University of Southern Queensland

What you'll study

The Master of Laws combines advanced coursework with options for a substantial research project or capstone. Students typically complete a sequence of core subjects that strengthen research and analytical skills alongside a selection of specialised electives. Core topics emphasise legal research methods, statutory interpretation, comparative legal reasoning and contemporary issues in legal practice.

• Research and research methods: advanced legal research skills, thesis or supervised research project options.
• Advanced doctrinal subjects: topics such as principles of public and private law, statutory construction and judicial reasoning.
• Commercial and corporate law electives: company law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, insolvency and securities regulation.
• Dispute resolution and litigation: advanced civil procedure, arbitration, mediation and commercial dispute resolution.
• International and comparative law: international trade and investment law, public international law, human rights and comparative constitutional law.
• Specialist streams: intellectual property, taxation law, environmental and resources law, health law and regulatory compliance.

Delivery is flexible, with a combination of on-campus and online learning options to suit part-time and full-time students. Assessment commonly includes essays, research projects, case studies, exams and, where applicable, a supervised dissertation or capstone research project.

Entry requirements

Applicants generally require a recognised first law degree (for example an LLB, JD or equivalent). Candidates holding a relevant non-law bachelor degree plus substantial professional experience in a related field may be considered for admission into the program or into a pathway qualification.

• Academic prerequisites: an undergraduate law degree or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Alternative pathways: applicants without a law degree but with significant professional experience in a related area may be assessed on a case-by-case basis or required to complete bridging coursework.
• Research option: entry to the thesis or research project component may require a demonstrated capacity for independent research, such as prior honours study or relevant postgraduate work.
• English language: international applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements (for example through recognised tests or equivalent evidence of prior study in English).

Career prospects

The LLM is intended to expand career options rather than to replace the practical legal training needed for admission as a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction. Graduates use the degree to enhance practice in specialist areas of law or to pivot into adjacent roles. Common career paths include:

• Private practice: senior solicitor or specialist adviser in areas such as commercial, corporate, tax or IP law.
• In-house counsel and compliance: legal counsel, compliance officer or risk manager within corporations, financial institutions and not-for-profits.
• Government and policy: policy analyst, legislative drafter, regulatory adviser or roles within statutory agencies and public sector legal teams.
• Alternative dispute resolution and consultancy: arbitrator, mediator or specialist consultant in dispute resolution and negotiation.
• Academia and research: teaching and research roles in universities, legal research centres and think tanks (often following a research thesis).

Why study at University of Southern Queensland

USQ offers flexible study modes including online and blended delivery, making the LLM accessible to professionals working outside major metropolitan centres. The university has a strong focus on applied, practice-informed teaching and an active research culture in a number of legal fields. Students benefit from supportive academic supervision, industry engagement opportunities and access to professional skills development.

Studying at USQ is particularly suitable for those seeking a program that balances rigorous legal scholarship with practical relevance, delivered through flexible formats that accommodate part-time study or continued professional practice.