The UNE Master of Laws (Research) provides a program of flexible learning and independent research for high-calibre graduates in Law to make a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of legal knowledge. You will develop advanced skills in how to write for, research, argue and apply the law and build your critical thinking via an advanced program of self-led research and training, with support from our academic team from start to finish.

This course is taught by UNE’s highly experienced staff in the School of Law, Australia’s largest law school outside a capital city. World-class teaching staff, a thriving research culture and unique perspective on regional, rural and remote legal issues will provide you with access to an engaging program of research and specialist skills that employers are looking for.

Build on your expertise, hone your research skills and apply your knowledge regardless of your chosen research pathway.

Why study the Master of Laws (Research) with UNE?

Our Master of Laws (Research) aims to develop and deepen your knowledge and advanced research skills. You will undertake legal research on a significant legal topic in a scholarly dissertation, either for academic or professional purposes. The course will provide you with theoretical knowledge and relevant research methodologies for conducting advanced research in a specialised area of law, including legal theory, corporate law, comparative law, biotechnology and intellectual property law, human rights, international law or legal history or interdisciplinary studies of law and policy.

As part of your study, you will complete a major thesis with supervision and guidance from leading legal researchers.

By focusing on an area of law that engages your interest, you will have the opportunity to investigate, think independently, and develop solutions to legal problems through in-depth study and research. Not only will you develop advanced skills in research methodologies and techniques, you will also gain a solid research foundation for professional practice in your chosen area of law.

You will graduate with a sharpened analytical mind and a range of portable and adaptable skills, ready to take advantage of new professional opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.

What makes our course different?

The depth and breadth of this course makes it an ideal pathway to refine your skills and develop specialist expertise in legal areas that reflect your interests. You will have the opportunity to:

• Build a solid foundation in critical thinking and analysis alongside an advanced understanding of research methodology, theory and practice.
• Be part of UNE's vibrant, research-led School of Law, Australia's largest law school outside a capital city with expertise in legal issues related to regional, remote and rural Australia — not just metropolitan areas.
• Gain versatile knowledge and skills to apply to new legal careers which are emerging as a result of new technology developments.
• Develop an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to your chosen area.
• Build an expert understanding of your chosen academic field of knowledge, grounded in contemporary developments in education and research.
• Expand your skills as an independent researcher, working on your own findings to contribute new insights to the legal profession and academic field.
• Hone your ability to evaluate ideas and make informed judgements on complex issues in law, while expanding your understanding of the social and cultural importance of legal work.
• Progress to a PhD should you wish to continue your research career.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Laws (Research), you may be funded under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.

96 Total Credit Points.

Offerings:

Research Period 1:

• RSCH-1-OL-FT-ARMIDALE
• RSCH-1-OL-PT-ARMIDALE
• RSCH-1-ON-FT-ARMIDALE
• RSCH-1-ON-PT-ARMIDALE

Research Period 2

• RSCH-2-OL-FT-ARMIDALE
• RSCH-2-OL-PT-ARMIDALE
• RSCH-2-ON-FT-ARMIDALE
• RSCH-2-ON-PT-ARMIDALE

By completing the UNE Master of Laws by research program, you can apply your specialised knowledge and skills to a wide range of career opportunities in any business and organisation dealing with legal requirements. Career options include:

• legal aid agencies, advocacy organisations and commercial law firms
• government departments
• banking, finance and commerce
• business management
• education
• policy, research and analysis.

Admission to candidature in the degree of Master of Laws (Research) may be provided by the Committee only when the Head of School has: (a) certified that the necessary facilities and appropr

An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5, with a minimum sub-band of 6.5 for writing and no other sub-band less than 6.0, or

TOEFL IBT score of 91 with no less than 22 in writing and no less than 20 in listening, speaking and reading.