This program is not available to international students who intend to apply for a student visa to undertake this program.
Gain admission to practise law in Australia
The Faculty of Law at Bond University is a professional law school offering accredited programs including the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (also known as ‘PLT’). We deliver a rigorous curriculum that engages you and provides practical training in the essential skills needed to become a lawyer. Students will be taught by industry professionals to ensure they are workplace-ready.
Students should contact the relevant admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission.
Online GDLP Learning Intensive
The program includes a compulsory 5 day learning intensive for all trainees which is held online. The intensive is an important part of the program as it includes a variety of guest speakers and professional workshops.
Hear about the Bond GDLP Program
What our students say
“I chose the online delivery method as I currently work full time and was unable to attend on campus. Having completed my Bachelor of Laws online with another university, I have experienced firsthand how challenging this learning method can be, however the amount of support I have received from all of the Bond teaching staff to date has been incredible and I have not experienced any of the difficulties that one would expect when engaging in online education.”
Key features
- Online Learning Intensive
- Premium quality, personalised learning experience at a competitive price
- Flexible study options
- Innovative and interactive learning modules
- Complete the course in two semesters
- Experienced legal practitioners as instructors and mentors
- Personalised support in securing a legal placement
- Full range of university resources including world-class law library
About the program
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (ONLINE) (GDLP) is a postgraduate program offered by the Faculty of Law, and is the link between a student’s law degree and becoming a practising lawyer. The GDLP provides students with a structured coursework learning environment as well as supervised legal training. Show more
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (ONLINE) (GDLP) is a postgraduate program offered by the Faculty of Law, and is the link between a student’s law degree and becoming a practising lawyer. The GDLP provides students with a structured coursework learning environment as well as supervised legal training. The program is based on the competency standards for entry level lawyers developed by the admitting authorities and the Australian Professional Legal Education Council (APLEC). Successful completion of the program will enable students to apply for admission to legal practice in Australia and in some overseas jurisdictions. Students should contact the relevant admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission in specific States or Territories. Show less
| Mode | Online |
| Duration | 2 semesters (8 months) |
| Starting semesters |
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| Program type | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Study area | Law |
| Program code | LA-43042 |
| CRICOS code | This program is not available to international students who intend to apply for a student visa. |
| Credit for prior study | For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected] |
Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice will enable you to apply for admission to legal practice in Australia.
Students should contact the relevant admitting authority to ascertain the requirements for admission in specific States or Territories. The Bond GDLP program meets the standards to prepare law graduates for admission to practice as a solicitor.
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice can be completed online or on-campus. Trainees must complete a compulsory five (5) day learning intensive at the start of the program.
The GDLP has two components, that students will need to complete; the Compulsory Component and the Elective Component. View a sample study plan.
1. Compulsory Component
As part of the Compulsory Component, you will need to complete:
- Law Placement (30 days) + Transition to Practice
- Learning Intensive + four (4) compulsory subjects;
The compulsory subjects will include:
- Civil Litigation Practice
- Commercial and Corporate Law Practice
- Financial and Ethical Responsibilities
- Property Law Practice
2. Elective Component
In the Elective Component, you can choose to complete EITHER:
- Two (2) electives coursework subjects + an Elective Law Placement; or
- Four (4) elective coursework subjects;
Students can select from the following Electives:
All elective coursework subjects are delivered online.
Program Dates for 2020
| Semester | Intensive/Start of Program | End of Program |
|---|---|---|
| May 2020 | 11 May 2020 | 12 December 2020 |
| September 2020 | 7 September 2020 | 16 April 2021 |
Please note that the Learning Intensive will be fully online for May 2020.
The below fees are based on the total cost, fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester.
- 2020 fees: $10,720
- 2021 fees: $11,256
When considering the fees associated with your studies, keep in mind that Bond’s accelerated schedule means you can finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than if you went to another university.
This time saving also represents a substantial reduction in accommodation and living costs, plus a full year of extra earnings.
Find out your financing options and other living costs to consider.
Academic entry requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is offered to students who have completed a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor program at an approved Australian institution (or equivalent).
Please contact the Office of Future Students for further information.
Concurrent enrolment
Students will be considered for concurrent enrolment in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice:
- at the discretion of the GDLP Director;
- with a maximum of two (2) electives remaining in their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) program; and
- with written approval from the Legal Practitioners Admission Board (LPAB) or its equivalent in the State/Territory in which the student intends to be admitted.
Please note: Students with Priestly Eleven compulsory subjects to complete cannot be approved for concurrent enrolment.
English language proficiency requirements
As tuition is delivered in English, all international students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English Language Proficiency Requirements for university study.
How to apply
Students must submit a Concurrent Enrolment Application Form for consideration at least three (3) weeks prior to the Program commencement.
Please note that in addition, students must also submit an official application for the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice via the Bond website.
Please contact the Office of Future Students for any enrolment enquiries on 1800-074-074 or email [email protected].
To speak to the GDLP Coordinator, please call +61 7 5595 2284 or email [email protected].
Please note that the rules and conditions of concurrent enrolment are subject to change. Concurrent enrolment is not a ground for special consideration for students in relation to absence from class, extensions, assignments, assessments, exams, appeals, late withdrawals, etc. for their Law subjects or GDLP. Students are required to attend all GDLP compulsory sessions.
Students are reminded that admission to legal practice is your responsibility. If you have any concerns about how your concurrent enrolment may affect your eligibility to apply for admission to legal practice, you should contact the LPAB or its equivalent in the State/Territory in which you intend to be admitted.
Key dates
Program variations
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is also offered on-campus. For more information, please click on the link below:
What our academics say
“The practical workshops and skill based material delivered by experienced legal practitioners together with one-on-one mentoring for trainees and access to services like the Career Development Centre are invaluable and set Bond PLT apart from other providers."
Further study
Are you interested in further postgraduate study? In addition to applying for admission, upon completion of the PLT program, students have the option of continuing their studies to obtain a Master of Laws. The LLM is a postgraduate law qualification that provides flexibility and choice with a wide range of specialist areas, which means you can design your Master's degree to suit your area of interest and needs. Upon successful completion of the PLT program, students will receive credit for two of the eight subjects in the LLM program.
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Bond University Alumnus Matt shares how his time on campus drew him to a career in the Commonwealth Department of Social Services in Canberra, Australia.