Postgraduate research in law

School of Law

The School has attracted highly qualified staff from Universities in Australia and overseas and from the practice of law, and has also established a reputation for innovative research. It is home to the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) and the Legal Intersections Research Centre (LIRC).  The Law School has a thriving community of about 50 research students from all over the world, including Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ghana, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the USA, Vietnam, as well as from Australia.  The School has received many commendations for its research in law.  The Australian Research Council’s 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) results have recognised that UOW’s Law researchers perform “above world standard” (a rating of 4).

The Law School offers high quality postgraduate research programs leading to a Master of Philosophy (Law), Master of Philosophy (Maritime Studies) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  For all research degrees, a student is attached to a supervisor, with whom he or she meets regularly for critical discussion and guidance, and to a second supervisor, who also provides assistance.  The Law School places great importance on close personal supervision and is able to offer supervision in a wide range of subject areas.  It is known internationally for its research strengths in interdisciplinary legal research, particularly through its centres, the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, and the Legal Intersections Research Centre.  You can find out more about the research undertaken by the School’s academic staff who are members of these centres to help you think about formulating a research topic and proposal.  If you are interested in other areas of research, you can find out about the research specialisations of members of the academic staff through the School of Law website.  You should also familiarise yourself with university requirements relating to qualifications, including English language requirements, fees, and other general matters relating to research candidature.

Information for prospective students

Once you have thought about whether you would like to embark on postgraduate research in the School, we encourage you to contact us directly about your proposed topic.  If appropriate, we will then liaise further with potential supervisors, and provide guidance with the development of suitable proposals:

• For enquiries about research in the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, please contact Professor Clive Schofield.
• For enquires about research in the Legal Intersections Research Centre, please contact the Director of the Centre, Professor Nan Seuffert.
• If you are unsure about who to contact, or if you have any questions about whether the Law School would be able to offer supervision for a research topic you wish to pursue, please contact the Head of Postgraduate Studies in the School of Law, Associate Professor Jakkrit Kuanpoth.
• For information about admission processes and requirements and application forms please read below.

Your research proposal is the most important part of your application.  You are asked to write a research proposal in order to help you focus and define what it is you want to do.  Please contact the Head of Postgraduate Studies in the School of Law directly for information and guidance on writing a research proposal for research in law at UOW.

Information for current students

All HDR students at the University of Wollongong are required to complete a satisfactory research proposal within their first year of enrolment, in accordance with UOW Guidelines and Faculty of Law Guidelines and  HDR Students Research Review Form. The seminars are open to staff and students of the School and other interested members of the university. The HDR students are also expected to participate in the Research proposal preparation seminar within the specified timeframe’s.

The School of Law administers funding for postgraduate research students to assist their research work, such as research trips or fieldwork.  Funds are also available for conference travel.