Discover what makes the courses offered in UQ's Master of Laws (LLM) ideal for practising lawyers looking to specialise and enhance their career.
You already know where you’d like to take your career, and that the LLM is one way to get there. But before committing to postgraduate study, you want to know that what you learn will prepare you for the direction you want to take. You also want to know you’ll have the flexibility to fit study into your schedule.
Here are 4 reasons why the UQ LLM will set you up to excel in your chosen area of practice.
1. Designed for practitioners
The UQ LLM offers a range of practitioner-focused courses designed to provide you with a rigorous set of specialist knowledge and skills you can apply directly to your current and future roles.
From the application of law in contemporary practice to how future practice may be impacted by digital disruption and new technologies, these courses teach the capabilities and depth of understanding required to meet the complex needs of contemporary legal practice.
Studying the LLM provides the opportunity to learn new topics in a structured, supportive way, rather than having to rely on ad hoc on-the-job training.
Some of the top law courses scheduled in 2026 include:
- International Human Rights Law
- Commercial Equity Litigation
- Mediation and Conflict Management
- Refugees, Asylum Seekers and the Law: Rights and Realities
- Intellectual Property Law
- Natural Resources Law.
Discover the full list of courses on offer in the UQ LLM.
2. Customisable course list
With the UQ LLM, there’s no such thing as a ‘core’ course, program plan or formal specification. You get to choose every course you complete to ensure what you learn is relevant to your practice area, interests and career goals.
You can deepen your knowledge in one area of law or upskill in multiple areas by choosing your own general study plan.
This flexibility was one of the things alumnus Brendan Pitman liked most about studying the Master of Laws at UQ.
"The UQ Master of Laws offered me the flexibility to choose subjects that I was interested in, rather than being stuck doing core subjects that had no practical benefit to my career... The custom pathways really mean it is unparalleled."
Find out more about what Brendan believed were the key benefits of UQ's Master of Laws.
3. Taught by leading practitioners and legal academics
To match the world-class, practical course content, UQ LLM courses are taught by experienced teaching staff and guest presenters who are at the forefront of evolving law practices and developments.
Courses can be presented by a mix of well-known judges, practitioners and/or legal academics who share their expertise through real-life examples.
To name a few, some of our LLM teaching staff include:
- Professor John Swinson
- Anne-Marie Rice, Executive Director of Dispute Resolution, solicitor and accredited family law specialist
- Professor Craig Forrest, Director of the UQ Marine and Shipping Law Unit
- Sam Walpole, Barrister and Adjunct Fellow.
By working closely with teachers and peers in a collaborative learning environment, you’ll enhance your professional network.
4. Flexible class times
As a busy practitioner, you’re already juggling many work and life commitments. So how could you add postgraduate study to the equation?
Many of the courses in the LLM are not only practical in content but also in delivery.
To suit full-time practitioners who are interested in studying part time, courses are generally offered as intensives over the weekend or after 5pm to allow for busy weekday work schedules.
The courses offered by the UQ LLM allow lawyers to specialise in areas of interest while balancing existing commitments. Take your career to the next level by applying for the Master of Laws at UQ.
