The Graduate Certificate programme is made up of three intensive units. Students are required to successfully complete all three of the following compulsory units to complete the programme:
LAW402: Australian Migration Law
This unit deals with the fundamentals of Australian Migration law. Topics addressed will include an introduction to Australia’s legal system, the relationship between levels of legislation and court hierarchies. The unit will give an overview of Australia’s immigration history, and the philosophy of the immigration system. Students will be introduced to the relevant Acts and other legislation, the general concepts of migration procedure, the visa application process, and the role and responsibilities of Migration Agents and advisors.
LAW403: Australian Visa System
This unit analyses Australia’s visa system; including visa classes, conditions, criteria and application processes. It will cover visa monitoring and compliance issues, grounds for refusal or cancellation of visas, and consequences of unlawful status. The course will also deal with detention, removal and deportation, and offences under the Migration Act. Types of reviewable decisions and exclusions from review will be discussed using relevant case law. The course will impart skills in the production of supporting submissions for applications and judicial review.
LAW404: Migration Law in Practice
This unit deals with the practical skills required of Registered Migration Agents. The topics addressed include visa application assembly and lodgement techniques, the industry’s Code of Conduct, communication skills and cultural awareness, problem solving, negotiation and advocacy skills. Students will learn about business structures and relevant legislation, financial duties, record keeping, and effective client services. The unit will also cover risk management, an overview of contract law, tort law, and the laws of negligence and consumer protection.
The Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice is taught on Murdoch’s South Street campus in internal mode only - this means that the course is not offered online or by distance education.
However, where possible, classes are scheduled outside of normal business hours to accommodate students with employment commitments.
Teaching dates in first semester 2010 are as follows:
LAW402 Australian Migration Law
Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 February: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
Sunday 6 February: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
and
Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 February 5.30pm - 9.30 pm
Sunday 14 February 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
LAW403 Australian Visa System
Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 March: 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Sunday 21 March: 9.30am - 4.30pm
and
Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 March: 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Sunday 28 March: 9.30am - 4.30pm
LAW404 Migration Law in Practice
Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 April: 9.30am - 4.30pm
and
Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 May: 5.30pm - 9.30pm
Sunday 9 May: 9.30 am - 4.30 pm
Students are expected to attend all sessions for each unit that they are enrolled in. Each teaching block will be followed by time for private study and completion of the assessments.
The three intensive units in the course will run sequentially over each semester that the course is offered.
• Full-time students can complete the programme within one semester.
• Part-time students will require a minimum of two semesters to complete the programme. Please note that the teaching hours for each individual unit remain the same, regardless of how many units are taken in each semester.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Migration Law and Practice, and who have achieved a minimum score of 50% in each MARA assessment item are recognised by MARA as satisfying the Knowledge and Practice requirements for initial registration as a Migration Agent.
Our graduates have gone on to work for established migration advice practices, law firms, employment recruitment agencies, or have set up businesses on their own.
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The Migration Agents' Registration Authority (MARA) has advised that existing agents do not need to undertake the Graduate Certificate to continue in practice.
However, registered agents who wish to enrol in the Graduate Certificate course will receive 5 CPD points for each unit successfully completed.
Domestic Students:
The tuition fees for the course in 2010 are currently under review, and will be published when confirmed. Tuition fees are inclusive of a compulsory assessment fee set by the Migration Agents' Registration Authority.
Additional fees may also apply for the provision of course materials.
Students who are Australian Citizens may be eligible to access the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. For information about this scheme, please click here.
For general information on fees and fee payment options at Murdoch, click here
For assistance with fee-related enquiries, please email fees@murdoch.edu.au
International Students:
International students wishing to apply for this course should contact Murdoch International.
Please be aware that it is a MARA requirement that intending Migration Agents must be Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. Applicants who are not in this category are strongly advised to contact the MARA for further information on eligibility to register as a Migration Agent: www.themara.com.au
Applications for 2010 can now be submitted online – click here.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the MARA for further information on eligibility to register as a Migration Agent after completion of this course: www.themara.com.au
Please contact the School of Law on 9360 6820 or via M.Everall@murdoch.edu.au for further information.
