The Graduate Diploma in Government Law (GDipGovtLaw) is designed to provide you with expertise in matters that lie at the cutting-edge of government law in Australia and elsewhere.

As a student, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the framework of law and practice in which government operates, which includes not only constitutional and administrative law but also a host of particular legal regimes that apply to government actors. This constantly changing branch of the law lends itself to comparison between countries, allowing you to understand the different ways of tackling problems and how to draw lessons from them.

It’s available for both law and non-law graduates and the flexible structure makes it ideal for working professionals looking to immerse themselves in this dynamic branch of the law.

The Graduate Diploma in Government Law is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.

Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects.

Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

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 will be delivered either online, on campus, or as a hybrid of both. 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 six months. Part-time* students enrol in 25 credit points per semester (or half-year period) and have an expected course duration of one year. 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 two years.

As a student in the Graduate Diploma of Government Law, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of government law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:

• The legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
• An 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.

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.

Applicants must have completed: A degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice, with a University of Melbourne equivalent score of at least 70, or equivalent

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.