Course overview
The Diploma in Law is a legal qualification equivalent to a law school degree. It can provide entry to practice in all legal jurisdictions in Australia.
The Diploma is awarded by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and is taught by the University of Sydney. Lectures are given by leading practitioners and academics at the Camperdown Campus in Sydney.
The aim of the course is to provide a readily accessible legal education and a flexible means of entry to the legal profession. It is designed to be especially suitable for part-time students, including country and interstate residents.
Study mode
All lectures are delivered in the evening and/or on weekends at the University of Sydney’s Camperdown Campus, giving you the flexibility to work around a busy schedule.
Evening classes
Most students will undertake a Diploma in Law via evening classes. These are generally run from 6–8.30pm or 9pm. Students can expect to attend 1 lecture per week, per subject.
Weekend school
Weekend schools are designed for distance students. Classes cover the same content as evening lectures although time constraints mean it is not covered in the same depth. Each weekend school has an eight-hour program in each subject.
Facilities
Students have full access to the Sydney Law Library (the Herbert Smith Freehills Law Library) which includes:
- an extensive electronic reserve of legal materials
- legal research classes
- a specialist law librarian
- extended loan entitlements and the use of postal loan and photocopying services for students living outside Sydney
- 10 bookable meeting rooms with whiteboards and computers
- an exhibition space
- silent zones
- 24/7 access (with student card)
Students also have access to the on-line learning system Canvas where they can:
- download lecture slides and other resources;
- obtain and submit assignments;
- chat with other students through the discussion boards and conference tools.
Semester dates
Each semester runs for 14–15 weeks with a two-week break in the middle of the session.
We are preparing to commence Summer 2019/20 semester. Our next intake is for the Winter 2020 semester, with applications closing on 1 March 2020.
| Key dates (subject to change) | Winter 2020 |
| Deadline for applications as a new student-at-law | 1 March 2020 |
| Orientation day | 8 May 2020 |
| Enrolment period | 20 April – 1 May 2020 |
| Introductory weekend class (mandatory for all students starting the Diploma) | 9–10 May 2020 |
| Classes commence. This includes – 13 weeks of evening lectures – two-weekend schools – mid-semester study break |
11 May – 21 August 2020 |
| Examinations period | 3 September – 10 September |