Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in International Law

Advance your knowledge in international law and open up career opportunities in government, non-government and private institutions where international law is relevant.

About the course

Advance your knowledge in international law and open up career opportunities in government, non-government organisations, inter-governmental organisations, and private institutions where international law is relevant.

Taught by a diverse team of international law experts with extensive backgrounds in practice and research in international law, our award-winning teaching staff bring a practical, real-world perspective to international law. This course is suited to both the current law practitioner and those pursuing a career in Australia or overseas relevant to international law in government, non-governmental organisations, inter-governmental organisations and private institutions where international law is relevant.

The course is available to both law and non-law graduates, and is particularly complementary to other disciplines such as international relations, economics and history. Study begins with core units in the foundations of international law, theory, method and contemporary issues, as well as foundations of public international law. You can then specialise by electing units from areas such as international criminal, human rights, environmental, oil and gas, and World Trade Organization law. You can also undertake a research paper to further deepen your knowledge and critique of a specific field of international law.

You will apply the law to real-world situations and learn the skills needed to implement international law knowledge into the workplace, including research skills, oration and critical analysis.

Quick details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
• Weekly contact time: Variable - includes intensive teaching blocks
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 21320
• This course is not available to international student visa holders

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

• Core:
  • Students without a recognised Law degree, take unit from this group (6 points).
    • LAWS5165 Public International Law (6)
• Option - Group A:
  • Take unit(s) from Group A to complete the remainder of points (18).
    • LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions (6)
    • LAWS5114 International Environmental Law (6)
    • LAWS5167 Comparative Legal Method (6)
    • LAWS5219 International Criminal Law (6)
    • LAWS5220 International Humanitarian Law (6)
    • LAWS5223 Theories for Contemporary Criminal Justice (6)
    • LAWS5225 Theory, Method and Contemporary Issues of International Law (6)
    • LAWS5226 International Human Rights Law (6)
    • LAWS5241 International Dispute Settlement (6)
    • LAWS5251 International Sales Law (6)
    • LAWS5296 Technology Law and Governance (6)
    • LAWS5521 Climate Change Law (6)
    • LAWS5577 Governing the Commons: Oceans, ice and outer space (6)
    • LAWS5694 Research Paper I (6)
    • LAWS5695 Research Paper II (12)

Attendance

Students enrolling for Semester 1 entry can enrol on a full-time or part-time basis. Students enrolling for Semester 2 entry can enrol on a part-time only basis.

Why study this course?

• You'll be taught a broad cross-section of units on various international law topics.
• You'll be exposed to international experts in their fields.
• You'll develop knowledge and skills marketable locally, nationally and internationally.

Western Australia's premier Law School

The UWA Law School is ranked in the top 150 law schools in the world for Law and Legal Studies (QS 2025). You will join and contribute to 90 years of excellence: we are the first law school established in WA and the fifth oldest in Australia.

Our graduates include a Prime Minister, a Governor of Western Australia, State Ministers, Justices of the Supreme Court of WA, a Young Australian of the Year, Rhodes Scholars, and more.

While we have a long and proud history, we're also a closely-knit, creative and progressive Law School, fostering critical thought, ethical scholarship and practice, a deep connection to our Indigenous past and present, and supportive student culture based upon wellbeing and inclusion.

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

• This course opens career opportunities relevant to international law in government, non-government, not for profit and private institutions.
• Students who successfully complete this course with a minimum weighted average mark of 60 per cent are eligible for entry to the Master of International Law.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

• Domestic Student Fees:
  • For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required.
• Scholarships:
  • Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

• To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
  • 1(a) a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; or
  • 2(a) (i) a bachelor's degree in a cognate area, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and (ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; or
  • 3(a) (i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and (ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; and (iii) at least two years of relevant professional experience.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

• This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 6.5. For more information visit ELC requirements.