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Master of Law and Development (635AA)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2022 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
- Overview
- Entry and participation requirements
- Attributes, outcomes and skills
- Course structure
- Further study
Coordinator
Contact
Melbourne Law School
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
Overview
Award title | Master of Law and Development |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2022 — Parkville |
CRICOS code | 051271K |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 100 credit points |
Duration | 12 months full-time or 42 months part-time |
Effective legal frameworks and institutions are pivotal in tackling inequality, alleviating poverty and creating a sustainable environment. The specialisation in law and development offers a choice of subjects examining the legalisation of development and the role of international and regional actors in law reform projects. Also offered is an investigation and analysis of both international law and the ‘rule of law’ in a developmental context. Subjects take a range of practical, historical, critical, applied and theoretical perspectives.
This program is ideal for those working in international development from a government, non-government or not-for-profit background, and those seeking to work in those areas or in international organisations more broadly, as well as for those who wish to undertake specialist study in the area in preparation for a research degree.
Links to further information
law.unimelb.edu.au
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice, at honours standard, or equivalent; or
• a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) leading to admission to practice, or equivalent, and two years of documented relevant professional experience; or
• an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; and two years of documented relevant professional experience; or
• an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; and successful completion of four subjects in a cognate graduate diploma; and one year of documented relevant professional experience.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the professional experience
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The Melbourne Law Masters welcomes applications from students with disabilities. The inherent academic requirements for study in the Melbourne Law Masters are:
- The ability to attend a minimum of 75% of classes and actively engage in the analysis and critique of complex materials and debate;
- The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
- The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and to critically evaluate these;
- The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
- The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
- The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.
Students who feel their disability will inhibit them from meeting these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact Student Equity and Disability Support.
Intended learning outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Law and Development will:
- Have an advanced and integrated understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of law and development, including in relation to:
- the processes and actors involved in the legalisation of development
- the history and range of rule of law or law reform projects initiated by international and regional institutions
- the role of international economic institutions in proposing, designing and implementing law reform projects
- development strategies enabled or foreclosed by attempts at law reform or legal institutional design
- the success or failure of particular attempts at law reform or rule of law initiatives
- theoretical approaches to understanding and critiquing law and development initiatives
- Have expert, specialised cognitive and technical skills that equip them to independently:
- analyse, critically reflect on and synthesise complex information, concepts and theories in the field of law and development
- research and apply such information, concepts and theories to the relevant body of knowledge and practice; and
- interpret and transmit their knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Apply their knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgment, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner and learner in the field of law and development.
Graduate attributes
-
Advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the relevant area(s) of law
The specialist focus of the Melbourne Law Masters, the constant review and renewal of subjects and courses to ensure coverage of recent developments, the range and expertise of instructors from Australia and around the world, and regular advice from MLM advisory boards combine to ensure that courses and subjects reflect emerging knowledge and ideas. -
Ability to investigate, evaluate, synthesise and apply existing knowledge in the relevant area(s) with creativity and initiative
Small classes, a discussion-based environment and the emphasis on quality teaching and learning create an environment in which knowledge is exchanged, critically examined and adapted to current circumstances. -
Well-developed problem solving abilities, characterised by flexibility of approach
Most subjects approach knowledge by reference to various issues or problems. Students are required to critically analyse problems and identify and develop a range of appropriate solutions through class discussion, individual study and assessment tasks. -
Advanced competencies in legal research and analysis
Class preparation and class discussions are designed to enhance these skills, which are tested in all forms of assessment. All graduates of an LLM will have demonstrated, through subject assessment, the ability to use their research skills to plan, develop and execute substantial research-based project(s) and/or piece(s) of scholarship. -
Capacity to effectively communicate complex legal ideas and theories, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences
Classroom discussion and formal presentations provide an opportunity to hone oral communication skills, and written assessment tasks are graded in part on written communication skills. -
Appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research
Research papers and other research tasks are expected to attain a degree of creativity, originality and discovery that befits a postgraduate program of the highest quality, and students are encouraged and assisted to publish original work of a high standard in refereed journals. -
Capacity to manage competing demands on time and ability to work with a high level of autonomy and accountability
The demanding nature of graduate study requires effective time-management skills from all students and an ability to work independently and be accountable for commitment to study and output, as demonstrated through class attendance, engagement and assessment. The rigour of our programs, whether undertaken part-time or full-time, ensures that all successful graduates have enhanced time-management skills and the ability to work with relative autonomy. -
Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, including the ethics of scholarship
Some subjects have a substantive ethical component. All instructors have a respect for intellectual integrity and are skilled scholars or practitioners in their own right. -
Appreciation of the way in which knowledge provides a foundation for leadership
Instructors in the Melbourne Law Masters are leaders in their fields, and many subjects involve visiting academics, exposing students to a wider array of leaders in a range of legal fields. The Law School is committed to the significance of knowledge, which informs all regular programs and a wide range of additional activities. -
Capacity to value and participate in teamwork
Small class sizes and an intensive teaching format are valuable in encouraging group dynamics and teamwork. -
Understanding of the significance and value of knowledge to the wider community
Law and legal knowledge are a community resource. In some subjects, this perspective is covered explicitly by the syllabus and the manner in which issues are treated in class. In addition, our diverse student body ensures that a range of perspectives on the way law impacts on the community are identified and analysed. -
Capacity to engage with issues in contemporary society
Our programs focus on the most up-to-date legal knowledge, analysing current issues and problems through the curriculum design, classroom discussion and assessment tasks. International students are also invited to participate in extracurricular activities to aid understanding of Australian law and legal institutions. -
Advanced working skills in the use of new technology
The most advanced IT infrastructure is available to Melbourne Law Masters students in the Law Library, the Moot Court Room, classroom settings and for private study.
Course structure
Students must complete 100 credit points in total.
Students who do not have a law degree must complete International Law, as well as at least 75 credit points from the prescribed list (including the compulsory subject International Law and Development). Students may choose the remaining 12.5 credit points from the subjects available in the Master of Laws (excluding Fundamentals of the Common Law and the Minor Thesis).
Students with a law degree must complete at least 75 credit points from the prescribed list (including the compulsory subject International Law and Development). Students may choose their remaining 25 credit points from the subjects available in the Melbourne Law Masters (excluding Fundamentals of the Common Law).
Note: Most subjects in the MLM program are 12.5 credit points each. Check individual subject handbook entries for confirmation.
Subject options
Asian Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90009 | Chinese Law and Commerce | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70230 | Commercial Law in Asia | September (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90142 | Constitutionalism after Empire | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70351 | Contemporary Chinese Law and Practice | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70457 | Investment and Risk in Southeast Asia | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70105 | Islamic Law and Politics in Asia | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90182 | Law and Religion in Asia | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90052 | Trade and Investment Law in China | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Banking and Finance Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90169 | Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70111 | Debt Capital Markets | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70420 | Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds | August (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70110 | International Financial System | March (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90143 | International Lending | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90144 | International Sustainable Finance | March (Online) |
12.5 |
Competition and Consumer Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90111 | Chinese Competition Law and Policy | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Corporate Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90112 | Comparative Corporate Insolvency Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Dispute Resolution
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90051 | Commercial Arbitration in Practice | October (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90021 | Intercultural Dispute Resolution | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70468 | Negotiation Skills | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Employment and Labour Relations Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70218 | International Employment Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70446 | International Equality Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Energy and Resources Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70141 | Energy Regulation and the Law | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70423 | International Mineral Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70161 | International Petroleum Transactions | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Environmental Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70293 | Climate Change Law | June (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90088 | Disaster Law and Climate Adaptation | May (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90089 | Environmental Compliance and Enforcement | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70100 | Environmental Law | March (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70386 | Environmental Rights | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70219 | International Environmental Law | August (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90114 | Negotiating Environmental Agreements | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70349 | Planning and Development Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90148 | Politics of Transnational Regulation | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90053 | Transnat'l Corporations: Rights & Duties | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Government Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90058 | Comparative Human Rights Law | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70269 | Constitution Making | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90149 | Corruption: A Global Approach | June (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70448 | Global Constitutionalism | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70397 | Latin American Constitutionalisms | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70367 | Law of Democracy | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70425 | Money, Law and Politics | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90106 | Multiculturalism and the State | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90150 | States: When, Why and How they Happen | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Health and Medical Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90057 | Comparative Health Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70151 | Global Health Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90092 | Global Health, Trade and Investment Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70451 | Health Law and Human Rights | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70421 | Law and Emerging Health Technologies | March (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90120 | Public Health Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Human Rights Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70382 | Business and Human Rights | May (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90121 | Economic and Social Rights | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70422 | Human Rights and Armed Conflict | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70452 | Human Rights and Climate Change | December (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70453 | Human Rights and Culture | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90044 | Human Rights and Economic Globalisation | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70091 | Human Rights and Terrorism | November (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS90045 | Human Rights and Universality | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70360 | Human Rights Beyond Borders | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90122 | Human Rights in Asia: Current Issues | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70114 | Human Rights of Groups | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70171 | Human Rights, Women and Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70454 | Human Rights: From Morality to Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90175 | Human Rights: Global Policy and Practice | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70264 | International Human Rights Law |
March (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
July (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70120 | International Law and Children's Rights | October (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70365 | International Migration Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70366 | International Refugee Law | June (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70430 | Poverty, Human Rights and Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90049 | Reimagining Human Rights Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90124 | Gender and Human Rights | August (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70118 | Women, War and Peacebuilding | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Intellectual Property Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70242 | Internat.Issues in Intellectual Property | December (Online) |
12.5 |
International Economic Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70169 | Developing Countries and the WTO | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70013 | Global Financial Architecture | May (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70392 | International Business Transactions |
May (Online)
October (Online)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70121 | International Commercial Arbitration | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70308 | International Economic Law | March (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70304 | Internat Investment Law and Arbitration | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70028 | International Trade Law | August (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70322 | WTO Law and Dispute Settlement | July (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90181 | WTO Trade Remedies | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
International Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90127 | Comparative Indigenous Rights | May (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70033 | International Criminal Law | October (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70303 | International Criminal Law and Justice | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70234 | International Humanitarian Law | November (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS70173 | International Law |
March (Online)
July (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70369 | International Law and Ethics | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70455 | International Law and Relations | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70078 | International Law and the Use of Force | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90128 | International Law: Uncensored History | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70456 | Law of Treaties | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90129 | Law, Science and Technology | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70313 | Post-Conflict State-Building | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70327 | Prosecuting the War on Terror | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90063 | Regulating Global Markets | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70403 | Statehood in International Law | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Law and Development
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS90154 | Cities, Law and Global Governance | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90018 | Development, Labour and Human Rights | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70093 | International Law and Development | April (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS90042 | Int'l Law, Sustainability & Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70122 | Investment, Regulation and Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90179 | Law, Science and Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS90155 | NGOs and International Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Private Law
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70389 | Global Commercial Contract Law | March (Online) |
12.5 |
Tax
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70009 | Comparative Corporate Tax | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
LAWS70353 | Comparative International Tax | December (Online) |
12.5 |
LAWS70162 | Tax Reform and Development | Not available in 2022 | 12.5 |
Other subjects
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS70217 | Fundamentals of the Common Law |
February (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
May (On Campus - Parkville)
July (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
September (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
LAWS70067 | International Legal Internship |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Further study
A student who completes a masters degree in the Melbourne Law Masters is eligible to apply for entry to the PhD program.
Last updated: 12 November 2022