2008 transition information for students currently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Law

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 2007
- the Juris Doctor (JD).

As a result of the introduction of the JD the Faculty has decided, after much deliberation, to phase out the C06055 Graduate Diploma in Law (GradDipLaw) from 2008. Regardless of the phasing out of the GradDipLaw the Faculty remains committed to assisting you to complete the GradDipLaw or assisting you to apply to transfer into the new JD (or another UTS:LAW degree) if you wish.

The JD is anticipated to be popular because it is 24 credit points shorter in duration than the Master of Law & Legal Practice (MLLP) - one full semester shorter and one full semester less in fees. The JD course name is becoming an Australian standard for a graduate-level entry 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 2 options.

1. You can apply to transfer into the JD (or another UTS:LAW degree) from 2008:
   
   or
   
2.  You can continue in the GradDipLaw.

If you choose to stay in your course there will be a number of changes to your remaining subjects that are outlined below.

Students who apply to transfer will be subject to the University's Recognition of Prior Learning rules.

What do I have to do?

If you wish to apply to  transfer into another UTS:LAW course from 2008 you will need to lodge an on-line Internal Course Transfer (ICT) application.

If you choose to stay in the GradDipLaw 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 managed by University staff.

What are the changes to the GradDipLaw?

Whether or not you choose to stay in the GradDipLaw or apply to transfer into another UTS:LAW course there will be a number of changes to the core law subjects from 2008.

The Curriculum Review updates 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?

You may notice the substitution of some of the subjects you are yet to enrol in post 2007.

The GradDipLaw 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.

View GradDipLaw 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.

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 GradDipLaw 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 study plan in My Student Administration by the end of October 2007.

It is our intention to develop your new study plan 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.