William Cooper Institute (WCI) Pathways to Law

Your path to Law (LLB, LLM & JD) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Monash University offers tailored pathways into Law for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

WHY CHOOSE MONASH LAW?

  • One of the top law schools globally.
  • Every eligible student guaranteed real-world experience through Clinical Legal Education.
  • Strong community support from the William Cooper Institute (WCI).
  • All Monash LLB (Hons) and JD degrees satisfy the educational requirements for admission to practice law in the State of Victoria.
  • Monash Law Clinical Guarantee ensures that you have the opportunity to engage in real legal work that counts towards your degree.

INDIGENOUS PATHWAYS & SUPPORT

William Cooper Institute (WCI) offers dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Contact WCI:

CAREER OUTCOMES

Monash Law graduates are known for their critical thinking, problem‑solving and attention to detail.

With skills in advocating for others, persuasive communication and an understanding of Australia’s complex political and legal system, they are in demand in many industries.

With a law degree, you could:

  • begin as a paralegal in a law firm, and work your way up to senior associate or partner.
  • start as a judge’s associate for a career specialising in courtroom advocacy and litigation as a barrister, with the potential to become a judge yourself.
  • become a legal officer or advisor in government.
  • support a start‑up, business or community organisation as in-house counsel.
  • build a career in consulting, media, HR, politics or business.
  • Monash Law graduates are also found with careers in entrepreneurship, politics, community development, management consulting, and finance.

Choosing a double degree can give you even more options. With just one extra year of study, you earn a second qualification that opens up new fields and helps you shape a career that matches your interests.

The Monash LLB (Hons) and JD are recognised by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) as satisfying the academic requirements for admission to practice in Victoria. No law degree enables you to practise law immediately. You must complete further training, Practical Legal Training (PLT) or supervised legal training, be admitted by the Supreme Court of Victoria and obtain a practising certificate.

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | LLB (Hons)

Who is this for? Students finishing Year 12 or starting their first degree.

Standard Entry: Meet the required selection rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors).

  • Selection-rank based: ATAR ~95 (Lowest Selection Rank to which an offer was made in 2025).
  • Monash Guarantee-based: ATAR ~85 for eligible students.
  • Duration:
    • Single degree: 4.25 years full-time (or 4 years in accelerated mode).
    • Double degrees: 5.25 years full-time (or 5 years in accelerated mode).
    • Double degree with Engineering: 6.25 years (or 6 years in accelerated mode).
  • Structure:
    • Core studies: cover the themes of legal methodology and legal practice, public law and private law.
    • Electives: options include units in commercial law, criminal justice, climate justice, human rights, international law, research projects, mooting competitions and more.
    • You can also choose electives to gain real legal experience with the guaranteed law clinical placement, do a research project, or enter mooting competitions.
  • Double Degrees
    options: Combine Law with Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce, Criminology, Engineering, International Relations, Music, Psychology, Science and more.
  • Location: Clayton campus
  • Learn more:

Alternative Entry (Internal Transfer):

  1. Start in any Monash degree (not Law).
  2. Complete at least one semester of study, but no more than two-years of full-time study
    1. That’s between 24 credit points (~4 units) and 96 credit points (~16 units).
    2. You can apply more than once.
  3. Achieve strong grades
    1. Aim for your best grades, these form your Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
  4. Apply for the internal transfer.
  • Tips for internal transfers:
    • Transferring into the Monash Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is highly competitive and not guaranteed. The WAM required is often in the High Distinction range.
    • Choose a degree where you’re confident you’ll achieve strong grades and that can be paired with Law as a double degree. This isn’t compulsory, but it can make transferring smoother.

Master of Laws (LLM)

Who is this for? Law graduates seeking to specialise in a particular area of practice or progress to a graduate research degree. Students may be able to complete our two-year LLM in as little as 12 months, depending on previous study and experience

Duration and Entry requirements: Below durations are for full-time study; part-time study is also available.

  • 2 years: a bachelor in law (or equivalent) from a non-Australian jurisdiction.
  • 1.5 years: an Australian LLB (or equivalent) with at least a credit (60%) average.
  • 1 year: an Australian JD or LLB (Hons) or equivalent OR
  • 1 year: an Australian LLB (or equivalent) with at least a credit (60%) average and:
    • an Australian graduate diploma in Law (or equivalent), or
    • at least 1 year of work-based relevant professional experience, or
    • other learning approved by the faculty.
  • Structure:
    • Choose units from nine specialisations including Commercial and corporate law; Criminal law and forensics; Dispute resolution; Global society and human rights; Health law and community; Labour and employment law; Public sector governance and regulation; Technology and innovation, and Transnational economic regulation.
    • This program also includes research options and a pathway to a PhD.
  • Learn more: course page

Juris Doctor (JD)

A Juris Doctor (JD) is a graduate-entry law degree designed for people with a bachelor degree in any non-law discipline. It equips you with the required skills and knowledge needed to practice law in Australia and prepares you for a wide range of careers in law, business, government and beyond.

Who is this for? Graduates with an undergraduate degree that is not in law.

  • Entry requirements: Any non-law bachelor degree with:
    • at least a credit average (60%) or equivalent; OR
    • three or more years of professional, full-time work experience.
  • Duration: 3 years full-time (or 6 years part-time).
  • Structure:
    • Core studies: cover the themes of legal methodology and legal practice, public law and private law.
    • Electives: options include units in commercial law, criminal justice, climate justice, human rights, international law and more.
    • You can also choose electives to gain real legal experience with the guaranteed law clinical placement, do a research project, or enter mooting competitions.
  • Location: Monash Law Chambers, 555 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
  • Learn more: