Course structure

The Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) has two intakes per year, February and August. The JD is taught in trimesters, with the first trimester taught at Monash University's Clayton campus. These initial units provide a gradual introduction to the study of law.

Subsequent trimesters are taught at the Monash University Law Chambers, in the heart of Melbourne's CBD and legal precinct at 472 Bourke Street Melbourne. Most trimesters are comprised of two compulsory units. After completing the compulsory units, students then undertake elective units from Monash Law's masters program. Masters units are taught in a variety of formats; in the evenings, in intensive blocks or over the standard university semester. When undertaking these units, JD students are able to study alongside qualified lawyers and other professionals.

The course structure of the Monash JD is ordered to facilitate steady progression through the degree. The course is structured in a well-planned, pre-determined order to ensure students develop the required skills and knowledge to progress through the course successfully while balancing other demands.

All students commence with two units per trimester. After two trimesters, students may choose to

proceed as a 'full time' student taking 3 units per trimester over 3 years ;
undertake our 'standard progression' over four years or more; or
accelerate their progress to complete the JD in two and a half years where work or other commitments permit.

Students may increase or decrease the number of units taken concurrently in order to shorten or lengthen the duration of their course. Students may also intermit (defer) their course with approval from the Course Convenor.

Unit normally taught on Friday morning

Unit normally taught on Thursday afternoon

Note: Students must choose the elective LAW7331 - Lawyers’ responsibilities to fulfill all the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Trimester 1
(Clayton)

Trimester 2
(City)

Trimester 3
(City)

Trimester 4
(City)

Trimester 5
(City)

Trimester 6
(City)

Trimester 7
(City)

Trimester 8
(City)

Trimester 9
(City)