PhD in Law

The PhD is the highest degree awarded by the Law School. Students are expected to undertake rigorous, in-depth research on an area of law under supervision and write a thesis that makes a substantial, original contribution to the scholarship. By studying with us, under expert supervision, you will gain valuable research skills and develop a substantial body of academic work that merits national and international recognition in your field of interest. Prospective students should identify a topic for research and a potential supervisor. While prospective students may make contact with a potential supervisor and seek their approval for the research topic, it is not expected. The Law School will assign supervisors in appropriate cases if the student cannot identify them on their own.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to develop a brief research proposal explaining the topic, the areas to be studied, current state of the scholarship, and proposed contribution to the literature.

The Law School is able to provide supervision in areas including:

Transnational Commercial Law, International Law, Corporate Governance, and Contract Law: Prof. Sandeep Gopalan

Civil Law, Contract Law, Trade Practice Law and Civil Procedure: Prof Ted Wright

Conflicts of Law and Family Law: Prof Frank Bates

Criminal Law: Assoc Prof John Anderson

Civil Law, Tort Law, Intellectual Property, Occupational Health and Safety Law: Assoc Prof Neil Foster

Family and Child Law: Dr Nicola Ross

Government Law: Katherine Lindsay

Environmental Law: Dr Jeffrey McGee

International Law: Dr Amy Maguire

Human Rights Law and Constitutional Law: Dr Alan Berman