James Cook University

Juris Doctor

Graduate
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Details

University Location Townsville or Cairns, Queensland
City Population 201,000
Student Population 13,000
Int'l Student Population 2,000
Main Campus Townsville
Program Campus Townsville or Cairns
Program Duration 3 years (2 years accelerated)
Estimated Annual Tuition AUD$44,176 (2027 fees; subject to increase)**
Trimester Intakes February, May, September
Application Deadline Rolling admissions*
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Overview

The School of Law at James Cook University aims to produce multi-skilled, versatile, and ethical graduates who have the knowledge and skills to work in a broad range of law-related sectors. Its aim is that graduates will have the knowledge, skills, and attributes to take their place in their chosen career path.

JCU Law is a leader in providing a skills-based and multidisciplinary legal education. The school seeks to do that by imparting a strong appreciation both of the rule of law and role of law in its social, economic, environmental and political contexts. Students are enabled to understand the significance of the law to ensure stable government, economic prosperity and the protection and preservation of individual and cultural rights and the protection of the environment.

Program

The JCU Juris Doctor is a postgraduate law degree open to graduates of any discipline or applicants who have a law degree from an overseas jurisdiction that does not entitle the holder to practice law in Australia.

You’ll develop the ability to research, reason, negotiate and communicate under pressure, and apply all of it in realistic legal settings throughout the degree. Core subjects cover contracts, torts, criminal law, property, constitutional law, equity, evidence and civil procedure. Small class sizes mean lecturers know you, practitioners are reachable, and JCU alumni are active in providing support.

Industry engagement runs through the program from the start. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in legal practice through JCU Law’s elective program.

In Advocacy and Criminal Sentencing

  • Bail applications
  • Opening and closing statements
  • Conduct examination and cross-examination before judges
  • One-on-one coaching from practising barristers and solicitors.

In Practical Mooting

  • Work a single case across an entire trimester
  • Support from an experienced practitioner’s mentorship
  • Initial brief to final trial.

A placement with the Townsville Community Law Centre adds real client experience.

Graduates pursue careers across a wide range of legal and law-related settings, including as solicitors, barristers, mediators, in-house counsel, and in government legal roles, law reform agencies, diplomacy, and the military. The practical skills and networks developed throughout the degree also open doors well beyond traditional legal practice. Graduates could go on to work in politics, journalism and media, executive management, public relations, and non-governmental organizations.

Admissions Requirements

Completed bachelor’s degree
You must have a completed undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7/4.0.

Accelerated Pathway
The JCU JD has 2- and 3-year program options. You can work with the JCU enrolments team and course coordinator to obtain a study plan which allows completion of the course in 2 years (6 semesters). Please contact OzTREKK to learn more about this option.

**Fees shown are based on 2 semesters per year (3-year program). Those who choose the accelerated option will study 3 semesters per year (2-year program).

Admissions Timeline

*Offers are made throughout the year based on academic merit and subject to availability in the program. You’re encouraged to apply as early as possible.