C03024v4 Master of Laws (Research)

Overview

The Master of Laws (Research) is awarded to candidates who, through original investigation, criticism or review of a field of legal research, make a distinct and significant contribution to knowledge in their field of specialisation.

This degree provides an opportunity for graduates to develop their research skills, to deepen their knowledge in some area of the law and to undertake original research.

This degree is also valuable for those wishing to pursue an academic career or a career in research.

Career options

Career options include positions in universities, undertaking research, or other academic work including teaching.

Admission requirements

Applicants require a Bachelor of Laws degree. Eligibility for admission is not a guarantee that an application will be accepted. Support for the project, availability of supervision, availability of places and the applicant's overall abilities and experience are all taken into account.

Applicants must submit a research proposal at the point of application. Once final approval is obtained for a research proposal, the topic cannot be changed except with the approval of the University.

Detailed information about the application process can be found at:

Course duration and attendance

The maximum course duration is two years of full-time, or four years of part-time study.

Students can complete in less than the maximum time. The work may be carried out either on University premises, at a site external to the University, or some combination of both. Candidates are not required to attend classes, but are required to make contact with their supervisor(s) at least once a month to discuss the progress of the research being undertaken.

Course structure

Students are required to submit a thesis of approximately 40,000–60,000 words.

Both the candidate and the candidate's principal supervisor are required to submit progress reports at the end of each semester. Within the first year of commencement for full-time students, or the first year and a half for part-time students, candidates must complete a formal thesis assessment to ensure their progress is consistent with completion of the research program in the prescribed time and that they demonstrate potential to complete the work to standard.

Course completion requirements

Transfer between UTS courses

Candidates in the Master of Laws (Research) who wish to transfer to the PhD but do not meet the PhD admission requirements can apply to transfer. Transfer applicants must have completed a minimum of one year's study and have reached a standard equivalent to that of a bachelor's degree with first or second class honours (division 1). Candidates applying to transfer must also demonstrate, with the support of their supervisor(s), that their topic has doctoral scope.

Other information

Further information is available from: