Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The program combines advanced study of substantive migration and refugee law with practical training in procedural and ethical aspects of migration practice. Core topics typically include:

• Australian Migration Law: principles governing visas, residency, citizenship, and statelessness.
• Refugee and Human Rights Law: refugee status determination, non‑refoulement, complementary protection and international instruments.
• Administrative and Review Processes: merits review, judicial review, decision‑making by the Department and Tribunal processes.
• Migration Practice and Advocacy: client interviewing, case management, preparing applications and submissions, and advocacy before tribunals and courts.
• Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Regulation: practice standards, privacy, confidentiality and compliance issues for advisers.
• Research Methods or Capstone Project: applied research, a dissertation or capstone project addressing current issues in migration law or policy.
• Practical Experience: clinical placements, simulated hearings or supervised professional experience to develop practical skills (availability varies by campus and intake).

Study is delivered through lectures, seminars, case studies, practical workshops and assessed work such as legal research, written submissions and advocacy exercises. The program is structured to allow completion through coursework with a research project or practicum depending on the chosen pathway.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor degree. Typical entry pathways include:

• Law graduates with an undergraduate law degree or equivalent.
• Graduates from other disciplines with substantial relevant professional experience in legal, social work, community or government roles may be considered.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).

Applicants may also be considered on the basis of prior postgraduate study or relevant professional practice. Specific admission conditions, including any required prerequisite units or interviews, are provided by the university at application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of roles in migration law and policy, including:

• Registered migration agent or migration law practitioner (subject to meeting regulatory registration requirements and practical experience where applicable).
• Solicitor or barrister specialising in immigration and refugee law.
• Policy and legal adviser in government departments, tribunals or statutory bodies dealing with migration and citizenship.
• Advocacy, casework and community legal roles in NGOs, charities and migrant service organisations.
• Compliance, risk and immigration specialist roles in corporate or international organisations.
• Academic or research careers focusing on migration law, human rights or public policy.

Practical components and industry links offered by the program help graduates transition into professional practice or progress existing careers in the sector.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers focused legal education with an emphasis on ethical practice, social justice and community engagement—key values in migration work. The course is taught by staff with expertise in migration and refugee law, including academics who publish in the field and practitioners with experience in tribunals and community legal services.

Students benefit from practical learning opportunities such as clinics, simulated advocacy and connections to community organisations and legal practices. ACU's multi‑campus presence and supportive learning environment provide access to flexible study options and professional networks that assist with transitioning into migration law roles.