Graduate Diploma in Government Law

Government operates within a framework of law and practice, consistently with the rule of law. This framework includes constitutional law and administrative law but extends well beyond both to a host of particular legal regimes that apply to government actors.

This is a dynamic branch of law, constantly changing in response to new pressures and government responses. It lends itself to comparison between countries, enabling students to understand different ways of tackling similar problems and to draw lessons from them. In an age of globalisation, it has a large and growing interface with international law, requiring a grasp of both areas.

The specialisation in government law reflects the changing nature and complexity of the field. The subjects offer students expertise in matters that lie at the cutting-edge of government law in Australia and elsewhere.

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Government Law will:

• Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge relating to the field of government law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:
  • the legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
  • an analysis and resolution of the complex problems of government law
  • a range of alternative approaches to government law in other countries and systems and the methodology of comparative public law
  • the context within which government law operates and the sensitivities peculiar to it
• Have advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills that enable them to:
  • analyse critically, evaluate and convey information and
  • generate ideas and solutions to complex problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives in the field of government law
• Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner in the field of government law.

Students must complete four subjects from the prescribed lists.

Students without a law degree from a common law jurisdiction should also complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

Government Law subjects

Other subjects

• A degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at honours standard or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice;
  or
• A degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented, relevant professional experience;
  or
• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least one year of documented, relevant professional work experience.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

The Melbourne Law Masters welcomes applications from students with disabilities. The inherent academic requirements for study in the Melbourne Law Masters are:

• The ability to attend a minimum of 75% of classes and actively engage in the analysis and critique of complex materials and debate;
• The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
• The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and to critically evaluate these;
• The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
• The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
• The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.

Students who feel their disability will inhibit them from meeting these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit: www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

1. Advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the relevant area of law
   The specialist focus of the Melbourne Law Masters, the constant review and renewal of subjects and courses, the range and expertise of instructors from Australia and around the world, and regular advice from our advisory boards combine to ensure that courses and subjects reflect emerging knowledge and ideas
2. Ability to evaluate and synthesise existing knowledge in the area
   Small classes, a discussion-based environment and the emphasis on quality teaching and learning create an environment in which knowledge is exchanged, critically examined and adapted to current circumstances
3. Well-developed problem solving abilities, characterised by flexibility of approach
   Most subjects approach knowledge by reference to various issues or problems. Students are encouraged to critically analyse problems and identify and develop a range of appropriate solutions through class discussion, individual study and assessment tasks.
4. Advanced competencies in legal research and analysis
   Class preparation and class discussions are designed to enhance these skills, which are tested in all forms of assessment.
5. Capacity to communicate, orally and in writing
   Classroom discussion and formal presentations provide an opportunity to hone oral communication skills, and written assessment tasks are graded in part on written communication skills.
6. Appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research
   Research papers and other research tasks are expected to attain a degree of originality and discovery that befits a quality postgraduate program, and students are encouraged and assisted to publish work of a high standard in refereed journals.
7. Capacity to manage competing demands on time
   The demanding nature of graduate study requires effective time-management skills from all students. The rigour of our programs, whether undertaken part-time or full-time, ensures that all successful graduates have enhanced time-management skills.
8. Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, including the ethics of scholarship
   Some subjects have a substantive ethical component. All instructors have a respect for intellectual integrity and are skilled scholars or practitioners in their own right.
9. Appreciation of the way in which knowledge provides a foundation for leadership
   Instructors in the Melbourne Law Masters are leaders in their fields, and many subjects involve visiting academics, exposing students to a wider array of leaders in a range of legal fields. The Law School is committed to the significance of knowledge, which informs all regular programs and a wide range of additional activities.
10. Capacity to value and participate in teamwork
    Small class sizes and an intensive teaching format are valuable in encouraging group dynamics and teamwork.
11. Understanding of the significance and value of knowledge to the wider community
    Law and legal knowledge are a community resource. In some subjects, this perspective is covered explicitly by the syllabus and the manner in which issues are treated in class. In addition, our diverse student body ensures that a range of perspectives on the way law impacts on the community are identified and analysed.
12. Capacity to engage with issues in contemporary society
    Our programs focus on the most up-to-date legal knowledge, analysing current issues and problems through the curriculum design, classroom discussion and assessment tasks. International students are also invited to participate in extracurricular activities to aid understanding of Australian law and legal institutions.
13. Advanced working skills in the use of new technology
    The most advanced IT infrastructure is available to Melbourne Law Masters students in the Law Library, the Moot Court Room, classroom settings and for private study.