Advanced Standing
The following sets out the circumstances in which the School may grant advanced standing for credit for subjects satisfactorily completed at another institution towards the JD, in the exercise of its powers under Statute 11 of the University.
The School may, in the exercise of its discretion, grant advanced standing for credit for compulsory subjects in the JD, if:
- Such subjects were completed at a masters level (for example in a JD program) in a degree leading to admission to legal practice in Australia or its equivalent.
- Such subjects were completed within the five years prior to admission to the JD.
- Such subjects are, in the opinion of the School substantially equivalent in that they offer equivalent content and are of an equal standard to compulsory subjects offered in the JD.
The School may, in the exercise of its discretion, grant credit for a maximum of 7 subjects (87.5 points) towards the elective component of the JD, if:
- Such law subjects were completed at a masters level or its equivalent
- Such subjects were completed within the five years prior to admission to the JD
- Such subjects are, in the opinion of the School, of an equal standard to elective subjects offered in the JD.
- Subjects completed as part of a degree that has been conferred will not normally be credited to the JD.
Ordinarily satisfactory completion of 3 - 5 elective law subjects will result in the granting of unspecified advanced standing for one elective subject in the Melbourne JD.
The maximum advanced standing awarded in the JD is 8 subjects (or 100 points).
Candidates are advised to make any application for credit at the time of application for the JD using the JD Advanced Standing application form.