Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit involves students developing a research project dealing with a topic defined by a client: corporate, government or not-for profit organisation. The student is responsible for preparing the project brief, conducting the necessary research, theoretical and empirical, and writing up the research paper. Students spend four weeks on-site with the client organisation during the vacation preceding the semester, and continue the research during the semester. Students are supervised by both a member of academic staff and a mentor from the client organisation. Research expectations and guidance will be provided by the academic supervisor. In addition, students will have the opportunity to build a network of stakeholders within the client organisation, and are expected to draw on the expertise and support of that network. The goal is for the student to deliver an academic research paper incorporating findings of practical or policy relevance to the client organisation.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) understand the client organisation, its priorities and goals; (2) demonstrate professional conduct appropriate to the client organisation workplace; (3) develop a legal research question with practical or policy relevance to the client organisation; (4) critically analyse the legal issues relevant to the research question and the client organisation; and (5) articulate coherent and persuasive research findings applicable to the client organisation.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research paper and (2) professionalism (academic supervisor in conjunction with industry mentor will award a total of 30 marks, consisting of 10 for initiative, 10 for independence and 10 for professionalism). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Erika Techera
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20820 Juris Doctor
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering
, LAWS4102 Criminal Law
, LAWS4103 Contract
, LAWS4104 Property
, LAWS4106 Torts
, LAWS4107 Land Law
, LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law and ( LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Interpretation
)
Incompatibility
LAWS5174 Legal Internship, SVLG5001 McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship
Contact hours
approximately 50 hours per semester
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.