PhD (Law)

PhD (Law)

RESEARCH

Develop advanced research skills that will prepare you for a career in which systematic and critical analytical skills are highly valued.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 3-4 years
Part-time 6-8 years
Fees:

Research Training Scheme

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3-4 years
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In this PhD program you will develop advanced research skills that will prepare you for a career in academia and other settings in which systematic and critical analytical skills are required.

This PhD degree may be undertaken in a project or thesis mode.

RMIT's Law academics can provide research supervision in a wide range of topic areas such as:

  • Dispute resolution, Mediation, Legal education
  • Employment law, Workplace relations law, Workplace regulations and policy, Collective bargaining, Workplace dispute resolutions, Comparative labor law
  • Taxation law and policy, Equity law, the Law of trusts, Wills and estates, Succession law, Commercial law, corporate law and banking law
  • Law and technology, internet law, artificial intelligence and law, robot law, blockchain law
  • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Mental health advance directives, Coercion and recovery, Therapeutic jurisprudence, Mental health tribunals, Comparative law, Regulatory governance
  • Energy law, Environmental law, Renewable energy and climate law, Law and regulation, Electricity market regulation, Business and Human Rights, Corporate Accountability, Labour Regulation in Developing Countries, Labour Conditions in Supply Chains, Transnational Human Rights Mechanisms
  • Criminal law and policy, Criminal justice, human rights in places of detention, Prisons and punishment, Criminal records and other collateral consequences of conviction, Criminal law and gender
  • Law and politics, Constitutional law, Administrative law
  • Intellectual Property Law, WTO Law, International Human Rights Law
  • Labour law, Employment security, Industrial relations
  • Sports law, International commercial arbitration law, Jurisprudence, International law, Contract law, Tort law, Company law

Details

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RMIT's Swanston Academic Building is the base for your business research career.

The building's features include:

  • interactive lecture and tutorial spaces, lectorial theatres, small-group rooms and
  • other innovative spaces to support enterprise formation.
  • Formal learning areas interspersed with retail and social spaces and scenic outlooks over the city of Melbourne.
  • wireless connection to printers, the web and specialist learning resources
  • the College of Business and Law Research and Innovation office
  • 5 Star Green Star Rating for Australian Excellence in sustainable design.

The result is a stimulating environment to encourage creative and intellectual activity among a variety of users.

Research in the Graduate School of Business and Law

Research in the school is focused on information technology, information management, information systems and logistics and supply chain management issues. The School has a strong record of achievement in PhD training with a current enrolment of 80 higher degree students.

Research at RMIT

Time spent on research

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

College of Business and Law Research and Innovation Office

The Research and Innovation office supports candidates and supervisors in the College of Business and Law and is responsible for coordinating and disseminating information about funding opportunities and research-related activities. Prospective researchers are invited to contact the Research and Innovation office to discuss potential candidature.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

Guiding the development of the College of Business and Law, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives. The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will undertake the PhD program under the supervision of two appointed research supervisors.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

  • Undertake core coursework in research design and methodology
  • Receive training in research integrity and ethics
  • Complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex research for peers and the community to an international standard.

Research coursework

Compulsory coursework introduces you to the research program in the College of Business and Law. It helps you explore and discuss how to plan and scope a research project, frame appropriate research questions, write research proposals, and understand different methodologies to conducting and documenting your research. It is taught in large discipline groups enabling peer-to-peer learning with fellow candidates. Elective courses are also available.

Research integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

  • Research integrity
  • Copyright and intellectual property
  • Data management and copyright.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the university, College and School according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s prior to application.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

PhD (Law)
Program code: DR206
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Doctor of Philosophy
City Campus
3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time
DR206
079808G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time
Plan code
DR206
CRICOS
079808G
View plan
Doctor of Philosophy
City Campus
3-4 years full-time
DR206
079808G
Location
City Campus
Duration
3-4 years full-time
Plan code
DR206
CRICOS
079808G
View plan

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, non-government organisations and corporations.

As a researcher, your mastery of the discipline evidenced through a substantial and rigorous research project and other contributions to your field of specific interest can make a real difference to society.

Entry requirements and admissions

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

  • A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year. OR
  • A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR 
  • A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; OR
  • Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

None

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

  • A bachelor's degree requiring at least four (4) years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology subjects that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year. OR
  • A master's degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average; OR 
  • A master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; OR
  • Evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy.

None

Research proposal and supervisor

Proposal

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Supervisor

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four-year Bachelor and Honours degrees or Postgraduate or Masters by Research programs.

Fees

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Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information