The Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law (GDipEnvLaw) is designed to develop your expertise in a dynamic area of law that is continuing to grow in importance. It’s available for both law and non-law graduates and is ideal for government professionals, legal practitioners, professionals working in environmental and resources sectors, and those with a broader philosophical or practical interest. As a student in the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law, you’ll study four subjects from a wide selection that includes a focus on emerging national and international legal issues and practices, such as in water law, climate change law, the management of land subject to native title and general planning and development. Course structure Students must complete four subjects from the prescribed lists. Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions. Subject timing and format The Melbourne Law Masters program has been designed around the busy schedules of working professionals. Subjects are offered from February to December each year. Most subjects are taught intensively, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the subject content. Intensive subjects are typically taught over five days, either from Monday–Friday or Wednesday–Tuesday, excluding the weekend. This intensive format enables students from interstate or overseas to fly to Melbourne to attend class. Semester-length subjects are generally taught for two hours in the evening each week during the semester. Subjects are taught in an interactive seminar style and class sizes normally range from 20 to 30 students. Duration As a student, you will need to enrol in at least one subject per semester and will have a maximum of two years to complete the course, including any leave of absence. As a student in the Graduate Diploma of Environmental Law, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of environmental law, including: An in-depth knowledge of the specialist area of environmental law and associated disciplinary areas Detailed knowledge of the complex law, regulation and market-based approaches in the field The capacity to identify new laws and/or apply existing law in the rapidly evolving legal context for environmental law Advanced understanding of developments in international environmental law You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients. Many students who complete four subjects towards the Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law decide to take four more subjects to complete a Master of Environmental Law.