Research degrees
UNSW is one of Australia ’ s leading research and teaching universities , holding a strong international reputation . At UNSW Law , higher degree research candidates undertake thesis work supervised by some of Australia ’ s top legal scholars .
Currently , over 100 research candidates are undertaking research in a wide range of areas such as anti-terrorism , human rights , Indigenous issues , constitutional law , refugee law , domestic violence , international law , sports law , criminal law , therapeutic jurisprudence , forensic evidence , intellectual property , internet regulation , WTO and economic law , corporate law , finance law , environmental and water law . We offer full-time research students a workstation , some financial support for research-related expenses , a course in research methods , research seminars , and access to the UNSW Herbert Smith Freehills Law Library .
Areas of research strength
• Constitutional and Administrative Law
• Corporate and Commercial Law
• Criminal Law , Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Environmental Law
• Evidence and Procedure
• Human Rights and Social Justice
• Indigenous People and the Law
• Intellectual Property
• Law , Science and Technology ( emerging strength )
• Legal and Social Theory
• Legal Education and Pedagogy
• National Security and Terrorism
• Private Law
• Public International Law
• Regulation and Regulatory Theory
• Transnational and Comparative Law
Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD )
The Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ) gives candidates the opportunity to conduct a research project that will make a significant contribution to an area of knowledge .
A UNSW Law PhD produces researchers with the highest level of scholarly expertise . Throughout the program of study , candidates acquire advanced specialist research training to produce a thesis which provides evidence of independent thought and critical analysis , effective communication , and expert knowledge of the discipline . Graduates commonly pursue careers in academia , specialist legal practice and in related areas of law and policy work .
Duration
3 to 4 years ( minimum duration for completion is 3 years ).
Entry requirements
Recognised Masters degree ( including a substantial research component ) with minimum distinction average ( 75 %), or a recognised 4 year Bachelors degree with first class Honours which includes a substantial research component , or the equivalent .
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