Prix, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Melbourne Cup and the Australian Tennis Open.

We are proud to invite you to be part of this thriving community during your studies with us.

For more information on the city of Melbourne please see www.visitmelbourne.com

Accommodation

Arriving in a new city can be both daunting and exciting, especially if you have never been there before. The University of Melbourne has a dedicated Student Housing Services team available to assist you in finding affordable, safe and appropriate accommodation during your studies.

The University arranges pre-departure briefings to help new international students prepare for life in Melbourne. Orientation programs are designed to assist all new students settle into their Melbourne student life. Comprehensive information about accommodation is also included with your letter of offer to study at the University of Melbourne.

For further details about student housing options please see www.services.unimelb.edu.au/housing/

Student Life

As a student with Melbourne Law School, you can take full advantage of our superb facilities, high level student support and commitment to providing quality, innovative legal education.

Outstanding facilities
Melbourne Law School is located in a world-class building with state-of-the-art technology, outstanding research facilities, a high-tech moot court and purpose-built teaching spaces. Our Legal Research Centre contains a historically rich collection and the advanced technology required for legal research today.

High level student support
Specialised student services are tailored to support you academically and personally, giving you the confidence and capacity to thrive. The University provides an award-winning range of support services for international students. Ongoing student support and advice is available, including access to the University’s health and counseling service.

We also provide a range of support programs for students who wish to further develop their skills in legal research, academic writing or English language.

Campus life
Campus life is exciting, vibrant and always diverse at the University of Melbourne. The Student Union provides students with a range of services including cultural events and resources, clubs and societies, support services, student representation and academic advocacy.

Melbourne University Sport offers a range of outstanding sport and recreation services and facilities, including a strength and fitness gym, 25 metre heated indoor pool, indoor courts, athletics track, hockey field and ski lodge, plus group fitness classes and access to over 40 sports clubs.

Summer Program

Subjects in the Melbourne Law Masters program are available for much of the year, including some intensive subjects during the summer break from December to February. Around 90% of subjects in our program are offered on an intensive basis, allowing students to tailor a study program to suit your needs and interests.

Pre-LLM Course

International students are encouraged to undertake the preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions before you begin your masters degree. It provides an introduction to the law and the legal system in Australia, as well as a basic framework for the development of basic legal skills including the use of primary sources of law, namely common law and statutory law. The program focuses on the operation and practical application of these sources of law in a common law system.