南昆士兰大学

Change to a career in law

The Juris Doctor is a graduate entry program for non-law graduates. If you want a career in law and already have an undergraduate degree, you can enter the Juris Doctor rather than the undergraduate Bachelor of Laws.

Because we know that you come to us with a wealth of previous experience, the Juris Doctor is pitched at a higher level to challenge you and to build your capabilities in a legal workplace.

You will find our lecturers are very accessible as we pride ourselves on our ability to know our students individually, whether you study on campus or online.

Professional relevance

Our Law programs have been developed with extensive input from experts in the profession. Our lecturers have strong connections with legal practice and understand the needs of the legal profession. Collectively, they have a wealth of experience in a diverse range of backgrounds, including general legal practice, criminal law, human rights, international and comparative law, family and succession law, environmental and natural resources law, commercial and taxation law, and public law and policy.

Professional accreditation

The Juris Doctor has been accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, Queensland and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland as an approved academic qualification under the Supreme Court (Admission) Rules 2004 (Qld).

It has also been approved by the Australian Law Schools Standards Committee under the Standards for Australian Law Schools adopted by the Council of Australian Law Deans. This degree will partially satisfy the requirements to practise as a lawyer in Queensland or elsewhere in Australia. Intending lawyers (whether barristers or solicitors) must also complete an approved practical legal training course in order to become admitted to practise law. Advice on practical legal training programs can be obtained through Ask USQ.

Career outcomes

Apart from the obvious career as a legal practitioner, the Juris Doctor also opens up a wide range of career paths within the public service, government, politics, non-government organisations and businesses.