Juris Doctor law degree changes

Overview

The Faculty of Law is introducing some unit changes to significantly expand our elective unit offerings. As part of this update, we are consolidating some of our core units.

What is changing?

The following paired core units are being phased out for future cohorts and replaced with consolidated single units:

• Contract: LAW5002 Principles of contract law A and LAW5005 Principles of contract law B  
  - new unit: LAW5020 Principles of contract law
• Property: LAW5006 Principles of property law and LAW5018 Advanced property B
  - new unit: LAW5021 Principles of property law
• Equity and Trusts: LAW5008 Principles of equity and LAW5010 Principles of trusts
  - new unit: LAW5022 Principles of equity and trusts

As a continuing student, you have already built a strong academic foundation in your studies and you will stay on your current degree and unit structure to ensure direct progression toward completion.

What this means for you

You will benefit from the expanded elective offerings introduced as part of the curriculum update. From 2027 onward, additional elective units will be available, giving you greater choice to explore emerging areas of law and tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

2027 Postgraduate Electives Timetable

Your current core units, course map, and progression requirements remain in place, and you will continue to follow the structure you commenced with.

We recommend you review your course map with the table below and where necessary prioritise the completion of the below units.

FT: Full-time PT: Part-time

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Monash Law consolidating units?
  Monash Law is aligning its core unit structure with other Australian law schools, many of which teach a single core unit in each prescribed area, whereas Monash currently offers two for certain prescribed areas. Moving from paired units to single units creates space in the degree for more electives, something students have strongly requested.This change allows the Faculty to expand the range of elective offerings, giving all of our students greater choice and opportunities to explore areas of law that interest them.
• How does this impact me?
  For most of you, there will be no impact. Each of the affected units will be gradually phased out, with a limited number of additional offerings to ensure students have a reasonable opportunity to repeat a unit. You’ll continue in your current degree and unit structure, ensuring a clear and uninterrupted progression toward completing your course.
• Which units will no longer be taught?
  The teach out timeline table above lists the units that are in teach out and their last year of offering.
• What do I do if I fail a unit and it’s the last offering?
  Seek course advice about the possible options available.
• I am part time and won’t be up to studying some of these units by the time it is last offered - what do I do?
  The teach out plan has taken into consideration the part-time course map (see table above), though please prioritise enrolling in the affected units.
• What do I do if I am on intermission so won’t be actively studying when a phased out unit is scheduled for the last time?
  If you’re on intermission and therefore not actively studying when a phased-out unit is offered for the final time, we strongly recommend booking a session with the Monash Connect Course Advice team to review your study plan and confirm the best way to progress through your remaining units before the final offering.
• I’d rather complete the new property and equity and trusts units so I have more room for electives - can I do that?
  No, your existing course pathway continues as planned. You have already built a strong academic foundation and you will stay on your current degree structure to ensure direct progression toward your degree.
• I’d prefer to complete the new structure of the degree, why can’t I change?
  The updated degree structure is designed for students who are just beginning their studies. Because you’ve already commenced your course, you’re enrolled in the current version of the degree, and your completed units map to that structure. Continuing in the course you started is the best and most efficient pathway to finishing your degree on time.
• Will there be any changes to my electives?
  The number of electives you complete has not changed, however as a result of the consolidation of core units there will now be many more elective unit options available. As a continuing student, you’ll have access to these new elective units, giving you more choice to shape your studies around new areas of law and your career goals. 2027 Postgraduate Electives Timetable.
• What if I am a student in the two-year Master of Laws (LLM)  program or the Graduate Diploma in Australian Laws, will the changes affect me?
  No, most students in the two‑year LLM and the Graduate Diploma in Australian Laws will not be affected by these curriculum updates. If you are one of the small number of students whose study plan may be impacted, the Faculty will contact you directly with personalised advice and next steps.

If you require further assistance, please reach out to Monash Connect.