Master of Laws (Research)

The Masters by research degree provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of a topic relating to one of the Law School's areas of research expertise, such as law in context, international and comparative law, and public law.

As a Masters by research candidate, you develop advanced skills in the conduct of independent and sustained research as you undertake a research project under academic supervision that culminates in a thesis of 25,000-50,000 words.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 – Masters Degree by Research.

In order to apply for Masters by research candidature, you will normally require either:
(a) the satisfactory completion of an Australian Bachelor's degree with an honours year with at least an H2A result in the relevant discipline
or
(b) a qualification of La Trobe University or a recognised tertiary institution which is deemed by the Board of Graduate Research to be equivalent to the qualification specified in (a) above
or
(c) a Bachelor's degree without honours strengthened by additional qualifications or the demonstrated possession of research skills or publications of an especially meritorious nature, approved by the Board of Graduate Research as an acceptable basis for admission to candidature. Some additional preliminary studies may need to be undertaken.

The following conditions must be met in order to gain admission into a Masters by research degree:

• you must meet the minimum entry requirements for the degree as outlined above
• the department or school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.

6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

This degree will open up a range of career pathways for you, including academic research, higher education, the legal profession, law reform, politics, business and commerce, government service, and public administration. It can also serve as a pathway into a PhD.