Master of Philosophy - Law (MR-PHILLAW) // Entry and participation requirements

Entry requirements

 

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

1. Minimum qualifications
   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 Higher Degree Research Committee to be equivalent.
   
   
2. Minimum level of academic achievement
   Applicants should have achieved an overall H1 (80-100%) or H2A (75-79%) grade in the relevant honours or Masters degree.
   
   
3. Relevance of the degree
   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.
   
   
4. Evidence of research ability
   Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of their year's work at fourth year or at Masters level.
   
   
5. Currency of applicant's knowledge of the discipline
   The applicant's degree(s) and/or professional experience must demonstrate that their knowledge of the discipline in which they plan to undertake their graduate research degree is current.
   
   
6. Assessment of level of suitability
   Based on interview or other verbal communication, an assessment should be made of the level of understanding, motivation and time commitment of the applicant for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time MPhil candidate would be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to study and a part-time candidate about half of this.
   
   
7. English language requirements
   Applicants must 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 of full-time advanced study and research (12 months part-time) in the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC). The HDRC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely online supervision for graduate researchers.

Throughout their candidature, MPhil 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 candidate is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisors, the Law School (including staff and other graduate researchers) 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; and
• 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 candidate’s participation in the University’s programs. Graduate researchers who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Graduate Research Officer and Student Equity and Disability Services.

Last updated: 11 October 2024