Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies is an 80 credit point program designed to provide graduates in the Law discipline with the opportunity to undertake advanced study in research methodology and to undertake supervised research work, in the discipline area appropriate to their research trajectory.

The program provides the necessary preparation for entry into a higher degree research program (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or equivalent program) for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission into these programs.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for admission to MPhil or PhD candidature, subject to fulfilment of the requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree Research Policy . The grade achieved will determine eligibility for admission to either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) candidature.

The Program Director will be responsible for the overall supervision of students in the program and for monitoring their progress throughout the program.

Students may choose to exit the Graduate Diploma program (after successfully completing the specified courses) with the Graduate Certificate in Law Research Studies.

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies, a student must:

• hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (using a 7.0 point scale) over the last two years of the Bachelor degree
• OR hold a Masters degree in a related discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing)

As a condition of acceptance into the program, students will be required to find a suitable supervisor or supervisors and have their research project approved by the supervisor/s and the Program Director. Students requiring assistance in finding a suitable supervisor should contact a Higher Degree Research ( HDR) Convenor in Law. The supervisor/s will be responsible for assessing and recommending applications for admission into the program and plans for programs of study, and will act as the nominated student contact for any concerns and issues that arise in their study. The Program Director will have final approval for admissions into the program.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Applicants should be aware that the above test scores are the minimum scores required by Griffith University for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies. Applicants intending to progress to Higher Degree Research studies should refer to the language requirements for those programs as they may require higher levels of proficiency.

The research capabilities developed through the program will be appropriate for students seeking employment in research fields.