Juris doctor degree grows in popularity

THE University of Technology, Sydney has restructured its law degree offerings, relaunching its master of law and legal practice qualification as a juris doctor of law.

The move follows news of radical plans at the University of Melbourne, which has introduced a more American style of learning.

Under the "Melbourne model" reforms, it will no longer accept undergraduate law students as of next year. Rather, students will have to complete a different undergraduate degree before gaining a Melbourne juris doctor.

The University of Notre Dame's Sydney campus is also introducing a juris doctor course next year, and Monash University, the University of New England, the University of Queensland and the University of Canberra also offer the JD.

At Notre Dame, classes are held on week nights and weekends, aimed at those already working.

Bronwyn Olliffe, UTS's associate dean of teaching and learning in the faculty said the master of law and legal practice - the first of its kind when launched seven years ago - had been redesigned because of internal research that found some students did not wish to go on and complete their practical legal training - compulsory under the MLLP.

"Students are looking for the fastest way to get to the end of a degree," Ms Olliffe said.

The course would now be six months shorter, and with fewer credit points the cost would also be reduced. The name change was partly a reflection of the growing market in juris doctor degrees.

"The name juris doctor is something recognised more internationally," Ms Olliffe said.

"I think this is something we will see spreading further in Australia."