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Master of Laws (research degree)

 

Master of Laws (Research)


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies. These include:
– the Resolutions of the University of Sydney Law School;
– the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the HDR Rule); and
– the Research Code of Conduct 2013; and the Research Data Management Policy 2014.
Additionally, the coursework components of this award course are subject to:
– the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule';
– the Coursework Policy 2014;
– the Academic Honesty in Coursework Policy 2015; and
– the Academic Honesty Procedures 2016.
The latest versions of all such documents are available from the Policy Register: sydney.edu.au/policies.

Course resolutions

Part 1: Preliminary

1 Course codes

Code

Course title

RMLAWLAW

Master of Laws

 

Part 2: Admission requirements

2 Eligibility for admission to candidature

(1)
To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Associate Dean, an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Laws with first or second class honours from the University of Sydney.
(2)
The Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the School Postgraduate Research Education Committee, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).
(3)
The Associate Dean may impose on a student admitted to candidature pursuant to sub-clause (2) such conditions as the Associate Dean considers appropriate.

3 Application for admission to candidature

(1)
An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the School:
(a)
satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Associate Dean;
(c)
a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the HDR Rule, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Librarian and made available for immediate public use; and
(d)
Evidence of minimum English language requirements, where not demonstrated by academic qualifications.
(2)
In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that he or she will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.

4 Credit transfer

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.

Part 3: Candidature

5 Appointment of supervisor

The Associate Dean will appoint a research supervisor and auxiliary supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and the Supervision of Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2013.

6 Control of candidature

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.

7 Location of candidature and attendance

The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.

Part 4: Requirements

8 Degree requirements

(1)
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
(a)
complete any specified probationary requirements;
(b)
complete the unit of study LAWS6077 Legal Research 1;
(c)
conduct research on the approved topic; and
(d)
write a thesis embodying the results of the research.

9 The thesis

(1)
A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule.
(2)
The thesis will have an upper limit of 50,000 words including footnotes that may be exceeded by no more than 10,000 words with the permission of the Associate Dean. he word limit does not include appendices.

Part 5: Enrolment and progression

10 Probation

(1)
A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.
(2)
In the probationary period, other than in exceptional circumstances, to the satisfaction of the School Postgraduate Research Education Committee, each candidate must:
(a)
meet any conditions set by the School Postgraduate Research Education Committee; and
(b)
demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.

11 Time limits, earliest and latest submission dates

The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.

12 Mode of attendance

The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice.

13 Discontinuation of candidature

A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

14 Suspension of candidature

A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

15 Leave of absence

A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.

16 Progress

A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the HDR Rule and the Progress Planning and Review of Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015.

Part 6: Examination

17 Examination of the thesis

(1)
Examinations will be conducted as described in the Thesis and Examinations of Higher Degrees by Research Policy 2015 and the University of Sydney Law School Research Education Committee will determine the results of examinations.

18 Award of the degree

The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.

Part 7: Other

19 Transitional provisions

(1)
These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January 2020 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2020 who elect to proceed under these resolutions. Students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January 2020 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement. 

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