Master of Philosophy - Law

The degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) signifies that the holder has undertaken a substantial piece of original research, which has been conducted and reported by the holder under proper academic supervision and in a research environment for a prescribed period.The MPhil is an internationally recognised masters by research degree.

It is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research.

The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.

It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English.The normal length of an MPhil thesis is 40,000 words, exclusive of words in tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices.

Footnotes are included as part of the word limit.

The thesis should not exceed 50,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the Research Higher Degrees Committee.

Course structure

A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisors and an Advisory Committee who, in consultation with the candidate, arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.

Duration of candidature is 1.5 years (3 years part-time equivalent). One extension of 6 months (12 months) may be permitted with Advisory Committee approval.

Last updated: 16 March 2020

Entry requirements

The criteria for assessing applicants' eligibility for MPhil candidature are:

1. Minimum qualifications
2. Applicants are normally required to have completed at least a four-year honours degree at H2A standard from an Australian university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered by the Research Higher Degrees Committee to be equivalent.
3. Minimum level of academic achievement
4. Applicants should have achieved an overall H1 (80-100%) or H2A (75-79%) grade in the relevant honours or Masters degree.
5. Relevance of the degree
6. The completed degree must be in an area that is relevant to the intended MPhil, including sufficient specialisation such that the applicant will have already developed an understanding and appreciation of a body of knowledge relevant to the intended MPhil.
7. Evidence of research ability
8. Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of their year's work at 4th year or at Masters level.
9. Currency of applicant's knowledge of the discipline
10. The applicant's degree(s) and/or professional experience must demonstrate that their knowledge of the discipline in which they plan to undertake their research higher degree is current.
11. Assessment of level of suitability
12. Based on interview or other verbal communication, an assessment should be made of the level of understanding, motivation and time commitment of the student for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time student would be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week and a part-time student about half of this.

Applicants must also meet the University's English Language requirements.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

All MPhil candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 6 months full-time (12 months part-time) advanced study and research in the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Research Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC). The RHDC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students.

Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

• to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program;
• to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for an MPhil awarded by the University;
• to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support.

Intended learning outcomes

See the Graduate Attributes section.