Master of Laws (by Research)

Study a Master of Laws by Research at Bond University

The upcoming semester for this program will be delivered in a multi-modal format, with classes designed to support and engage all learners. Whether they're on campus or abroad, all students will be able to access Bond's exceptional and personalised learning experience through dynamic and interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and lab sessions.

A Master of Laws (Research) is offered to those with a professional law qualification, providing an opportunity to specialise and gain in-depth legal knowledge in a particular area of the law. It may be an area where your career has taken you or a new area that you would like to move into.

The Master of Laws (Research) is comprised of a 50,000 word thesis on your chosen specialist area. Supervised by academics who are recognised as experts in their field, the thesis would usually be completed over two years full-time. Part-time options are also available.

In this program, you will:

Work with world-class academics and researchers
Gain versatile knowledge and an expert understanding of your chosen area of law
Build upon your essential research skills such as critical thinking and analysis at the highest level
Enhance your understanding of both substantive and procedural law

For international students, the program provides a wide range of international law, comparative law, IP and trade law, and dispute resolution research options that work to broaden and internationalise an undergraduate law qualification.

Applicants to the program must have completed a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor qualification.

Campus and Bond University Experience

Bond University has been ranked #1 in Australia for Student Experience by the Good Universities Guide for well over a decade. We have some of the best law teachers and scholars in the country, delivering innovative, globally-focused law programs in the world-class facilities housed within our state-of-the-art Legal Skills Centre.

While the Master of Laws (Research), is essentially a self-driven program, you will have the opportunity to meet and engage with national and international legal experts in a variety of fields, working together in a collegiate and knowledge-focussed environment.

Why study at Bond University

I initially chose to study my LLM (Res) at Bond University because whilst researching my topic I came across the work of a world acclaimed expert in my field and it happened that he was based in my home town at Bond. Best of all he was interested in supervising my project. It was the campus, the facilities and staff that sold me on Bond being the place for me.
Since commencing my research at Bond, I have felt completely supported and respected. My supervisors have been excited about my project and have been a great source of wisdom and support for me. I have also been fortunate to have co-authored a book chapter with my supervisor and to have started work as a sessional tutor in the Law Faculty. My experience has cemented my goal to work as an academic and tutor at Bond.

"Bond University offers a unique environment to research candidates. The faculty has a very international outlook with expertise in diverse fields. Only a small number of candidates is accepted. They have exceptional access to faculty supervisors and other staff, and to extensive research resources. All this in an exceptional setting with very personal university services and attention."

Key features

Tailor your research to suit your career needs and interests
Develop high level research, analysis and application skills to solve complex problems
Be supervised by world-renowned academics with specialist knowledge
Expand your global network of academics and researchers

About the program

The Master of Laws (Research) is a higher degree by research program awarded for completion of a 50,000 word thesis. The thesis demonstrates the student's ability to research, analyse and apply information and concepts to a body of legal knowledge or practice.

Mode	On Campus and Remote Due to current travel restrictions, this program will temporarily be delivered using a mixture of on-campus, remote and multi-modal classes to support and engage all students, from all parts of the world.
Duration	6 semesters (2 years)
Starting semesters	January 2021 May 2021 September 2021 January 2022 May 2022 September 2022 January 2023 May 2023 September 2023
Program type	Master Research
Study area	Law
Program code	LA-43037
CRICOS code	063455C
Credit for prior study	For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected]

Structure and subjects

Structure

The Master of Laws (Research) program comprises a 50,000 word thesis, usually completed over two years full time. Part-time options are also available. The thesis is supervised by staff expert in the subject area.

International students

To fulfil your student visa requirements, you will need to enrol on a full-time basis.

Program fees

The below fees are based on an annual fee over a three-semester academic calendar.

Annual program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $39,760* annually

Students who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens may be provided with a Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset which exempts them from tuition fees. This exemption is valid for a maximum period of two years for full-time study or up to four years part-time study for a Masters program.

Find out your financing options and other costs to consider.

* The fees listed are average costs displayed to provide an indicative program cost only, they may differ to the indicative fee included in the Bond University offer letter due to differences in individual and exact study schedules.

Tuition fees are subject to change on an annual basis and will be charged at the appropriate fee for the year of enrolment.

* Note: for students commencing January 2021 the University has held the 2020 tuition fee amount in recognition of the current circumstances, with 2021 fees effective only from the University’s May 2021 semester.

Admission criteria

Academic entry requirements

The Master of Laws (Research) is offered to those with a professional law qualification (Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or equivalent). Applicants are required to have at least 65 cumulative percentage average.

Please contact [email protected] for further information.

English language proficiency requirements

As tuition is delivered in English, all students will be required to provide documented evidence of the required level of proficiency in the English language. Read more detailed information on English Language Proficiency Requirements for university study.

Key dates

Bond University calendar

How to apply

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest as to why they wish to undertake a research degree and the area of research.

Future outcomes

Professional outcomes

Upon graduation of the Master of Laws (Research) you will have the knowledge and skills to advance your career in your specialised area of law. The program will open a range of other academic and professional opportunities in areas such as:

Academic research
Higher education teaching

Further study

The Master of Laws (Research) can lead to further Higher Degree by Research programs including:

Specialist mediation courses and graduate certificate programs in family dispute resolution (FDR) are available through Bond’s Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC). All DRC medication courses are approved by the Mediator Standards Board and FDR programs are recognised by the Attorney General’s office.

Career readiness

The Master of Laws (Research) offers a career pathway to higher level doctorate studies and academic career opportunities, as well as significantly enhancing your prospects for career advancement.

Bond University graduates have been rated highest in Australia for two years in a row for employer satisfaction, according to the 2019 Employer Satisfaction Survey published by the Department of Education and Training.