About the Master of Laws (Research)

The Masters by research degree provides an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of a topic relating to one of the Law School's areas of research expertise, such as law in context, international and comparative law, and public law.

As a Masters by research candidate, you develop advanced skills in the conduct of independent and sustained research as you undertake a research project under academic supervision that culminates in a thesis of 25,000-50,000 words.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 – Masters Degree by Research.

Entry requirements and pathways
International students

Academic entry requirement

Prerequisites

In order to apply for Masters by research candidature, you will normally require either:
(a) the satisfactory completion of an Australian Bachelor's degree with an honours year with at least an H2A result in the relevant discipline
or
(b) a qualification of La Trobe University or a recognised tertiary institution which is deemed by the Board of Graduate Research to be equivalent to the qualification specified in (a) above
or
(c) a Bachelor's degree without honours strengthened by additional qualifications or the demonstrated possession of research skills or publications of an especially meritorious nature, approved by the Board of Graduate Research as an acceptable basis for admission to candidature. Some additional preliminary studies may need to be undertaken.

The following conditions must be met in order to gain admission into a Masters by research degree:

• you must meet the minimum entry requirements for the degree as outlined above
• the department or school in which you seek enrolment must be able to provide appropriate facilities, resources and supervision for your chosen area of research.

Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

English language requirement

6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.

Fees and scholarships

Estimated course fees for international students

Estimated fees per year (2023):A$39 000 per EFTSL (equivalent full-time study load).

Scholarships:Not available for this course

The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.

International scholarships

This course is not eligible for international scholarships.