Course Overview

About This Course

Receive outstanding research training as a doctoral candidate at Melbourne Law School, Australia's leading law school. Join a high-calibre group of candidates and benefit from comprehensive training, financial support, and networking opportunities. You'll produce a piece of high-quality scholarly work, with the potential to change our understanding and application of the law, and to make a wider impact on society.

Join a small cohort of doctoral candidates to undertake a substantial piece of independent and original research under academic supervision. A global experience: present your work internationally with active support to make connections within our extensive network of prestigious institutions. Develop advanced research skills by building the high-level skills needed to complete an outstanding thesis with our three-year Research Support Program, a fortnightly seminar series. Base yourself in our modern building on campus, with a dedicated desk and computing facilities available for all full-time doctoral candidates.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship — eligible domestic students are exempt from tuition fees for up to 4 years

Duration

4 years full time / 8 years part time

Intakes

Flexible - see How to apply

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Four-year bachelor honours degree (AQF8) or masters degree (AQF9) in a cognate discipline, including a substantial research component (at least 25% of one full-time year) with a WAM of 75%+, or equivalent professional/other experience, or an Indigenous Australian pathway
International students must also meet the University's English language requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0, or equivalent)

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Completing a PhD at Melbourne leads to becoming a specialist in your field, prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and the community.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB VIC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units1 units

Thesis

A single sustained thesis of approximately 80,000 words under academic supervision, examining a specific problem, issue or topic in the field. No coursework subjects — assessed by thesis examination and an oral deliberation (viva).

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What financial support is available to PhD candidates in Law at the University of Melbourne?

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.

What research training and skills development opportunities are offered during the PhD in Law?

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.

Are there opportunities to present research and build international networks during the PhD?

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.

What study facilities are available for full-time doctoral candidates?

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.

How is Melbourne Law School ranked, and what does this mean for PhD candidates?

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.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $120,000 to $175,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Lawyer / Graduate SolicitorSolicitorBarristerIn-House Counsel / Corporate CounselGeneral Counsel

Key Skills

Legal research and case analysisStatutory interpretation and legal reasoningWritten and oral advocacyContract drafting and document preparationCritical thinking and problem-solving

Full Course Overview

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