The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) at UNSW Law & Justice will help to develop your skills in advanced research. This degree can take your career to the next level, whether you move into areas such as advanced research, academia, the legal profession or policy development.  

Your research training will be complemented with coursework, helping to build in-depth skills in your subject area and in relevant research methods. 

As part of this graduate research degree, you’ll conduct a research project in your chosen area of law, criminology or a related discipline, culminating in submission of a research thesis. You'll enjoy a collegiate and dynamic research culture at UNSW Law & Justice, an internationally renowned faculty. 

Degree code
2441
Duration
Maximum 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Scholarships available
Yes
Delivery mode
On campus

Admission to the Master of Philosophy program requires a bachelor's degree in either law, criminology or a related discipline, with Honours Class 2 Division 2 or a Pass degree with a credit average result.

You must also submit a research proposal to be considered for this program. Admission to the MPhil is subject to appropriate supervision being available.

The Master of Philosophy will develop your skills in undertaking research through a combination of coursework and research. This will include 18 credit units of coursework and a thesis of approximately 40,000 words on an approved topic.  

In your first term of enrolment, you will be required to complete the course ‘LAWS0007 Introduction to Higher Degree Research’ and courses in research ethics and data management, which are compulsory for all MPhil candidates. If you are from a non-common law or non-law background, you may also be required to complete ‘LAWS8214 Global Common Law Systems’.  

Your remaining coursework can be selected from courses on offer in the Master of Laws program or from appropriate criminology courses. Coursework should be chosen in consultation with your supervisors, the postgraduate coordinator and the Director of Postgraduate Research to ensure you’re building specialist knowledge relevant to your proposed thesis area. 

How to apply

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Our research

Our research advances scholarship in law, criminology and related disciplines, making an impact by finding solutions to real-world issues and improving access to justice.