Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 7 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
Duration
2.0 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Complete a thesis that makes a significant contribution to research in law. A member of the School of Law's academic staff will be appointed as your principal supervisor.
Read MoreKey information
2021 course information
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Applicants must have demonstrated evidence of a high standard of research ability. This is normally an Honours year to H2B (60%+) standard, or a coursework master degree with a substantial thesis. However, other evidence of research ability may be considered and could include a thesis as part of an international undergraduate degree; relevant refereed publications; research awards; or research experience.
For more information please visit the Deakin Research - Higher Degrees by Research page.
Entry to Higher Degree by Research candidature is normally granted on the basis of a bachelor's degree with honours (that is, a four year degree where the final year includes advanced studies in the discipline, research methodology training and a research thesis) or a master's degree with a substantial research component, in a field of study related to the subject of the proposed research. It is expected that a candidate for a doctoral program will have achieved the standard of at least second class honours (upper division), and that a candidate for a master's degree will have achieved the standard of second class honours. Other qualifications and experience may be considered for entry if the Higher Degrees by Research Committee accepts them as equivalent to those above. Where entry is sought based on alternative qualifications, a key requirement is that there has been some research activity leading to a thesis or equivalent publications. The HDR Committee looks for evidence of research potential and demonstrated ability to produce a significant report - two qualities which will be essential for successful candidature.
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
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How to apply
Higher degree by research applicants must apply via the online applicant portal. You will be required to attach a number of certified supporting documents, in addition to your research proposal and referee reports.
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
Research Information
For more information about areas in which supervision is available please contact:
Research Administration Group
Tel 03 5227 2442
research-buslaw@deakin.edu.au
Deakin University offers scholarships for study towards research masters degrees in all faculties. Information is available from:
University scholarships officer
Tel 03 5227 3492
research-scholarships@deakin.edu.au
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) | Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (DGLO) |
| 1. Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities: appropriate to the level of study related to a discipline or profession. 3. Digital literacy: using technologies to find, use and disseminate information. 6. Self-management: working and learning independently, and taking responsibility for personal actions. |
| 4. Critical thinking: evaluating information using critical and analytical thinking and judgment. 5. Problem solving: creating solutions to authentic (real world and ill-defined) problems. 7. Teamwork: working and learning with others from different disciplines and backgrounds. |
| 2. Communication: using oral, written and interpersonal communication to inform, motivate and effect change. 8. Global citizenship: engaging ethically and productively in the professional context and with diverse communities and cultures in a global context. |