Legal Research (LAWS50039)

Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
Semester 1
Semester 2
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This subject is a core element of the JD degree. It provides students in their final year with a capstone supervised research experience. It does so through supervised research seminars or structured projects, generally offered in a small group setting. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with a member of the academic staff in pursuing a particular research interest. In each semester, a range of seminars and projects will be offered. Each seminar or project will include a research skills component and seminar or project-based supervision on a legal issue.


Some Legal Research topics may have special eligibility requirements and enrolment limits. Please review the Legal Research webpage for an up-to-date listing.

 

Intended learning outcomes

The subject involves study of a selected area of law at an advanced level; the subject requires the student to engage in self-directed research, under the supervision of a member of staff with expertise in the student's field of inquiry, and/or the methodology they have chosen to use. Students who successfully complete this subject will have demonstrated:

  • Creativity and originality in identifying, framing and developing their own sophisticated and relevant research question;
  • A rigorous and effective methodological approach to planning, researching and executing a substantial and innovative research-based project;
  • A deep and integrated knowledge and understanding of the research project area including its connection with its broader contexts;
  • Sophisticated interpretation and integration of relevant material from a full range of primary and secondary sources;
  • Critical analysis and argument that demonstrates substantial originality, creativity and insight into the research subject area;
  • A capacity to communicate the research thesis clearly, persuasively and succinctly in an oral presentation;
  • A capacity to reflect upon and engage with feedback from an oral presentation of their research thesis and other feedback from the supervisor;
  • Sophisticated, appropriate, effective and persuasive written communication skills, demonstrated in developing, structuring, editing, presenting and referencing relevant analysis, argument and conclusions on the research project, in a format appropriate for publication; and
  • A high level of personal autonomy and accountability in developing and executing the substantial research project.

Generic skills

On completion of the subject, students should have demonstrated the following skills:

  • Ability to develop and frame a sophisticated legal research question;
  • Employing complex research methodologies well-suited to answering the research question;
  • Ability to identify and critically analyse a diverse range of pertinent and complex materials;
  • Capacity for advanced critical and independent thought and reflection; and
  • Capacity to communicate the research results, clearly, comprehensively and persuasively.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Students must have completed at least 200 credit points, including these required subjects

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
LAWS50031 Legal Theory
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
November (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS50033 Equity and Trusts
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS50034 Criminal Law and Procedure
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS50035 Corporations Law
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS90140 Disputes and Ethics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Note, some Legal Research topics may require further subject study.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Some Legal Research topics may have special eligibility requirements and enrolment limits. Please review the Legal Research webpage for how to apply for a Legal Research topic and for an up-to-date listing of topics.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage
Hurdle requirement: Class or project participation evidenced by oral presentationN/A

Written research work project or equivalent

  • 8000 words (equivalent)
100%

Additional details

The due dates of assessment will be made available to students on the Assessment Schedule on the Juris Doctor Canvas LMS Community. Note, these are updated regularly.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Quotas apply to this subject

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorAmanda Whiting
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursUp to 4 hours per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Teaching staff:  

    Amanda Whiting (Subject Coordinator) 
      
    Please review the Legal Research webpage for more information.

    For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office  

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAmanda Whiting
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursUp to 4 hours per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025
    Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025
    Census date 1 September 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail26 September 2025
    Assessment period ends21 November 2025

    Semester 2 contact information

    Teaching staff:  

    Amanda Whiting (Subject Coordinator) 
      
    Please review the Legal Research webpage for more information.

    For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office  

What do these dates mean

Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:

  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Additional delivery details

Students should self-enrol into this subject via my.unimelb

This subject has an application-based quota of 17 students per class topic (unless otherwise specified). All Legal Research class topic applications are subject to a selection process. 

 

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    Close to the teaching period, students will be advised about prescribed textbooks and other specialist reading materials. Make sure to check Canvas LMS in the lead-up to teaching.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseJuris Doctor
  • Links to additional information

    law.unimelb.edu.au

Last updated: 4 March 2025