Please note: Applications for 2022 have closed! Applications are currently being considered for commencement in 2023.

Graduate research degree places at Melbourne Law School are very competitive and generally only approximately 15 applicants are accepted each year.

Applicants are assessed:

Using the minimum entry requirements outlined below, on the University's Graduate Research Study web page and the selection criteria outlined on the How to Apply section
The criteria include an assessment of an applicant's knowledge of the discipline and evidence of ability to complete a rigorous research project
Applications are assessed in four rounds per year with entry for the following year. Refer to the How to Apply section for round deadlines.

The criteria for assessing applicants' eligibility for PhD candidature are:

Minimum qualifications
Applicants are normally required to have completed at least a four-year honours degree at H2A standard from an Australian university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered by the RHD Committee to be equivalent.
Minimum level of academic achievement
Applicants should have achieved an overall H1 (80-100%) or H2A (75-79%) grade in the relevant honours or Masters degree.

An extract from the relevant University handbook (or website) for your Master degree, that clearly states:
- the normal duration of the course and
- the structure of the course (e.g. 2 years full-time, minimum of 24 points of which 18 points are a research project.
Relevance of the degree
The completed degree must be in an area that is relevant to the intended PhD, including sufficient specialisation such that the applicant will have already developed an understanding and appreciation of a body of knowledge relevant to the intended PhD.
Evidence of research ability
Applicants are normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of their year's work at 4th year or at Masters level.
Currency of applicant's knowledge of the discipline
The applicant's degree(s) and/or professional experience must demonstrate that their knowledge of the discipline in which they plan to undertake their research higher degree is current.
Assessment of level of suitability
Based on interview or other verbal communication, an assessment should be made of the level of understanding, motivation and time commitment of the student for the proposed program of study. For example, a full-time student would be expected to devote at least 40 hours a week and a part-time student about half of this.

Applicants must also meet the University's English Language requirements.

Core participation requirements
All PhD candidates are required to complete the equivalent of at least 12 months full-time (24 months part-time) study and research at the University unless studying at an outside institution approved by the Higher Degrees by Research Committee (HDRC). The HDRC will not approve entirely distance supervision or entirely on-line supervision for research higher degree students. Throughout their candidature candidates are expected to attend the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up their research within a University community and environment.

The residency requirement is deemed especially important during the period of probationary candidature. During probationary candidature the student is expected to interact on a regular basis with the supervisor, the department (including staff and other research students) and the University, so as:

to build the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out the proposed research program;
to acquire an understanding of the standards and requirements for a PhD awarded by the University;
to make use of support programs and facilities provided by the University throughout candidature.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with the MLS Office for Research or Student Equity and Disability Support.

Applicants are required to submit to the University of Melbourne:

A Melbourne Law School Research Proposal
A University of Melbourne Graduate Research Degree Application Form

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