Updating Results
Menu

Murdoch University

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Master of Laws by Research

  • Masters (Research)

A Master of Laws by Research will see you achieve a depth of knowledge of the law in your area of specialty, plus develop your critical analysis, research, oral presentation and writing skills.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Research)
Duration
2 years full-time
Course Code
M1235

About this course

Overview

The Master of Laws by Research will allow you to undertake research at an advanced level. You will achieve a depth of knowledge of the law of your focused areas of legal study which is not offered at the undergraduate level; develop your skills of critical analysis of the law by enhancing your research and writing skills and in oral presentation; and you will participate in a scholarly discourse with teachers and fellow students in order to achieve a breadth of legal scholarship.

As part of this Masters course, you will be required to identify an Academic to supervise your topic. You will complete a research thesis up to 60,000 words, and your supervisor will determine a program of study to support the completion of this thesis. This may include units of study at the university to further your knowledge and skills in your study area, which the supervisor deems to be of central relevance to your research program.

If you have not completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Research Honours, in addition to the thesis you will be expected to complete 12 credit points, consisting of Legal Research Methods for Honours and Advanced Supervised Honours Research, plus 6 credit points of electives offered by the University at 500 or 600 (AQF8 level).

This course will enhance your qualifications and open opportunities for you to build a successful career in the legal profession.

Read More

Read Less

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.
For Criminology:
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview.

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful completion of at least one year.

Pre-Law

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

  • MUPC (1 Trimester).

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course

* Introduction to Academic Communication unit

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

For Law :

No direct entry

For Criminology:

Successful completion of the course.

For Law :

No direct entry
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement
For Criminology:
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful completion of at least one year.

Pre-Law
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

  • MUPC (1 Trimester).

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course

* Introduction to Academic Communication unit

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

For Law :

No direct entry
Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of the course.

For Law :

No direct entry
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Experience based entry

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the
Experienced based entry
.
Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Case-by-case assessment.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

For Criminology:

CPS 54 or higher.


For Law :

CPS 70 or higher.

For Criminology:

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

For Law :

65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Law Start

Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa.

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

For Criminology:

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

For Law :

Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower.

For Law and Criminology:

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

For Criminology:

70

For Law :

90

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
GCE A Levels

For Criminology:

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

For Law :

Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

For Criminology:

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

For Law :

A Levels: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: B in one of the following:

  • English Language

English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

For Criminology:

Total score of 24 or higher.

For Law :

Total score of 33 or higher.

For Criminology:

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

For Law:

Higher level (HL): 5 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 6 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Experience based entry
Minimum academic requirement

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement
Case-by-case assessment.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

CPS 54 or higher.


For Law :

CPS 70 or higher.
Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

For Law :

65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Law Start
Minimum academic requirement

Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa.
Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

For Law :

Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

For Law and Criminology:

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

70

For Law :

90

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
GCE A Levels

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

For Law :

Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

For Law :

A Levels: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: B in one of the following:

  • English Language

English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Total score of 24 or higher.

For Law :

Total score of 33 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

For Law:

Higher level (HL): 5 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 6 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

Certificate IV AQF level 4

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

For Law :

No direct entry

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


For Law:

No direct entry
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

For Law :

No direct entry

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


For Law:

No direct entry
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
For Criminology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). For Law : No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

For Law and Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

For Criminology:

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .

For Law :

No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

For Law:

No direct entry

Experienced based entry

For Criminology and combined Criminology courses

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). For Law : No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

Minimum English requirement

For Law and Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .

For Law :

No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

For Law:

No direct entry

Experienced based entry

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology and combined Criminology courses

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
To be eligible for admission as a candidate in the 36 point Master of Laws by Research, an applicant must have: * a Bachelor Degree in Law (AQF level 7), or equivalent; or * a Bachelor Degree in a cognate discipline and satisfy the Graduate Research Manager with evidence of significant scholarly or professional attainments which would indicate a capacity to undertake the requirements of the degree. To be eligible to enter the Masters with advanced standing for the coursework component and be required to complete the thesis only, applicants must have: * a Bachelor Degree with Research Honours (AQF level 8) * a Degree at AQF 8 or above in a cognate discipline and satisfy the Graduate Research Manager with evidence of significant scholarly or professional attainments, which would indicate a capacity to undertake the requirements of the degree.
English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements Students are required to identify an Academic willing and capable to supervise their topic.
Advanced Standing

Not applicable to research courses.

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Advanced Standing

Not applicable to research courses.

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.

  • Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion

Copyright 2024 © PostgradAustralia.
The most comprehensive postgraduate guide in Australia