Course overview
This specialised, practical legal training (PLT) course is aimed at law graduates who wish to apply for admission to the legal profession in Western Australia. It is approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia and was the first PLT program to be delivered by a WA university. /p>
You may be able to start this course before completing your Bachelor of Laws in certain circumstances, provided you have obtained prior approval from the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Read more
To discuss your eligibility for early commencement, or if you have any questions about the course, please contact Curtin.PLT@curtin.edu.au.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Lawyer
- Barrister
Industries
- Banking and finance
- Courts and tribunals
- Government
- Law
- Resources and renewables
- Private legal practice
- In-house legal counsel
Professional accreditation and recognition
- The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice fulfils the Practical Legal Training requirement for admission as a practitioner by the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
It is approved by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia and was the first PLT program to be delivered by a WA university.
You will study civil litigation practice, commercial and corporate practice, and property law practice. You will also further your legal skills in a range of essential areas including advocacy, cross-cultural communication, dispute resolution, drafting legal documents and legal interviewing. Students are also required to complete a one week placement with the John Curtin Law Clinic.
This course is delivered in the heart of the Perth CBD and legal precinct. We offer the convenience of early evening classes, so you can better manage your work and family commitments. You may also request assessment extensions if you have been affected by work commitments outside of your control.
This course focuses on practical learning activities and does not include any exams. You will be required to undertake 75 days of work experience within a Curtin-approved legal workplace or a 40-day work placement at the John Curtin Law Clinic (limited places by application). If you complete your work experience through the John Curtin Law Clinic, you will work directly with clients, providing advice on real matters, and learn to manage case files using practice management software.
Taught through the expertise of Curtin Law School, you will be supported through regular, face-to-face seminars and workshops with experienced members of the legal profession.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
Specifically, applicants require a Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or equivalent qualification from a recognised university approved under the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2009 (WA), or otherwise have received prior written approval from the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia to enrol in the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice Course. Students who have less than 50 credits of optional units remaining in the undergraduate degree and have received written approval from the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia may be enrolled to commence the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice concurrently with enrolment in those optional units.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Domestic fee-paying first-year fee
$13,656*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Study Block 1, 2026 | 21 Jul 2025 | Applications now closed |
| Study Block 3, 2026 | 16 Jun 2026 | Applications now closed |
| Study Block 4, 2026 | Applications now open | 25 Sep 2026 |
| Study Block 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 18 Jan 2027 |
| Study Block 2, 2027 | 1 Dec 2026 | 5 Apr 2027 |
| Study Block 3, 2027 | 5 Apr 2027 | 28 Jun 2027 |
| Study Block 4, 2027 | Applications now open | 18 Jan 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.