Master of Laws (Research)

School of Law & Business

Do you wish to expand your legal knowledge and skills and be the best in your field? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Master of Laws by Research will enable you to develop in-depth legal knowledge and skills in an area of law of your choice. The program aims to develop advanced independent research and writing skills, critical analysis, complex problem-solving and reasoning. Contact us today to find out more.

• Why study this degree?

  The Master of Laws by Research is a thesis-based research degree. You will work with a supervisor from the School’s academic staff to develop an appropriate topic within the areas of research focus for the School. The program is individually designed and built around the research and the topic to be investigated. A thesis submitted for a Master of Laws is expected to be systematic, written presentation of the results of study, investigation and research which makes a substantial contribution to the body of knowledge of the law in the relevant area.

• Program summary

  The Master of Laws by Research consists exclusively of a research thesis.

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

• Entry requirements

  To be eligible for admission to the Masters by Research, applicants must meet the following specific requirements:

  • Possession of an undergraduate degree from a recognised University, which has been completed at a superior standard and which demonstrates the applicant’s potential to undertake and complete a research-based study at AQF level 9 equivalence.
  • In exceptional circumstances, an equivalent academic or professional background that is considered by the National Head of School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Masters level.

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admission and Credit.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Masters by Research, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply high level cognitive and technical skills in the design and execution of a specialised research project that makes a contribution to knowledge, professional practice and/or creative practice
  2. Investigate, analyse, synthesise, and critically reflect on complex information, problems and concepts and apply established theories in the context of an advanced body of knowledge and practice
  3. Disseminate research findings, communicating a coherent and sustained argument effectively, to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  4. Apply knowledge of research integrity, ethics and the rights and safety of others in the conduct of research and dissemination of research findings; and
  5. Conduct research with creativity, initiative, autonomy, and accountability.

• Career opportunities

  A Master of Laws by Research provides an opportunity for applicants to advance their knowledge and skill in law, and to specialise in specific areas of law, that may advance career opportunities in fields including law, business, government and public administration, media and the not-for-profit sector.

• Supervision

  The research thesis is supervised by academic staff.

• Research focus

  Students may choose a research topic from all areas of law.

• Real-world experience

  Students have the opportunity to undertake research on a wide range of legal topics that further develop a student’s legal, professional and practical skills. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Domestic Students

  In accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, most domestic research students are eligible to have all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course fees paid for by the Commonwealth Government through a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship the maximum duration of the enrolment time published on the program requirement. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships, which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. The scholarships designed to help with general living costs for the duration of the research degree.

  International Students

  The University is keen to support high calibre international students through the Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend), or the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS), which are very competitive and awarded to students of exceptional research potential. Please refer to the International Prospectus or visit our Scholarships section if you would like more information. Unless in receipt of a scholarship, all international research students must pay full fees for the length of their research degree.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  View application steps for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program on How to apply - Graduate research.

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007