Australian Merger Law (LAWS90287)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online
About this subject
Contact information
July
Teaching staff:
Rhonda Smith (Coordinator)
For current student enquiries, contact the Law School Academic Support Office
Overview
| Availability | July - Online |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the legal rules and economic principles underpinning the review of mergers and acquisitions in Australia. Around the world merger law is topical, with concerns about increased concentration and acquisition of potential start-up competitors, particularly in the fast-evolving digital space. In this subject you will examine how the competitive effects of different types of mergers are assessed in Australia, including the circumstances in which mergers may be authorised. We will examine the processes involved in merger review, as well as the penalties for contravention. The subject will also examine proposals for reform of Australia’s merger review laws and processes. As the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) continues to advocate for substantial changes to our nation's merger laws, this subject presents a unique opportunity to delve into the nuances of Australian merger law's current and potential future application.
Indicative list of principal topics:
- Merger law and processes
- The economics and analysis of horizontal, vertical, conglomerate and digital mergers and ecosystems
- Authorisation of mergers in Australia and other merger remedies Merger reform proposals
- Merger reform proposals
Important note on delivery
The teaching and learning activities in LAWS90287 Australian Merger Law run online across an 8-week extended study period.
This subject will primarily feature asynchronous online learning activities, including discussion boards. In addition, there will be 2-3 optional and essential live online classes delivered by the subject coordinator.
Make sure to check LMS Canvas for the latest information on the subject schedule, webinars and discussion board activities.
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject should be able to
- Analyse and explain the key characteristics of Section 50 of the Competition and Consumer Act, as well as alternatives to Section 50 for addressing mergers
- Identify and discuss the factors which are the basis for determining whether a merger substantially lessens competition
- Critically discuss the basis on which penalties would be awarded in cases of contravention of Australian merger law
- Deploy the practical skills and competencies required in assessing a merger under Australian merger law
Generic skills
- Sophisticated ability to evaluate and synthesise existing knowledge in the area of Australian merger law.
- Substantial capacity to communicate complex ideas, orally and in writing to specialist and non-specialist groups.
- Identify and apply relevant information, concepts and theories in the field of Australian merger law.
- Highly developed problem-solving abilities, including through the collection and evaluation of information applying interdisciplinary sources and perspectives to Australian merger law.
- Highly developed capacity for self-directed learning, organisation and time management.
- Have an advanced and integrated understanding of the complex body of knowledge relevant to the field of Australian merger law, including the economic theories, policies and principles that underpin and influence policy and law in this field.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS90065 | Foundations: Competition Law & Economics |
July (Online)
January (Online)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
Recommended background knowledge
Applicants without legal qualifications should note that subjects are taught at an advanced graduate level and requires a thorough background in common law. While efforts are made to meet the needs of students trained in other fields, teaching and assessment activities are designed to give an advanced and integrated understanding of the discipline of law for legal practitioners, learners and researchers.
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
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Class Participation | Throughout the teaching period | 20% |
Written Assignment
| Due the beginning of Week 5 | 30% |
Practical Assessment - Merger Proposal
| 2 Weeks after the end of teaching | 50% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- July - Online
Principal coordinator Rhonda Smith Mode of delivery Online Contact hours Each week, students work their way through the Modules (there are 8 Modules in total), and participate in discussion board activities moderated by the Subject Coordinator. In addition to the online activities, students are expected to attend the live webinars. See LMS Canvas for the webinar schedule. Total time commitment 150 hours Pre teaching start date 14 July 2025 Pre teaching requirements During the pre-teaching period, students should familiarise themselves with LMS Canvas, review preliminary information about the subject introduce themselves to their peers and teaching staff. Teaching period 21 July 2025 to 14 September 2025 Last self-enrol date 15 July 2025 Census date 1 August 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 September 2025 Assessment period ends 28 September 2025 July contact information
Teaching staff:
Rhonda Smith (Coordinator)
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
Each week, students work their way through the Modules (there are 8 Modules in total), and participate in discussion board activities moderated by the Subject Coordinator.
Make sure to check the LMS Canvas for up-to-date information on expectations around participation in discussion board activities and attendance at the live webinars.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
If subject coordinator approval is required, or for further information about Community Access Program study, please contact us
(enquiries for current students | enquiries for prospective students).
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 4 March 2025