Socio-Legal Studies

Postgraduate Courses in Socio-Legal Studies

• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Socio-Legal Studies)
• Master of Arts (Socio-Legal Studies)
• Doctor of Philosophy
• How to apply

If you are interested in learning more about the research higher degree courses, or other options available in Postgraduate Socio-Legal Studies, please contact the Program Convenor, Dr Jennifer Balint.

• Socio-Legal Studies staff

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Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Socio-Legal Studies)

• Course structure

Socio-Legal Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with the skills to assess, evaluate and engage with law reform and contemporary societal debates. The Postgraduate Diploma offers students the chance to conduct research in this field as well as gain experience in a community or government agency within the field of law reform.

The prerequisites for entry to the Postgraduate diploma in Arts (Socio-Legal Studies) are:

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or completion of a relevant Graduate Diploma
• An average grade of H2A or higher over the second/third year subjects in a relevant major or over the Graduate course

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Master of Arts (Socio-Legal Studies)

The Masters degree is designed for students to develop skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.

Applications for the MA

Applicants may commence their candidature at any stage throughout the academic year; however, international students must apply before 15 September, and domestic students before 31 October, to be considered for scholarship assistance in the following year.

Admission requirements for the MA

A four year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in Socio-Legal Studies or a closely related area with an Honours thesis result at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) and an overall Honours result at least equivalent to an H2B (70%) at the University of Melbourne.

Applicants must include a thesis proposal with their application. The primary basis for selection is academic merit, however, consideration will also be given to the quality of the thesis proposal, research potential, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Academic references may be required to assess the applicant's elegibility. Applicants should contact the Department before commencing the application process.

Course Structure for the MA

• Duration - normally 12-18 months of full-time study, or 2-3 years of part time study.
• Thesis of 30,000 words
• Candidates must also present a 20 minute paper on their topic to a departmental seminar, present thesis related material as part of a formal lecture for Socio-Legal Studies or a related subject, or present a paper at an academic conference.

Course Pathways for the MA

With the support of both the thesis supervisor and Head of Department, masters by research candidates may apply to convert to the PhD degree. Alternatively, candidates may apply for admission to the PhD after successful completion of the masters degree.

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PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the major research degree offered by the University of Melbourne and may be undertaken as a supervised research program in Socio-Legal Studies. Supervisory expertise is provided by our staff who share a commitment to effective supervision and research training.

One of the aims of the PhD program is to provide students with experience in a variety of academic activities encouraging conference presentations and attendance at University and Department training sessions. The PhD program also supports teaching, tutoring and publishing opportunities where possible.

To discuss supervision or your thesis proposal, contact the Socio-Legal Studies convenor. Prospective candidates should contact the School of Graduate Studies, or in the case of international students, the International Office, to apply.

Applications for the PhD

Applicants may commence their candidature at any stage throughout the academic year; however, international students must apply before 15 September, and domestic students before 31 October, to be considered for scholarship assistance in the following year.

Admission requirements for PhD

A four year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in Socio-Legal Studies or a closely related area with an overall Honours result at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) at an approved research institution.

Applicants must include a thesis proposal with their application. The primary basis for selection is academic merit, however, consideration will also be given to the quality of the thesis proposal, research potential, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Academic references may be required to assess the applicant's elegibility.

Course Structure of the PhD

• Duration - normally 3 years of full-time study, or up to 6 years of part time study.
• Thesis of 80,000 words, but the length varies with each area of study. The thesis should not exceed 100,000 words (or equivalent) without special approval from the PhD committee.