Law & Justice

Postgraduate research

Lead the future of legal and criminological knowledge under the guidance of one of the world’s top law faculties.
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Strive for excellence at the 12th ranked law faculty in the world.* 

Work alongside some of the world’s leading academics in a faculty with an international reputation for research excellence. In the most recent research rankings, UNSW received an Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rating of 5, the highest possible score. 

Through our postgraduate research degrees, you’ll benefit from the support and guidance of supervisors who are experts in their fields, globally focused and socially engaged. UNSW Law & Justice has a collegial and dynamic research culture that strives for excellence in the pursuit of impactful research.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024

Our programs

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Make a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in your field, supervised by experts in your chosen area who will help you develop critical research and analytical skills.

Master of Laws by Research

Make a contribution to knowledge in your chosen field and prepare for a career in advanced research and/or policy development in law, government, NGOs and inter-governmental agencies and other related fields.

Master of Philosophy

This program will develop in-depth research method skills and knowledge in your subject area. You’ll develop your skills and write a research thesis in your chosen topic in law, criminology or a related discipline.

How to apply

You've decided on a research degree and now you're ready to apply. Let's get into the details.
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Find a research supervisor

Our academic staff are leaders in their fields who are always looking for ways to collaborate with emerging researchers from around the world. Search our database of UNSW Law & Justice scholars to support your area of research.  
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Graduate research scholarships

UNSW offers a range of prestigious scholarships available to domestic and international students pursuing higher degree research. 
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What sets us apart

Learn more about our faculty, world-recognised reputation and rankings, and our commitment to social justice.

Our research strengths

Underpinned by social justice, technological transformation, and the global dimensions of legal thought and practice, our research strengths inform and influence global debate and reform.

Centres and institutes

Engage with our world-leading centres and institutes that address significant local and global challenges through their thought leadership, research, policy analysis and community engagement.