Law School

Course Structure

The SJD is a 144 point course, consisting of a combination of seven coursework units (42 points) and a Research Unit (6 points) and thesis (96 points) of 50,000 to 60,000 words.

The coursework component must be completed with an average of at least 65 per cent before enrolling in the research component.

Admission requirements

The SJD is administered by the Law School. Before proceeding with an application, eligible candidates are required to submit a statement of research interest to the Director of Higher Degrees (Research) to ensure adequate supervision is available. Submit Statement of Research.

To be eligible for admission candidates must have:

• The Bachelor of Laws with first or upper second class honours OR
• A Juris Doctor or Master of Laws, including a 12 point research project degree with an average mark of 65 per cent or greater.
  

English Language Competence

All UWA coursework and research programs require English Language Competence. Law requires an overall IELTS of 7.5, with a minimum score of 7.5 for reading and writing and a minimum of 7.0 for speaking and listening.

Compulsory research unit

LAWS6979 Advanced Legal Theory and Research Methodology

This unit involves a series of workshops or seminars in which Doctor of Juridical Science candidates are required to make some presentations.

Specialists are invited to lead discussion on various topics. The unit aims to stimulate you to think of contemporary legal issues; make you aware of advanced concepts in legal theory and research methodology; develop your knowledge and application of new technology in legal research; develop critical analytical skills; and develop broader research writing and communication skills.

In any year in which this unit is not offered, special arrangements will be made to enable SJD students to gain the appropriate credit and skills.

Doctoral Thesis

LAWS6980 Doctoral Thesis (full-time)
LAWS6981 Doctoral Thesis (part-time)

To complete the requirements of these units you must comply with:

(i) any relevant Faculty of Law Rules; and
(ii) any relevant University General Rules for Academic Courses subject to the above.

In the absence of any specific Faculty of Law requirement, you should be guided by the policies of the University's Graduate Research School and Scholarships Office.