Why study PLT at QUT
Real-world experience
You'll build a portfolio of real-world know-how and learn by working on simulated legal problems, including: interviewing, client counselling, advocacy and negotiating; drafting legal documents and writing legal letters; and executing property, litigation and commercial transactions and proceedings.
Credit for experience
If you’re already working in a law office, you may be eligible to claim credit for your real-life legal work instead of completing a four-week placement, reducing the cost and duration of your PLT. You could finish in as little as 16 weeks.
Flexibility
We have four intakes a year, and because we know how busy life can get when you’re balancing work and study, we’ve made our PLT as flexible as possible. You can choose between full-time on campus at Gardens Point or Kelvin Grove, external (online), or part-time (online).
No exams
There are no exams, just elements of assessment as you go. Our PLT is built around a supporting learning environment, and we help you to bring your work up to standard as you progress through the course.
Expert teachers
Our PLT is driven and shaped by practising lawyers, many of whom are leaders in their field. You’ll learn from passionate, engaged teachers who have practised as solicitors and barristers, and gain real-world feedback and cutting-edge insight from current practising lawyers.
Guaranteed placement
As part of your course, you’ll get hands-on experience with a guaranteed four-week placement in a law office that we source for you through our strong relationships with firms, government, in-house legal departments, and non-profit organisations.
Course structure and key dates
PLT in 4 easy stages
1: Skills component
- Four weeks for all students - mostly online
- Five-day on-campus intensive
2: Practice areas component
- 12 weeks full-time or 24 weeks part-time (excluding breaks)
- Full-time or part-time online
- Full-time on campus (January/July entries)
3: Career preparation
- Four-week component to develop in-demand legal skills
- If you have real-life workplace experience, you may be eligible for credit for this unit
4: Placement
- Four-week placement at a law office sourced by QUT
- If you have real-life workplace experience, you may be eligible for credit for this unit
Key dates for 2025
January intake
Available full-time or part-time online, or full-time on campus.
- Apply on time by 14 December 2024
- Apply late until 10 January 2025
- Teaching starts 13 January 2025
- Five-day on-campus Intensive 27-31 January 2025
- Full-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) ends 1 May 2025
- Full-time study ends with placement 27 June 2025
- Part-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 25 July 2025
- Part time study ends with placement 12 September 2025
March intake
Available full-time or part-time online.
- Apply on time by 31 January 2025
- Apply late until 28 February 2025
- Teaching starts 3 March 2025
- Five-day on-campus Intensive 17–21 March 2025
- Full-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 20 June 2025
- Full-time study ends with placement 15 August 2025
- Part-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 12 September 2025
- Part time study ends with placement 7 November 2025
July intake
Available full-time or part-time online, or full-time on campus.
- Apply on time by 30 June 2025
- Apply late until 18 July 2025
- Teaching starts 21 July 2025
- Five-day on-campus Intensive 4-8 August 2025
- Full-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 7 November 2025
- Full-time study ends with placement 19 December 2025
- Part-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 3 April 2026
- Part time study ends with placement 29 May 2026
August intake
Available full-time or part-time online.
- Apply on time by 14 July 2025
- Apply late until 8 August 2025
- Teaching starts 11 August 2025
- Five-day on-campus Intensive 25–29 August 2025
- Full-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 28 November 2025
- Full-time study ends with placement 6 February 2026
- Part-time study ends with maximum workplace credit (including for placement) 3 April 2026
- Part time study ends with placement 29 May 2026
For more information about when to apply, contact pltsupport@qut.edu.au
Learn more about our PLT course
Hear from PLT graduate Nick Baker, and academic Susan Martin, on the benefits of studying PLT at QUT. Enjoy flexible study options, hands-on learning and a guaranteed placement.
Real stories
'What stood out the most about QUT’s PLT program was its flexibility. It allowed me to tailor my study schedule to fit my life. The academics provided real-world feedback and practical insights into the legal profession, which was incredibly valuable for someone just starting their career. The program bridged the gap between studying law and actually practicing it, giving me the confidence and tools to transition into the profession successfully.'
'I chose to study my PLT at QUT because they find placements for every student and set you up for your future career. QUT offered me a placement in the area of law I wanted to work in, and the experience it gave me helped me land my first graduate position. Completing QUT's PLT course made me more confident to enter the workforce. QUT has a real push for transferable skills that translate to a number of jobs beyond a traditional lawyer. Their PLT course is definitely future-focused, and I know entering the workforce, I will have plenty of career opportunities.'
'The industry connections facilitated by QUT's PLT program were invaluable. During the course, I had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with teaching staff to discuss my career aspirations, current position and future goals. They helped me identify the area of practice I wanted to pursue and connected me with professionals in that field. Their support and genuine belief in me gave me the confidence I needed to make the most of their connections, ultimately leading to a role in the industry.'
Download our brochure
Want to know about the QUT PLT course?