University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The LLM at the University of Western Australia combines advanced taught units with the option of a supervised research project or capstone. Students choose from a range of elective subjects that allow focused study in areas such as commercial and corporate law, international and public law, natural resources and energy law, taxation, intellectual property, dispute resolution and environmental law. Core study emphasises doctrinal analysis, comparative and policy perspectives, and applied legal skills including legal research, writing and advocacy.

• Sample taught units: Advanced Corporate and Securities Law; International Trade and Investment Law; Administrative and Constitutional Law; Natural Resources and Energy Law; Intellectual Property Law; Taxation Law; Arbitration and Commercial Dispute Resolution; Environmental and Planning Law.
• Research or capstone option: Eligible students can undertake a supervised research project or major paper that develops specialist expertise, rigorous research methods and publishable-quality legal analysis.
• Delivery and learning methods: Teaching is delivered through seminars, lectures, small-group tutorials and research supervision. Assessment typically includes written assignments, case analyses, oral presentations and the research paper where applicable.
• Study load and flexibility: The program is offered with flexible study loads to accommodate full-time study or part-time professional study, enabling candidates to tailor the pace and breadth of their learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised law degree (such as an LLB or JD) or a combination of qualifications and professional experience deemed equivalent by the admissions committee. Candidates with substantial professional legal experience, particularly in specialised practice areas, may also be considered.

• Academic transcripts: Official transcripts demonstrating the required level of prior legal study.
• Supporting documentation: A current CV, statement of purpose outlining proposed areas of study or research, and referees or professional references where requested.
• English language proficiency: International applicants must meet the university's English language admission requirements.
• Research supervision (if applicable): Applicants proposing a substantial research component should indicate a research topic and may be asked to identify a potential supervisor with relevant expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates of the LLM develop advanced legal knowledge and analytical skills sought by employers across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Typical career pathways include roles as senior solicitors and counsel in private practice, in-house counsel for corporations, compliance and regulatory specialists, policy advisers in government agencies, legal advisors to industry bodies, and positions with international organisations and NGOs. The degree also provides a foundation for those pursuing further research or academic careers.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The UWA Law School offers a research-active academic environment with expertise across commercial, resources, environmental, and public law—areas of particular relevance to the regional economy and global practice. Students benefit from access to experienced academic staff, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and connections with Perth’s legal community, regulators and industry sectors. The program’s flexible structure is designed to accommodate practising lawyers while maintaining rigorous standards of scholarship and professional relevance.