Looking to boost your legal career but not ready to dive into a full-on Master of Laws (LLM)?
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law might be the answer.
Offering a flexible and affordable way to upskill, the Graduate Certificate is perfect for busy legal professionals who want to sharpen their skills or master a particular field.
And the best part? It will still count towards your LLM! So if you do decide to pursue that path in the future, you’re already part of the way there.
Below, we outline 7 reasons this pathway could be your best move.
But first, what is the Graduate Certificate in Applied Law?
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Law is a postgraduate course for practising lawyers or legal professionals – anyone looking to deepen their legal knowledge or gain expertise in a niche field of law.
It’s flexible, self-paced and designed so you can apply what you learn directly to your work.
The program consists of two subjects and can take as little as six months (full-time) – or up to two years (part time) to complete. You can tailor it to suit your schedule.
You can take subjects in a variety of practice areas, including:
- Family law
- Wills and estates
- Commercial litigation
- Property law
- ASEAN+6 legal practice
- Business law and transactions
- Dispute resolution
- Government and public sector
- In-house practice
- Legal business management
- Estate planning
Curious if this is the right path for you? Let’s explore some of the advantages in more detail.
1. Low commitment, high flexibility
Balancing work, personal life, family and study is challenging for many legal professionals.
The Graduate Certificate offers a flexible solution, allowing you to upskill at your own pace without overwhelming your schedule – and in a fraction of the time it would take you to complete a full Master’s.
It’s also a lower financial commitment than the LLM. So you can level up your skills without outlaying too much too quickly.
2. Earn a qualification in record time
One of the top perks of a Graduate Certificate?
You can earn a formal qualification after just two subjects.
Upon completion, you’ll have a recognised credential on your resume that highlights your specialised knowledge and commitment to continuous learning and development.
And that’s guaranteed to help you stand out in the competitive legal job market.
3. Ease back into study
If your study skills are a bit rusty, diving into a full LLM can feel daunting.
The Graduate Certificate is a fantastic way to get a feel for the workload and expectations of postgraduate study in a less demanding environment.
You’ll get to flex your reading, writing and research skills and get back into the rhythm of studying without the pressure of a full course load.
And you’ll have plenty of support along the way! At the College of Law, we offer tailored academic support and guidance from the industry professionals who teach our courses.
4. Step your way to a Master’s degree
The Graduate Certificate is a respected standalone qualification. But it can also act as the perfect stepping stone to a full LLM.
Once you’ve completed the course, you can seamlessly upgrade to a Master’s at any time without the need to start from scratch.
Those two subjects you’ve taken? They’re progress you’ve already banked, making the transition smoother and quicker. So, if you do decide to pursue the LLM further down the line, you’ll already be ahead of the game.
5. Customise your course – and boost your career
Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re committed to becoming the best lawyer you can be.
The Graduate Certificate offers a practical way to immediately apply new skills to your current role while expanding your expertise in specialised areas of law. You can handpick subjects that align with your career goals and interests
Need to boost your conflict resolution skills to better support your clients? We’ve got a subject on dispute resolution. Looking to forge a career where you can support people through their toughest moments? Opt for family law or wills and estates.
Whether you want to dive deeper into commercial litigation or pivot to a completely new field, the Graduate Certificate is your chance to explore what excites you most.
6. Cash in on your learning (fast!)
A Graduate Certificate doesn’t just look good on paper – it pays off quickly.
With just two subjects, you’ll gain practical skills you can use right away, whether that’s improving your performance in your current role or opening doors to new opportunities.
Because the commitment is shorter, you’ll see faster returns on both your time and money. It’s the smart way to justify your investment.
7. A more confident you!
Sharper skills and more focused expertise are guaranteed to improve your practice. But they’ll work wonders for your confidence, too.
Investing in your professional development is an important step toward achieving your career goals and becoming the lawyer you aspire to be.
With each new skill you acquire, you’ll find yourself better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
So, what are you waiting for?
Take charge of your professional journey. Find out more about the Graduate Certificate of Applied Law.