Juris Doctor

Change to a career in law

The Juris Doctor is a graduate-entry programme for non-law graduates. If you want a career in law and already have an undergraduate degree, you can enter the Juris Doctor rather than the undergraduate Bachelor of Laws.

Because we know that you come to us with a wealth of previous experience, the Juris Doctor is pitched at a higher level to challenge you and to build your capabilities in a legal workplace.

You will find our lecturers are very accessible as we pride ourselves on our ability to know our students individually, whether you study on campus or online.

Professional relevance

Our Law programmes have been developed with extensive input from experts in the profession. Our lecturers have strong connections with legal practice and understand the needs of the legal profession. Collectively, they have a wealth of experience in a diverse range of backgrounds, including general legal practice, criminal law, human rights, international and comparative law, family and succession law, environmental and natural resources law, commercial and taxation law, and public law and policy.

Professional accreditation

The Juris Doctor has been accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board, Queensland and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland as an approved academic qualification under the Supreme Court (Admission) Rule 2004 Qld.

This will partially satisfy the requirements to practice as a solicitor or barrister in Queensland or as a legal practitioner elsewhere in Australia. Intending solicitors and barristers must also complete an approved practical legal training course in order to become admitted to practice. All law graduates have the option of completing their practical legal training through a one-year traineeship in law practice, or through an institution that offers a practical legal training qualification.

About us

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) is dedicated to providing quality programs across all study levels to students around the world. We offer on-campus, online and blended study options to our students, to suit their lifestyle and needs.

In just over 50 years we have become a prominent multi-campus teaching and research institution. Established in 1967 and becoming a university in 1992, we deliver high-quality education programs to our students while building capacity and capability in our research outcomes. Now ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide* and servicing a diverse and vibrant international community, our graduates enjoy the highest career-entry salaries in Australia^.

We are a research-intensive regional university that operates from three South East Queensland campuses (Toowoomba, Springfield and Ipswich), the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (Stanthorpe), online and through trusted national and international education partners.

Our research agenda addresses critical global challenges to deliver world-class impacts to local communities, the nation and the world. The multi-disciplinary research areas we have, are recognised by the Australian Research Council’s excellence framework (2018–19) of which over 30 are ranked at world standard or above.

Our Academics are engaged with their fields as industry professionals, integrating real-world know-how with teaching and learning expertise. We maintain strong support from the local communities and has a five-star rating for internationalisation and employability#.

CRICOS: QLD 00244B | NSW 02225M | TEQSA PRV12081

*Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2021. ^Graduate Outcome Survey, 2020 National Report. #QS, 2019.

Student services

Accommodation

We have information about the accommodation options in/near its three campus locations available online. It is important to consider what type of accommodation is best for you and what will suit your lifestyle, budget and living needs. For more detailed advice, please make an appointment with USQ’s Welfare Office to discuss your needs.

iconnect

iconnect is our centralised support service for students. Designed with student input and offering personalised support on-campus and available online via Zoom, chat and the iconnect Facebook group. Connect with us and have your questions answered.

Student relationship officers

From the moment you enrol to the day you graduate, USQ Student Relationship Officers (SROs) are available to provide in-depth, tailored support to assist you and make your learning journey positive.

Multicultural support

We have a rich cultural diversity within our student population and our priority is to create a culture that values diversity and respect for all backgrounds. Explore our support available for international, and culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Student Guild

The Student Guild provides free Student Advocacy, sports facilities, support and services to students.

Study support

Explore resources, develop your skills, gain access to a range of support to succeed in your studies.

Health and wellness (including disability)

We care about your health and wellbeing and offer a variety of services with medical services, appointments, counselling and programs to help you throughout the study.

Airport pick-up

Eligible international students arriving at the Brisbane or Toowoomba airports can take advantage of our free airport pick-up service to take you to your arranged accommodation.

Student Life

We have a commitment to making your study journey enjoyable, bright and successful. You can stay engaged and connected with the staff, other students and the community. Attend our student events, join a variety of clubs and societies, be part of a USQ sports team and discover our programs that develop skills. Enjoy the full-study experience with USQ. More than just study!

Check our full list of student support services and Student Life resources on our website.

Career

Our degrees produce industry-leading career outcomes with students being supported to enhance their employability and to remain competitive in today’s job market from their first day.

Programs facilitated for students include:

• Career planning and advice
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Recruitment support
• Gain experience & get connected
• Specialised career support
• Student professional development
• Careers & Employability events
• Job board
• Careers in Curriculum (Support for Academics)
• Work options for a graduate

The Careers & Employability Team offer one-on-one career planning sessions to help you achieve your career goals.

Students at USQ have access to a wide range of facilities and have the opportunity to engage in our dynamic and rewarding environment. Our innovative degrees broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for challenging careers in their chosen fields, to enhance their employability and innovation skills.

Programmes and Courses

Experience world-class lecturers and small class sizes at a university where the little things count as much the big results we deliver.

Prepare for your future career with USQ. The Number 1 University in Australia for graduate starting salary. Choose from a wide range of degrees available on-campus, online or in a blended mode from across a wide range of study areas including:

• Agriculture & Environment
• Arts & Humanities
• Aviation
• Business & Management
• Education & Teaching
• Engineering
• Information & Communications Technology
• Law & Criminology
• Media & Communication
• Nursing & Allied Health
• Psychology & Human Services
• Sciences
• Surveying & Built Environment
• Visual & Performing Arts

Other study options

• Double degrees
• English Language
• Pathways
• Short programs
• Single courses
• USQ UpSkill