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Program Overview
Master of Law, Policy and Government
About the course
This course is available to law and non-law graduates seeking an advanced understanding of socio-legal theory, policy development and the skills required to work in or with government. Combining theory and practically oriented units, the course is suited to those looking to build a career in the public sector as legal practitioners or in private industry where it intersects with government approval, regulation and compliance.
Quick details
- Status: Available in 2023
- Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
- Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
- Delivery: On-campus
- Starting dates: For further information and unit availability visit the Law School web page.
- Weekly contact time: Variable - includes intensive teaching blocks.
- Level of study: Postgraduate
- Course Code: 21530
- CRICOS code: K
- Full time/part time duration: 1 year
- Degrees course is available in: Master of Law, Policy and Government
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
- LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions (6)
- LAWS5260 Intersections of Law, Policy and Governance (6)
- POLS5501 The Politics of Public Policy (6)
- Option - Group A
- LAWS5100 Sustainability Law and Policy in Resource Development (6)
- LAWS5109 Ethical Dispute Resolution (6)
- LAWS5167 Comparative Legal Method (6)
- LAWS5215 Risk Regulation (6)
- LAWS5223 Theories for Contemporary Criminal Justice (6)
- LAWS5261 Planning Law (6)
- LAWS5296 Technology Law and Governance (6)
- LAWS5517 Mining Law (6)
- LAWS5694 Research Paper I (6)
- LAWS5813 Legal Issues for Not-for-Profit Entities (6)
- Option - Group B
- COMM5200 Digital Advocacy (6)
- COMM5604 Media Governance (6)
- LAWS5109 Ethical Dispute Resolution (6)
- LAWS5114 International Environmental Law (6)
- LAWS5167 Comparative Legal Method (6)
- LAWS5182 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Law (6)
- LAWS5215 Risk Regulation (6)
- LAWS5223 Theories for Contemporary Criminal Justice (6)
- LAWS5261 Planning Law (6)
- LAWS5521 Climate Change Law (6)
- LAWS5540 Environmental Protection Law (6)
- LAWS5577 Governing the Commons: Oceans, ice and outer space (6)
- LAWS5590 Water Resources Law (6)
- LAWS5694 Research Paper I (6)
- LAWS5695 Research Paper II (12)
- LAWS5696 Research Paper III Part 1 (6)
- LAWS5697 Research Paper III Part 2 (6)
- POLS5010 NGOs, Governance and Development (6)
- POLS5681 Governance in the International System (6)
- SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship (6)
- SVLG5003 Wicked Problems (6)
- Option - Group C
- LAWS5181 Health Law and Policy (6)
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
- (a) a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; or
- (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
- (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.
Ranking and Selection Process
Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
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.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
Annual course fee
2025
Full-Fee Paying Place $34,800.00
For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL).
Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Visit the Fee Calculator and select your course type to find out more. Fees are subject to annual indexation.
More information on how fees are calculated.
Fee calculator
International Student Fees
Annual course fee
2025
$47,600.00
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load.
Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
Fee calculator
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.
Search Scholarships
Cost of living
There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.
Careers and further study
Explore the career opportunities available to you.
Career Pathways
This course opens career opportunities for those seeking employment within the public sector. You may also choose to work as a legal practitioner or in private industry where it intersects with government approval, regulation and compliance.
Further Study
You can elect to take a research component of your course which will provide a pathway to further studies. Research options include Doctor of Juridical Science, Master of Philosophy by research, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Laws.
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.
