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, with interactive seminars held across two weekends each semester. The lecture timetable is designed to give you the flexibility to work around a busy schedule. Lectures are held at the University of Sydney’s Camperdown Campus.
Evening classes
Most students will undertake a Diploma in Law via evening classes. These are generally run from 6 to 9pm. Students can expect to attend one lecture per week, per subject. Distance students can view a live stream of the lecture.
Weekend school
Weekend schools are designed to provide an opportunity for further discussion, revision and problem solving. Students will attend one 3-hour seminar per subject and all students, including distance students, are expected to attend in person. Recordings are not available for these seminars.
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.
Our next intake is for the Summer 2024-25 semester, with applications to join the course closing on 1 September 2024.
| Key dates (subject to change) | Summer 2024-25 |
| Deadline for applications as a new Student-at-Law | 1 September 2024 |
| Semester Enrolment period | 21 Oct – 1 Nov 2024 |
| Orientation and Introductory classes (for ALL NEW STUDENTS) | 9-10 November 2024 |
| Foundations of Law – Introductory Weekend seminars | 23-24 November 2024 |
| Classes commence. This includes: – 13 weeks of evening lectures – two Weekend Schools (13-15 Dec 24 & 14-16 Feb 25) – mid-semester study break (21 December 24 – 12 January 2025) | Weeks beginning: 11 November 2024 to 24 February 2025 |
| Examinations period | 6 – 12 March 2025 |