The Master of Public and International Law (MPub&IntLaw) recognises the increasing interdependence of international and domestic law, bringing together constitutional, administrative and public international law.

It’s ideal for both practitioners and scholars with backgrounds or interests in government, international institutions, not-for-profit organisations, business/government relations and international development.

As a student, you can choose from a wide range of subjects across the entire field of public law, giving you access to the latest developments in theory and practice in Australia and elsewhere. The Master of Public and International Law is available for both law and non-law graduates.

The Master of Public and International Law is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.

Students must complete 100 credit points in total.

Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction must complete Fundamentals of the Common Law, as well as 87.5 credit points from the prescribed lists. They are also recommended to undertake the subject International Law.

Students with a law degree from a common law jurisdiction must complete at least 87.5 credit points from the prescribed lists and may choose the remaining 12.5 credit points from the subjects available in the Master of Laws (excluding Fundamentals of the Common Law and the Minor Thesis). They are also recommended to undertake the subject International Law if they have not previously studied international law.

Students enrolled in the Masters of Public and International Law can choose any subject from the list of subjects in the table below.

Subject timing and format

The Melbourne Law Masters program has been designed around the busy schedules of working professionals. Subjects are offered from February to December each year. Most subjects are taught intensively over five days, with some subjects taught for two hours each week during the semester.

Subjects delivered online will have a combination of pre-recorded lecture content, live sessions and discussion boards among other resources. On-campus subjects involve interactive, seminar-style classes in the Law Building in Melbourne.

Duration

Full-time students enrol in 50 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of one year. Part-time* students enrol in 25 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of two years. Semesters without enrolments require a student to apply for a leave of absence.

*Part-time enrolment is for domestic students only. Part-time students may reduce their study load to 12.5 credit points per half-year period and thus have a maximum course duration of four years.

As a student in the Master of Public and International Law, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of public and international law, including:

• The legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
• Analysis and resolution of the complex problems of government law
• A range of alternative approaches to government law in other countries and systems and the methodology of comparative public law
• The context within which government law operates and the sensitivities peculiar to it
• The legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
• The nature, major principles, processes and structures of the international legal system and the relationship between international and domestic law
• Legal issues in contemporary public and international affairs
• The increasing significance of international law domestically, regionally and globally.

You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients.

A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice, at honours standard, or equivalent, OR A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice, or e

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.