Doctor of Philosophy - Law

Doctoral candidates can access up to $7,500 in research funds to present their work at conferences in Australia and internationally, translate critical texts, receive language training, and conduct empirical work. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places are also available.

Candidates benefit from a three-year Research Support Program consisting of a fortnightly seminar series to build high-level research skills. Additional workshops cover topics such as managing data and presenting results, and programs like Thesis Boot Camp and Three Minute Thesis help develop writing and communication skills.

Yes. Candidates can present their research at the annual Milestone Presentation Day and two colloquia per year, and receive feedback from leading academics. There is also active support to present work at overseas conferences, events, and symposiums, and several joint PhD opportunities are available where candidates can conduct research at both the University of Melbourne and a top research institution overseas.

Full-time doctoral candidates have access to a dedicated desk and computing facilities based in Melbourne Law School's modern building on campus at Parkville.

Melbourne Law School is ranked #1 in Australia and #11 globally for Law according to the Times Higher Education World Rankings by Subject 2025, and the University of Melbourne is ranked #8 globally for graduate employability. Candidates join a leading law school home to internationally recognised scholars and some of the best emerging research talent in Australia.