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Diploma of Legal Studies (L1D)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Launceston
Semester 1, Semester 2
Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

Phoebe Winter’s journey from psychology student to Supreme Court Judge’s Associate showcases the power of practical legal education in Tasmania.

“The TLPC is incredibly practical,” she says. “You’re on campus three days a week, constantly interacting and doing practical tasks in front of the law profession in Tasmania, and that exposure is invaluable.”

The Diploma of Legal Studies provides you with the opportunity for exposure to law study without a full commitment to a law degree.

It is suitable both for those who plan pursue a role that could benefit from some legal knowledge, as well as those who already have this as part of their career.

In addition to introductory law units that cover the foundations of law and legal reasoning, you can choose units to target one or more specialist areas relevant to your work (depending on your experience).

There are also avenues for inquiry into areas including international law, human rights and environmental law, to give you a broader understanding of the role of law.

Assessment tasks through the course will enhance your ability to prepare written advice and develop arguments in response to legal problems. This will see you graduating with an understanding of ethical practice with essential skills across legal reasoning, research and effective communication.

  • 1 Analyse and interpret legal materials to identify and assess legal problems.
  • 2 Prepare basic legal advice to achieve solutions appropriate to local and transnational contexts.
  • 3 Work collaboratively and independently to inform the resolution of legal and ethical issues that incorporate diverse perspectives.
  • 4 Implement legal research strategies utilising a variety of digital and other resources to inform legal arguments and advice.
  • 5 Articulate persuasive arguments, in written and spoken form, to a range of audiences.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.

Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Sustainability Placement Experience

Gain experience in real-world sustainability through the Sustainability Placement Experience. In this unique program, you’ll apply your skills and university learning to dynamic, industry and community led projects that tackle real sustainability challenges. Open to students from any discipline with available electives, this placement offers the chance to connect your studies with meaningful, practical outcomes that make a difference.

Work Integrated Learning

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/work-integrated-learning

Course structure

The Diploma of Legal Practice requires the completion of 100 credit points comprising:

  • 50 credit points of Core units; and
  • 50 credit points of Core Option units.

If you are looking to enrol in the Bachelor of Laws after completing the Diploma, you should complete LAW106 Torts as a Core Option unit to ensure a smooth transition into the Bachelor's degree.  Another Law-coded or cognate elective unit may be substituted with the permission of the Course Coordinator.

The Diploma of Legal Studies is available to be studied fully online or face-to-face.

Entry requirements

Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education
This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process.

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission.

Domestic Applicants with higher education study

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
  • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Domestic Applications on the basis of work or life experience
If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5)

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above;
  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made

Course Specific Requirements

This course does not have any course specific requirements.

The Diploma in Legal Studies articulates into L3C Bachelor of Laws with full credit.

Those students who plan to progress to the Bachelor of Laws are strongly advised to complete LAW106 Torts as a Core Option to allow completion of the Bachelor of Laws within the shortest completion time of 2.5 years if studying full-time.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $17,392

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $38,950 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 38,950 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

International scholarships

The University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships for full fee-paying international students, designed to recognise academic merit and support access to university study.

For many of our international scholarships you will be automatically assessed when you submit your International Student Application, meaning no separate scholarship application is required. Some scholarships may require additional application steps. Explore our International Scholarships to learn more about available opportunities and application requirements.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.