The UNE Master of Laws (Research) provides a program of flexible learning and independent research for high-calibre graduates in Law to make a substantial and original contribution to an academic field of legal knowledge. You will develop advanced skills in how to write for, research, argue and apply the law and build your critical thinking via an advanced program of self-led research and training, with support from our academic team from start to finish.

This course is taught by UNE’s highly experienced staff in the School of Law, Australia’s largest law school outside a capital city. World-class teaching staff, a thriving research culture and unique perspective on regional, rural and remote legal issues will provide you with access to an engaging program of research and specialist skills that employers are looking for.

Build on your expertise, hone your research skills and apply your knowledge regardless of your chosen research pathway.

Why study the Master of Laws (Research) with UNE?
Our Master of Laws (Research) aims to develop and deepen your knowledge and advanced research skills. You will undertake legal research on a significant legal topic in a scholarly dissertation, either for academic or professional purposes. The course will provide you with theoretical knowledge and relevant research methodologies for conducting advanced research in a specialised area of law, including legal theory, corporate law, comparative law, biotechnology and intellectual property law, human rights, international law or legal history or interdisciplinary studies of law and policy.

As part of your study, you will complete a major thesis with supervision and guidance from leading legal researchers.

By focusing on an area of law that engages your interest, you will have the opportunity to investigate, think independently, and develop solutions to legal problems through in-depth study and research. Not only will you develop advanced skills in research methodologies and techniques, you will also gain a solid research foundation for professional practice in your chosen area of law.

You will graduate with a sharpened analytical mind and a range of portable and adaptable skills, ready to take advantage of new professional opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.

What makes our course different?
The depth and breadth of this course makes it an ideal pathway to refine your skills and develop specialist expertise in legal areas that reflect your interests. You will have the opportunity to:

• Build a solid foundation in critical thinking and analysis alongside an advanced understanding of research methodology, theory and practice.
• Be part of UNE's vibrant, research-led School of Law, Australia's largest law school outside a capital city with expertise in legal issues related to regional, remote and rural Australia — not just metropolitan areas.
• Gain versatile knowledge and skills to apply to new legal careers which are emerging as a result of new technology developments.
• Develop an advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to your chosen area.
• Build an expert understanding of your chosen academic field of knowledge, grounded in contemporary developments in education and research.
• Expand your skills as an independent researcher, working on your own findings to contribute new insights to the legal profession and academic field.
• Hone your ability to evaluate ideas and make informed judgements on complex issues in law, while expanding your understanding of the social and cultural importance of legal work.
• Progress to a PhD should you wish to continue your research career.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand student and meet the criteria for entry to the Master of Laws (Research), you may be funded under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) and may not incur tuition fees for the duration of the course. If you are an international student, you will incur tuition fees.

Internal funding is available to support research projects and UNE offers a range of scholarships for Higher Degree Research students.

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.