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Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea

Develop specialised knowledge. Build on your legal skills. Advance your career.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

Applicants can apply directly to UOW. You may be required to have scans or electronic copies of the following documents ready to attach to your application:

  • Academic qualifications relevant to your application
  • English proficiency evidence (if required)
  • Evidence of your citizenship, passport, or permanent residency status

Before you apply, please check the UOW course entry requirements, intake dates, and closing dates for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

Before starting your application, review the entry requirements, intake dates, and deadlines for your chosen degree at UOW. International students should also be aware of both UOW's general English language requirements and the English proficiency standards required for a student visa.

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Year ?
Campus
Innovation Campus
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration ?
6 months full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
Codes
CRICOS: 104748B
UOW: 3141

Overview

The Law of the Sea refers to the international law governing the rights and duties of stakeholders in maritime environments. It involves the rights and obligations of coastal states over adjacent maritime areas, navigational rights and responsibilities, conservation and use of marine resources, and maritime security. The Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea is designed to meet the early and mid-career education requirements of legally qualified professionals working in a maritime policy or operational context, or those who intend to pursue a career in a maritime or related field.

This degree provides a broad understanding of the law of the sea and ocean governance and deals with international law and policy issues related to the world’s oceans. It addresses various issues related to the sea, including aspects such as maritime trade routes, its significance as a natural habitat, and its role as a source of both international political tensions and cooperation.

Throughout this degree you will gain a comprehensive understanding of areas such as maritime enforcement, maritime security threats and solutions, marine environmental law, regulation of shipping and marine resources management. As you learn to analyse the legal, political and operational factors that contribute to the development of the law of the sea and maritime policy, you will also devise solutions to gaps in legal and policy frameworks.

International students located offshore are able to enrol and study this course online.

See the course handbook for more information. 

Fee subsidised places available

One of the benefits for students of the Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea is the close links that UOW’s Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) has established with a range of government agencies, international businesses and non-governmental organisations in Australia, the Indo-Pacific region and globally, including a long-term relationship with the Royal Australian Navy.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea you may enrol in the Master of Laws (Law of the Sea) and will be eligible for credit for the four subjects completed within the graduate certificate.

See more

Careers

  • Barrister
  • Fisheries Policy Advisor
  • Governmental policy development in areas such as Resource Management, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Maritime Trade
  • Lawyer
  • Maritime Policy Advisor
See more

Admissions information

A range of admission options are available for future students. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

A recognised Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree, or an equivalent qualification.

  • English Language Requirements

    The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:

     

    English Test

    Overall Score

    Reading

    Writing

    Listening

    Speaking
    IELTS Academic

    6.5

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0

    6.0
    TOEFL (Internet-based)

    86

    18

    18

    17

    17

     

    UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)

    Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

  • Workload

    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Record Check

    Questions relating to personal record checks for this degree should be referred to the School of Law.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea you may enrol in the Master of Laws and will be eligible for credit for the 4 subjects completed within the Graduate Certificate.

     

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

International Course fees table
Campus Delivery method Session fee* Course fee*
Innovation CampusOn Campus$17664 (2025)$17664 (2025)

* Session fees are for one session for the year shown. Total course tuition fees shown are indicative, and are based on normal course length and progression. These fees are subject to change from year to year. However, if you receive an offer to study at UOW, your fees will be fully confirmed at the time of your offer.

Tuition fees are reviewed annually: fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and are subject to increase during the period of study

Additional Fees

In addition to tuition, there are other fees and costs you will need to consider, including but not limited to:

  • Autumn Session, 2025 at UOW

    Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

  • Spring Session, 2025 at UOW

    Application Deadline: See important dates for more information
    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

  • Autumn Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International9 December, 2025
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2025

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    Orientation Check your campus details
    Session start2 March, 2026
    Census date31 March, 2026
    Mid-session recess20-24 April, 2026
    Session end25 June, 2026



  • Spring Session, 2026 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. If submitted late, your application may be reviewed for a future session if a decision cannot be made in time for your preferred session. 

    ApplicationDate
    International5 May, 2026
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2026

    Session Details
    For more detailed information like enrolment cutoffs and exam periods, see key dates. 

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start27 July, 2026
    Census date31 August, 2026
    Mid-session recess28 September - 2 October, 2026
    Session end19 November, 2026

     

     

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