Duration
4 years full time / 8 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
Flexible
See How to apply
See How to apply
Fees
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places available
Learn more
Learn more
Course overview
Overview
A world-class research experience
Receive outstanding research training as a doctoral candidate at Melbourne Law School, Australia’s leading law school. Join a high-calibre group of candidates and benefit from comprehensive training, financial support, and networking opportunities. You’ll produce a piece of high-quality scholarly work, with the potential to change our understanding and application of the law, and to make a wider impact on society.
Key features
- A high-impact legal community. Join a leading law school, home to internationally recognised scholars and some of the best emerging research talent in Australia.
- Financial support. Access up to $7500 in research funds to present your work at conferences in Australia and internationally, translate critical texts, receive language training, and conduct empirical work.
- Grow your profile. Present your research at our annual Milestone Presentation Day and two colloquia per year and receive feedback from leading academics in your field.
University rankings
#1 in Australia | #19 in the world| #1 in Australia for graduate employability
QS World University Rankings 2026 / Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
Subject rankings
Law
#1 in Australia | #8 in the world
Times Higher Education Rankings by Subject 2026
Why complete a PhD in Law at Melbourne?
Join a small cohort of doctoral candidates to undertake a substantial piece of independent and original research under academic supervision.
- A global experience. Present your work internationally with active support to make connections within our extensive network of prestigious institutions.
- Develop advanced research skills. Build the high-level skills needed to complete an outstanding thesis with our three-year Research Support Program, a fortnightly seminar series.
- Your own study space. Base yourself in our modern building on campus, with a dedicated desk and computing facilities available for all full-time doctoral candidates.
The Melbourne PhD experience
Completing a PhD at Melbourne leads to becoming a specialist in your field, prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and the community. You’ll be supported throughout by your supervisor and research group. And you’ll also have access to dedicated University research services, for support on everything from ethics and integrity, to reporting and data management.
- Global opportunities. In addition to our own leading PhD program, we also offer several joint PhD opportunities, where you can conduct your research at both the University of Melbourne and a top research institution overseas.
- See the world. Present your work and meet other researchers at overseas conferences, events, and symposiums; conduct fieldwork overseas or interstate; or visit collaborating labs and partners in Australia and overseas.
- Build your network. Access networking events with industry experts or take part in a multidisciplinary program with other graduate researchers to gain a richer understanding of your field.
- Boost your skills. Hone your skills through dedicated research workshops on topics like managing data and presenting results. Develop writing and communication skills through programs like Thesis Boot Camp and Three Minute Thesis.
- Stay ahead of the curve. Immerse yourself in the latest research with specialised seminars from visiting academics from around the world, and build your professional networks while you’re there.
- Access student support services. In addition to dedicated research support, you’ll also have access to Stop 1, which offers the full range of student services including visa advice, wellbeing and accommodation information, and administration support.
Student profile
“When you read articles and you follow the footnotes, you begin to see a wider authorship network. I saw how Australia was producing all this really innovative and exciting research – a lot of it through the University of Melbourne.”
— Dr Valeria Vázquez Guevara