Handbook : Course informationEdith Cowan University

Course Information

Master of Laws (Research)

Effective from 01-JAN-2026 : Code I74

Law at ECU is cultivating a vibrant, contemporary research culture. The Law Research Masters offers candidates the opportunity to participate in this culture by undertaking research in a specialised area of law. Candidates will complete compulsory research support units and a supervised thesis of 50,000 words that will make a substantial contribution to legal knowledge. This course will allow candidates to develop and acquire high-level skills in research and analysis, equipping candidates for careers in advanced research, tertiary education, professional training and policy development.

Disclaimer

This course information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester. In particular please check the course requirements and the unit and unit set offerings, as these differ according to course delivery location.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of global knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery in the field of law.
2. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to research activities by conceptualising, investigating and addressing a research problem in law.
3. Initiate, create, plan and execute a substantial piece of law research in collaboration with a supervision team.
4. Interpret and communicate complex information, concepts, theories and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
5. Justify research aims, methodologies and results, considering the ethical and social consequences.

Admission requirements

Admission requirement (Band 8)

• Bachelor degree in a cognate discipline; or
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Language requirement (Band 4)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
• Bachelor degree from a country specified in the Admissions Policy;
• Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
• Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70 percent or higher in a Bachelor degree in Law. Applicants who have not achieved a WAM of 70 percent or higher should seek advice from the Course Coordinator before applying for this course.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level

This course has been accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research) Award.

Course Duration

• Full Time: 2 Years
• Part Time: 4 Years

Course Delivery

• Joondalup: Full Time, Part Time

Course Coordinator

Prof Peter GALVIN

Course Structure