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Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea

Develop specialist knowledge of the law of the sea. Explore the legal frameworks that govern the world's oceans.

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 can apply to study at the University of Wollongong (UOW) in several ways. Your application options will depend on your individual circumstances.

Explore your options at UOW Apply.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent to help you navigate the application process, ensure that you submit all necessary documentation, and provide you with visa counselling services. Applying through an approved UOW agent is offered at no cost to students.

For your nearest agent, please see our UOW agent list.

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 2026
  • Spring 2026
Codes
CRICOS: 104748B
UOW: 3141

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Law of the Sea is a postgraduate degree for early and mid-career legally qualified professionals working in a maritime policy or operational context, or those intending to pursue a career in a maritime or related field.

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.

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 maritime trade, its significance as a natural habitat, and its role as a source of both international political tensions and cooperation.

By studying with UOW's Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), you will benefit from the close links it has established with government agencies, international businesses and non-government organisations in Australia, the Indo-Pacific region and globally, including a long-term relationship with the Royal Australian Navy.

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

See the course handbook for more information.

Throughout the 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.

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
  • Governmental policy development in areas such as Marine Resource Management, Defence, Foreign Affairs and Maritime Trade
  • Lawyer
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

     

    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$19440 (2026)$19440 (2026)

* 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, 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

     

     

  • Autumn Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 December, 2026

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

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start1 March, 2027
    Census date31 March, 2027
    Mid-session recess19 - 23 April, 2027
    Session end24 June, 2027
  • Spring Session, 2027 at UOW

    Application Deadline
    Applications must include all required documents to be considered complete. Applications submitted after the advertised closing date will still be accepted. We will endeavour to process late applications in time for the nominated session, however this cannot be guaranteed.

    ApplicationDate
    InternationalSee International students page for key application cut-off dates
    Domestic (direct)31 May, 2027

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

     Date
    OrientationCheck your campus details
    Session start26 July, 2027
    Census date31 August, 2027
    Mid-session recess27 September - 1 October, 2027
    Session end18 November, 2027

     

     

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