The UNSW Master of Laws (LLM) is a flexible, world-class postgraduate program that offers graduates the opportunity to develop an advanced and contemporary understanding of one or more areas of legal study, to ultimately acquire further expertise and enhance career prospects.

The UNSW LLM is open to law and non-law graduates. Students applying to the program with a non-law degree, or with a law degree from a non-common law country, will need to incorporate compulsory core courses into their program.

A key feature of the UNSW study experience is the opportunity to engage, network and learn from fellow students and teachers – a more diverse student cohort benefits our students with interdisciplinary perspectives in their fields.

At UNSW Law, we continuously review our program offerings to ensure our curriculum offers students the latest in innovative legal education, tailored to the evolving needs of the industry.

Our students engage in flexible study, while still accessing the highest level of teaching quality among Australia’s research-intensive law schools within the Group of Eight (Go8) universities. 

The UNSW LLM is supported by a teaching faculty which ranks among the finest in the world, with a vibrant mix of leading international academic experts teaching alongside distinguished members of the profession. UNSW Sydney is a leading research-intensive university, and the Law School’s outstanding research informs, inspires and enlivens our teaching.

For more details on entry requirements, visit the Master of Laws degree page. 

Listen

Alison Battisson, a lawyer, kickboxer, and taking on powerful figures as her charity law firm, Human Rights 4 All sets out to achieve the firm’s namesake. Interviewed by Sarah MacDonald, renowned Australian journalist, author, and radio presenter.

Specialisations

Students can choose from eight areas of specialisation that reflect UNSW Law’s expertise and the latest developments in legal scholarship. Alternatively, students can complete a generalist program and choose courses from any of our specialisations.

To be awarded an LLM with a specialisation, students must successfully complete at least four courses in their chosen field. By incorporating a specialisation into the LLM, students can pursue an area of law that complements their existing profession or provides entry into a new field.

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environmental_law
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international_law
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Class format

Weekly classes 

Courses offered on a weekly basis during our terms take the form of small groups. Weekly classes are usually held in the evening outside traditional business hours (usually between 6pm and 8pm) at convenient city locations (including the UNSW CBD Campus and city law firms) or at UNSW’s Kensington campus. 

Intensive classes 

Intensive courses are concentrated seminars over full days or half-days or weekends. This mode of delivery is particularly attractive to those in demanding full-time employment.  

Note that 100 per cent attendance is required for intensive programs. Intensive classes are usually held on the Kensington campus. 

Note that courses offered in our postgraduate programs by UNSW Business School, UNSW Arts & Social Sciences, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Science and UNSW Canberra may differ in format and location – please consult the relevant faculty for further information. 

International opportunities and engagement

Engagement extends beyond the classroom, with students strongly encouraged to participate in ways that challenge and support more conventional methods of learning. 

Overseas electives 

Add international experience and legal knowledge to your study program without the commitment of exchange. Offered at a range of overseas locations during the main term breaks, these courses are electives that are credited towards your LLM program. 

Santiago, Chile 
Transitional Justice in International and Comparative Perspectives 

Beijing, China 
China International Business and Economic Law  

Shanghai, China 
Chinese Legal System 

Pune, India 
Women, Gender and the Law 

Zurich, Switzerland 
Law and Technology: Comparative Perspectives 

New York, USA 
Human Rights Law in Practice 

Port Vila, Vanuatu 
Pacific Islands Legal Systems 

Note that not all overseas electives are offered every year and they are subject to availability. Please check with Law Student Services in the year you wish to apply. 

International exchange 

Expand your horizons with a term-long exchange to one of the world’s leading law schools.  

LLM students who have completed 24 UOC are also eligible to apply for a term abroad, however the list of international partner law schools is reduced. Please check with the law school for details. UNSW students do not pay any additional tuition fees to the overseas host institution and courses are credited directly to your program. 

Credit Transfer Policy

Credit Transfer Rules for Masters Programs

2019 Postgraduate Course Offerings

The latest Postgraduate course offerings for the UNSW Master of Laws (LLM).

We regularly update our course listing and prospective students should contact Law Student Services to confirm availability of courses.

Apply

Australian citizens and permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens 
Applications for Master of Laws (LLM) at UNSW should apply through Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).  

International students 
To apply, go to UNSW Apply Online.  

 

Entry requirements 

The UNSW Master of Laws (LLM) is open to applicants with or without a law degree.

Students applying to the program with a non-law degree, or with a law degree from a non-common law country, will need to incorporate compulsory core courses into their program. All applicants must meet UNSW Law’s English language requirements.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Degree Structure

LLB or JD from a common law country with a credit average. Applicants without a credit average will be considered if they can demonstrate a minimum of two years relevant professional experience*

8 elective courses (48 UOC)

LLB or JD from a non-common law country with a credit average. Applicants without a credit average will be considered if they can demonstrate a minimum of two years relevant professional experience*

8 courses (48 UOC), including one compulsory course: Global Common Law Systems

Degree in a related non-law discipline (e.g. Social Sciences or Humanities) with a credit average. Applicants without a credit average will be considered if they can demonstrate a minimum of two years relevant professional experience*

8 courses (48 UOC) including two compulsory courses: Legal Concepts, Research & Writing and Global Common Law Systems

Degree in an unrelated non-law program (e.g. Science or Engineering) with a credit average and two years relevant professional experience*

8 courses (48 UOC) including two compulsory courses: Legal Concepts, Research & Writing and Global Common Law Systems
“

I chose UNSW Law School as I wanted an interactive experience in which I would be engaged and pushed - both by lecturers and my peers. I previously worked as a corporate lawyer for approximately 7 years in top-tier firms in Australia and overseas – and I wanted a similar high calibre experience. When I decided on a career change into international human rights law, I wanted a school that would provide me with a solid basis in IHR – and provide an opportunity to look at issues in interesting and new ways.

UNSW has certainly delivered! In particular, I attended a two-week transitional justice program in Chile, which was simply mind-expanding.

”
Alison Battisson, LLM (Human Rights and Social Justice)