Master of Philosophy (Law) (2024)

School of Law, Fremantle Campus

The University of Notre Dame Australia is committed to the development of a strong and innovative research culture. By developing the higher degree by research student population and external collaborative partnerships, we foster, support and increase research activity and quality. As a research student you will have the opportunity to further your industry experience and make a valuable contribution to Notre Dame’s growing research portfolio.

• About this program

  The Master of Philosophy is a postgraduate research degree comprising both coursework and a substantial research component. This culminates in the submission of a thesis of approximately 35,000-40,000 words for independent examination by two external examiners. Available across all schools within the university, this ideal for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree but not at Honours level.

• Program outline

  The coursework component of your degree consists of four compulsory research training courses . The coursework will provide an opportunity for you to formulate substantial elements of your planned research (including topic refinement, preferred research methods and preparation of a draft proposal) and to develop personal competencies in critical analysis and scholarly writing relevant to your profession.

  The completion of your coursework is facilitated by a course delivery schedule which takes into consideration that you may also be in employment during your candidature. A credit average must be achieved in the coursework component of the degree.

  The remainder of the degree is comprised of supervised research culminating in the thesis.

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

• Research focus

  Current research in the School of Law is extensive and includes the following:

  • Administrative law
  • Civil litigation
  • Constitutional law
  • Consumer law
  • Corporate insolvency and restructuring
  • Corporate law
  • Criminal law
  • Energy, mining and resources
  • Ethics
  • Education law
  • Freedom of religion
  • Health law
  • Human rights
  • Intellectual property
  • International and comparative law
  • Law of armed conflict
  • Legal philosophy
  • Liability of cyber-bullying
  • Property law
  • Social media and the law
  • Succession
  • Taxation
  • Torts
  • Under-representation of women at the highest levels of the legal profession
  • Work health and safety law

• Supervision

  As a Master of Philosophy candidate, you are required to have a minimum of two supervisors who will provide support and academic guidance throughout your degree. Supervisors will assist with the preparation of your research proposal, continuing to mentor and direct you throughout the research phase and through the process of examination.

• Mode of study and assessment

  You may undertake the program either in a full-time or part-time capacity. The standard time for completion (not including periods of approved leave of absence) will normally be one-and-a-half years full-time or three years part-time. The minimum time for completion will normally be one year and is usually only applicable for students with prior research experience or qualifications. The assessment of the coursework component consists of written assignments, while the research component is assessed by examination of your thesis by external reviewers.

• Entry requirements

  The following criteria apply to students seeking admission to the Master of Philosophy program:

  • Possession of a Bachelor’s degree (AQF level 7 qualification); or
  • In exceptional circ*mstances, an equivalent academic professional background that is considered by the Dean of the School to be an appropriate preparation for independent study and research work at Masters level.

  You may be required to demonstrate an ability to understand and communicate in both written and spoken English at a level adequate for the purpose of pursuing the program of study.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Philosophy, 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.
  5. Conduct research with creativity, initiative, autonomy, and accountability.

• Career opportunities

  Master of Philosophy (Education) graduates may pursue careers in industry, academia and research organisations. Fields include journalism and media, Government and public administration, computing, law, education and research.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field.There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Scholarships

  Domestic Students

  In accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, 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 for the length of their degree. Domestic students are also encouraged to apply for stipend scholarships, which are very competitive and only awarded to students of exceptional research potential. The scholarships assist with general living costs for the duration of the research degree.

  International Students

  The University is keen to support high calibre international students who are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (Fees Offset and/or Stipend), and the University International Fee Remission Research Scholarship (IFRRS). For more information, please refer to the International Prospectus or visit our Scholarships section. Unless in receipt of a scholarship, all international research students are required to 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:

  
  

  Research Training Program (RTP)
  The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to support students who are undertaking a Higher Degree by Research such as a Research Doctorate or Research Masters degree. You will receive support for a maximum of two years for a Research Masters and a maximum of four years for a Research Doctorate degree. Your offer will specify for which purpose(s) your grant may be used. This may include offset of your tuition fees, as a stipend for general living costs or as an allowance related to the ancillary cost of research degrees.

  For indicative fees and information onPostgraduate and Research Scholarships available, please visit our HDR Scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

  Fremantle and Broome Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Email:future@nd.edu.au

  Sydney and Melbourne Phone:+61 2 8204 4404 Email:sydney@nd.edu.au

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office oninternational@nd.edu.au.