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Master of Digital Law

100% online

Study Load

20-24 hours per week

Units

12

Intakes

Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct

Face the legal challenges of the digital age.

The legal skills needed in a borderless world 

The Master of Digital Law is your way into a rapidly emerging legal specialisation. Set yourself up for the future with knowledge of the technology-related legal issues that are rapidly transforming our society.  

This degree is a unique opportunity for students of all industry backgrounds to upskill in a legal specialisation that is key to our dynamic digital world. As new technologies present industries with new challenges, this degree will allow you to tackle these issues with authority. 

What you will learn 
  • Human rights in a digital age
    Explore the ways global legal systems are adapting in times of digital compliance, convergence and changing privacy policies.
  • Cybercrime and AI
    Master your understanding of the legal consequences that accompany emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
  • Financial and digital market laws
    Discover the pathways to justice in emerging fintech fields of blockchain, intellectual property and digital currency.
Receive a one-on-one consultation about your study options.

Our worldwide Law rankings

Dedicated to academic excellence, Monash University has achieved international recognition and renown in its Law courses.
Australia
# 5
QS World University Rankings 2023 by Subject
(2023)
International
# 40
QS World University Rankings 2023 by Subject
(2023)

The course comprises 12 units structured in three parts: Part A Core legal study, Part B. Advanced legal knowledge, and Part C. Specialist legal applications. Students who have previously studied law will not be required to complete the introductory unit ‘Foundations of law in the digital world’ and may enter the course in any of the six intakes. Students without a law background will complete the introductory unit.

Need further clarification about our online course structure?

You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.

In these units, you will be introduced to legal processes and principles as they apply in a digital context. You must complete the following three units.

Foundations of law in the digital world

Dimensions of digital technology

Ethics, policy and governance

In these studies, you will develop advanced knowledge in digital law across a range of areas including criminal law, human rights law, and workplace and employment law. You must complete five of the following units, or four of the following units plus a Level 5 elective from the Monash online programs.

Fundamentals of privacy law

Law in the age of AI

Cybercrime

Technology, justice and human rights

Issues in the digital workplace

The focus of these units is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development.

You must complete four of the following units.

Blockchain, digital security and the law

Digital dimensions of intellectual property

Privacy and surveillance in an information age

Online dispute resolution and the future of justice

The global professional

Entry level 1: 72 points to complete

Duration: Two years part-time

An Australian bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with at least a credit (60 per cent) average, or equivalent qualification approved by the faculty, or an Australian bachelor’s degree with at least a credit (60 per cent) average, plus two years relevant work experience.

Entry level 2: 48 points to complete

Duration: 1.4 years part-time

An Australian Graduate Certificate of Digital Law, or an Australian bachelor honours degree (or equivalent as determined by the faculty) in a cognate discipline, with at least a credit (60 per cent) average.

Entry level 3: 24 points to complete

Duration: 0.7 year part-time

A Monash University Graduate Diploma of Digital Law.

English requirements

Applicants must meet the English language requirements.

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements apply for admission to Monash University Australia.

If you need help understanding the above entry requirements, reach out to our student consultants on our contact us page and schedule a booking for a chat.

For the Master of Digital Law, the estimated cost is $4912.50 per unit. You may be eligible to receive a FEE-HELP loan to cover part or all of your tuition. Fees are subject to change annually.

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Looking for clarification on fees or scholarships?

Enquire with our student consultants and schedule a call to get your questions answered.

Digital Law online at Monash

When you study the Master of Digital Law online through Monash, you’ll join a faculty with a prestigious history founded in research that has a demonstrated positive influence in law reform and policy development. 

You’ll study foundational law units that emphasise the impact of digital technologies and deep dive into specific technology-related aspects of the law that continue to shape our society. Graduate with skills you can immediately apply to your current role, as well as the confidence to tackle the big issues of the future.

Meet your academic team

Associate Professor Janice Richardson

Course Director

Janice Richardson is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at Monash University. Her research lies at the intersection between law and political and feminist theory. She worked as a solicitor very early in her career, then moved into academia and completed her PhD in philosophy.

Paul Burgess

Online Unit Coordinator

Paul Burgess is a Senior Lecturer with a background in research and teaching in Australia. He is the Deputy-Director of Monash University’s Digital Law Group and is a passionate educator in the fields of public law and in fields related to the intersection of law and technology.

Melissa Castan

Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law

Professor Melissa Castan is the Director of the Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, at the Faculty of Law, Monash University.

Her research and teaching addresses issues of public law, human rights law, Indigenous legal issues and legal education. She leads educational programs in these areas at all levels of university education.

My OLA is an experienced IP Lawyer who has led technology and learning programs at a national law firm. Getting to hear from her firsthand experience in class has been very valuable.

Joyce Zhuo

Master of Digital Law

Receive a one-on-one consultation about your study options.

Industry insights

Ready yourself for a dynamic legal career, working across the legal fields currently navigating the crossroads between technology and the legal system. Fields such as:  

  • cybercrime 
  • intellectual property law 
  • privacy law 
  • immigration law.
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Digital law specialists
are invaluable across the legal profession.

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Digital law is emerging as an essential field of expertise within the broader legal profession, as the technological revolution continues gather pace.

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19% projected growth for specialist lawyers in Australia over the next 5 years.

No. This course does not fulfill the requirements for you to become a lawyer. Alternatively, this course will teach you about current laws and how they’re changing with the evolution of technology.
This course is ideal for students in any discipline wishing to upskill in a legal specialisation so they can tackle emerging digital legal challenges.
The Master of Digital Law will cover some traditional law principles. However, this course focuses more so on comparing today’s digital laws to what they will look like in the future. Since there is no clear black and white with answer for digital technology, we’ll prepare you to tackle the nuanced ‘grey area’.
The Master of Digital Law has been designed in response to the complex relationship between law and digital technologies.
There is growing industry expectation that workplaces must be better informed about digital law issues on a global scale. These issues include cybercrime, intellectual property law, privacy law, digital security, online dispute resolution, AI and immigration law.
Unlike other courses, what you learn in this course will still be relevant 10 years from now. This is because your course content focuses on emerging issues that we’re just beginning to face, or even issues that that have yet to begin. The Master of Digital Laws is designed to be one step ahead.
The Master of Digital Law would suit students from any industry who want to upskill in a legal specialisation that focuses on our relationship with technology, especially if your role engages in digital content.

Download a course guide

Fill in your details to download an interactive course guide containing:

  • course information
  • career pathways
  • how online study works
  • course fees
  • how to apply

Monash Online is a partnership between Monash University and Online Education Services (OES). Learn more.