Minor Thesis (LLM) # P/T (LAWS70003)
Graduate coursework level 7Points: 25On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Academic Supervisor
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Semester 2
Academic Supervisor
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Overview
| Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
The minor thesis allows students to develop highly specialised expertise in a selected area of law, carrying out independent research to produce a substantial thesis that makes a distinctive contribution to knowledge and the literature in the relevant legal field. Students will develop an advanced understanding of research methods and principles, will be supervised by one of the Law School’s leading academics in their chosen field of research and, at the completion of the minor thesis, will have the satisfaction of having produced a piece or pieces of legal writing worthy of publication in a learned legal journal.
The minor thesis demonstrates a critical application of specialist knowledge and makes an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. The minor thesis should consist of:
- A major article or articles suitable for publication in a learned legal journal of a standard approved by the Law School; or
- Be an empirical study of the operation of particular legal doctrines or legislation; or
- Draft legislation with an appropriate commentary; or
- Any other type of research work approved by the law school.
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject will:
- Be able to demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate techniques, such as the use of archival or primary evidence, analysis of data, judgement of conflicting evidence
- Be able to demonstrate specialist knowledge in the area of their research
- Have an advanced and detailed understanding of, and commitment to research ethics and codes of practice.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Completion of a minimum of 37.5 credit points of Melbourne Law Masters subjects with a minimum grade of 75% in each subject; at least one subject being assessed by a research paper of 5,000 words or more.
AND
The submission of a thesis proposal. The proposal should be approximately 1,000 words in length and provide (1) a statement clearly indicating your intentions to embark on a PhD or other related research; (2) information on the proposed title; (3) a summary of the proposed research; (4) the proposed direction or aim of the thesis; (5) the proposed research sources and methodology; (6) a proposed schedule for research and completion.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended that students indicate in detail their experience with research in their intention to embark on a PhD or other related research as part of the application process for this subject.
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.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Option 1: A dissertation (totalling 20,000 words)
| Depending on a student's commencement of this subject, the anticipated due dates would be 30 June (of the upcoming year) or 31 December (of the current year). | 100% |
Option 2: One major article (around 10,000 words), suitable for publication in a learned legal journal. Across both semesters, students will produce two major articles.
| Depending on a student's commencement of this subject, the anticipated due dates would be 30 June (of the upcoming year) or 31 December (of the current year). | 100% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours regular meetings between the student and supervisor Total time commitment 300 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 November 2024 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Academic Supervisor
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
- Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours regular meetings between the student and supervisor Total time commitment 300 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 November 2024 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
Academic Supervisor
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.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- Links to additional information
Last updated: 4 March 2025