If you’ve ever considered studying postgraduate law, chances are you’ve found yourself wondering whether it’s the right choice. Here, UTS Law students debunk some of the most common myths of the postgraduate study experience.
Myth 1: I haven’t studied law before, so I can’t do a postgraduate degree
It’s easy to imagine that postgraduate law requires years of prior legal experience, but many UTS Law degrees are either designed for, or open to, non-law graduates. Among them is the Juris Doctor, a three-year degree when studied full time that introduces professionals from a diversity of backgrounds to the fundamental study of the law.
Ashvini Ambihaipahar left an established career in science to enrol in the UTS Juris Doctor. Since graduating, she’s pursued numerous career opportunities that have leveraged her newfound knowledge, including working as a trade union lawyer and, now, as a federal politician.
“UTS was very supportive; they recognise that students might not have all the background knowledge because this is a whole new area for so many of us,” Ash says.
“The teachers and my fellow students also made it a very good environment to just not be too fearful about that change.”
Myth 2: I’m too old to go back to university
Once the domain of seasoned professionals, postgraduate degrees are increasingly welcoming recent graduates into their classrooms. This can leave some prospective postgraduate law students worrying that they’ll be the only mature-aged student in a room full of youngsters.
Not at UTS.
Student Samantha Barnfield, who enrolled in the UTS Juris Doctor after 12 years as a marketing professional, says she was surrounded by students at similar life and career stages throughout her studies.
Far from being a liability, her age and experience proved to be a benefit when it came to applying for competitive opportunities: Samantha was selected for a prestigious clerkship at Gilbert + Tobin as part of her degree.
“Most Juris Doctor students who undertake the degree after being out in the workforce have professional and real-world experience that will benefit them,” she says.
“I think those capabilities definitely gave me an advantage.”
Myth 3: Postgraduate study is only relevant for research students
If you hear ‘postgraduate law degree’ and immediately think of a PhD, you’re not alone. Many prospective students assume that postgraduate study necessarily means pursuing a research qualification.
In the UTS Faculty of Law, the numbers tell a different story: in 2025, around 95% of students were studying coursework degrees. As such, the Faculty has long emphasised the delivery of robust and practical qualifications that prepare students for legal practice.
“At UTS Law, we value teaching and learning the same way we do our research, and our Juris Doctor students benefit from this investment in pedagogy,” says UTS Professor Ramona Vijeyarasa, former Head of the UTS Juris Doctor program.
“We're constantly reflecting on what students need today in order to be effective lawyers tomorrow.”
Myth 4: I won’t be able to balance work, study and life
Postgraduate study can be a big commitment, particularly for professionals who are already working full time. At UTS Law, flexible options like online learning and part-time help students balance the competing demands on their time.
Arhita del Fierro is studying the Graduate Certificate of Intellectual Property (IP). This four-subject qualification can be completed in six months of full-time study, but Arhita has opted for a part-time program that’s a better fit for her needs.
“I didn’t really want to do a full master’s or graduate diploma, simply because of time, but with the graduate certificate, I’ve been able to be really flexible with the study load,” says Arhita.
“I do one subject a semester, which aligns better with my lifestyle of working full time and managing my personal life."
“The graduate certificate is giving me everything I need.”
Your future in law: Juris Doctor career guide
Considering a future in law? Explore career pathways in legal practice, corporate law, policy and social justice, and discover the analytical and practical skills shaping the legal profession.
With postgraduate Law, Arhita is making her mark
Explore how the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is helping UTS student Arhita Del Fierro fill knowledge gaps around IP and trade mark legal...
Never too late: a mid-career foray into the law
In the UTS Juris Doctor, Samantha Barnfield fulfilled a long-held goal and transformed her marketing career in the process.
Harnessing the power of intellectual property
Discover how Nicholas Assef is supporting business owners to maximise the value of their intellectual property.
One degree, countless careers
Discover how the UTS Juris Doctor led Ashvini Ambihaipahar from science to a career as a trade union lawyer and beyond it.
With postgraduate Law, Arhita is making her mark
Explore how the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is helping UTS student Arhita Del Fierro fill knowledge gaps around IP and trade mark legal...
Never too late: a mid-career foray into the law
In the UTS Juris Doctor, Samantha Barnfield fulfilled a long-held goal and transformed her marketing career in the process.
Harnessing the power of intellectual property
Discover how Nicholas Assef is supporting business owners to maximise the value of their intellectual property.
One degree, countless careers
Discover how the UTS Juris Doctor led Ashvini Ambihaipahar from science to a career as a trade union lawyer and beyond it.