The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the principal doctoral degree of the University.

A candidate will have appropriately experienced supervisors and an Advisory Committee who, in consultation with the candidate, arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit the individual requirements and interests of the candidate.

The PhD thesis demonstrates authority in the candidate's field and shows evidence of command of knowledge in relevant fields. It shows that the candidate has a thorough grasp of the appropriate methodological techniques and an awareness of their limitations. The thesis also makes a distinct contribution to knowledge. Its contribution to knowledge rests on originality of approach and/or interpretation of the findings and, in some cases, the discovery of new facts. The thesis demonstrates an ability to communicate research findings effectively in the professional arena and in an international context. It is a careful, rigorous and sustained piece of work demonstrating that a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and the holder is admitted to the community of scholars in the discipline.

In scope, the PhD thesis differs from a research Masters thesis chiefly by its deeper and more comprehensive treatment of the chosen subject. It is written succinctly, in English, unless approval has been given for the thesis to be written in a language other than English.

The PhD:

• Is undertaken for up to 4 years (full-time equivalent) or up to 8 years (part-time)
• Preparation of a thesis of 80,000-100,000 word thesis, under supervision, representing an original and substantial contribution to the knowledge of law.

Graduate Researchers also participate in Melbourne Law School's Research Support Program.