2008 transition information for students currently enrolled the Master of Law and Legal Practice
One of the outcomes of the UTS:LAW Curriculum Review 2006/07 has resulted in
the development of a new and exciting graduate-level legal qualification from 2008
- the Juris Doctor (JD).
As a result of the introduction of the JD from 2008 the Faculty has decided, after much deliberation, to phase out the Master of Law and Legal Practice (MLLP). The JD will become the UTS:LAW graduate-level legal qualification from 2008. Regardless of the phasing out of the MLLP you should feel confident that the Faculty remains committed to assisting you to complete the MLLP or assisting you to apply to transfer into the new JD if you wish.
The MLLP has proved extremely popular and has been well received by the profession. The JD is anticipated to be even more popular because it is 24 credit points shorter in duration than the MLLP - one full semester shorter and one full semester less in fees. The JD course name also is becoming an Australian standard for a graduate-level legal qualification. Currently 8 Australian universities - the University of Melbourne included - have developed a JD. The JD is also the standard legal qualification in the USA.
What are my options?
You have 3 options. You can:
- Continue in the MLLP;
- Elect to transfer into the Juris Doctor from 2008;
- Graduate with the JD if you have completed the MLLP requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students who apply to transfer into the JD will be subject to the University's Recognition of Prior Learning rules. However, MLLP students who elect to transfer into the JD in 2008 will be eligible to credit up to the total credit point requirements of the JD on the basis of equivalent subjects completed in the MLLP.
At the point that a UTS award is conferred upon a graduate it cannot be revoked.
What are the changes to the MLLP?
Whether or not you choose to stay in the MLLP or apply to transfer into the new JD there will be a number of changes to the core law and PLT subjects from 2008.
The Curriculum Review updates the UTS:LAW courses to reflect modern day practice. Our core subjects will incorporate changes to the content and to the teaching and learning within subjects. A number of subjects are being extensively revamped. In all subjects we will be concentrating, in an explicit manner, on law graduate attributes. We intend to embed discussion on ethics and on indigenous perspectives into all our core subjects and we will progressively seek to use leading edge technology to enhance teaching and learning.
How do the changes impact me?
If you choose to remain in the MLLP you may also notice the substitution of some of the core and PLT subjects you are yet to enrol in post 2007.
The MLLP Subject Substitution Map identifies affected subjects. Affected subjects that are identified on your study plan as 'planned' at the start of September 2007 will be substituted with the new subject identified on the Subject Substitution Map.
The change to your study plan will be dependent on which subjects you have completed prior to the start of Autumn Semester 2008. Subjects you have completed prior to Autumn 2008 (including subjects you expect to complete in Spring Semester 2007) will not be affected.
What do I have to do?
If you choose to stay in the MLLP you will not need to do anything. If your study plan needs to be changed to reflect the new 2008 course structure it will be amended by university staff.
If you wish to apply to transfer into the JD or another UTS:LAW course from 2008 you will need to lodge an on-line Internal Course Transfer (ICT) application.
When
If you wish to apply to transfer into another UTS:LAW course in 2008 you will need to lodge the on-line UTS Internal Course Transfer (ICT) application. ICT applications for 2008 close in December 2007.
If you choose to stay in the MLLP and there are changes needed to be made to your study plan they will be made over September/October 2007. You will be able to view your new MLLP study plan in My Student Administration by the end of October 2007.
It is our intention to develop your new MLLP study plan or effect the transfer into the JD in time for you to self-manage your 2008 enrolment in early November (you will be advised about 2008 Enrolment details later in 2007).
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you need further information please contact a UTS Haymarket Student Centre.