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Master of Laws

Course resolutions

The course resolutions detailed in this page apply to all courses included in the table below under section 1 (course codes).

These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Coursework Policy 2021 (the 'Coursework Policy'), the Learning and Teaching Policy 2019, the Resolutions of the Faculty, University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021, the Academic Integrity Policy 2022 and the Academic Integrity Procedures 2022. Current versions of all policies are available from the Policy
Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies

1 Course codes

Code Course title
GNLAWLAW-01 Graduate Diploma in Law
MALAWLAW-04 Master of Laws

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for these courses is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice.

3 Masters type

The masters degree in these resolutions is an advanced learning masters degree, as defined by the Coursework Policy.

4 Embedded courses in this sequence

(1) The embedded courses in this sequence are:

(a) the Graduate Diploma in Law

(b) the Master of Laws

(2) Provided that candidates satisfy the admission requirements for each stage, a candidate may progress to the award of either of the courses in this sequence. Only the longer award completed will be conferred.

5 Admission to candidature

(1) Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria.

(2) Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Law requires a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification.

(3) Admission to candidature for the Master of Laws requires:

(a) a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with a minimum credit average from the University of Sydney; or an equivalent qualification; or

(b) completion of the requirements of an embedded graduate diploma with a minimum credit average, or an equivalent qualification.

(4) Students may be admitted to candidature for either the Graduate Diploma in Law or Master of Laws pursuant to a pathway or credit recognition agreement between the University and another educational institution.

(a) The requirements for admission to candidature under these agreements are determined by the terms of the applicable agreement.

(b) Applicants are assessed on their incomplete law degree from the partner institution.

(c) English language requirements must be met where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English.

(d) Applicants are ranked by merit and offers for available places are issued according to the ranking.

6 Requirements for award

(1) The units of study that may be taken for the courses are set out in the table of units of study for the Master of Laws.

(2) To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Law, a candidate must complete 24 credit points.

(3) To qualify for the award of the Master of Laws, a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including at least one unit of study in which the assessment consists substantially of a long research essay (7,000-10,000 words in length) (capstone experience). Candidates shall complete the essay during their enrolment in the Master of Laws at Sydney Law School.

7 Credit for Previous Study

Students who are Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor graduates or graduands of the University of Sydney and who completed Sydney Law School LAWS6000/JURS6000 units of study as part of their Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor courses may apply to have up to 12 credit points of such units of study credited towards a Graduate Diploma in Law and 24 credit points credited towards a Master of Laws.

(a) Credit may only be granted upon satisfactory completion at Sydney Law School of a minimum of 12 credit points in the Graduate Diploma in Law and 24 credit points in the Master of Laws.

8 Course transfer

A candidate for the masters degree may elect to discontinue study and graduate with the shorter award from this embedded sequence, with the approval of the Program Director, and provided the requirements of the shorter award have been met.

9 Transitional provisions

(1) These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2022 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2022 who elect to proceed under these resolutions. Students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2022 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement