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 is taken over two successive semesters and parts 1 and 2 must be completed to fulfil the requirements of the unit. It requires the submission of a 10,000-word supervised research paper at the beginning of October in second semester. It also requires students to submit a 2000-word research proposal for assessment in first semester. Students are required to attend a series of training seminars, covering legal research methods, advanced legal library searches, the preparation of a research proposal, time management, writing up a research paper, and publications and postgraduate education.

Students are also required to attend and participate in a presentation of their work-in-progress during first semester. The unit aims to engage students with a chosen area of legal research embedded with formal training in research methods, and high level supervision of their research over the year. Students are selected by way of invitation based on their coursework average at the end of the second year of the Juris Doctor (JD) for enrolment in the third year of the JD.

Credit
12 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) engage in formal research training throughout the year; (2) demonstrate a good understanding of legal research methods and academic writing through the submission of a 2000-word (assessed) research proposal; (3) display commitment and engagement with their research through the oral presentation of their work-in-progress to their peers, higher research degree students and academic staff; (4) participate in a research culture which involves compulsory attendance at other research presentations; and (5) develop understanding and knowledge of the process of writing for publication through attendance at seminars aimed at developing publication skills.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research proposal and (2) research paper. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the research proposal and research paper components.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Michael Blakeney
Unit rules
Prerequisites
invitation to enrol in this unit from the Honours and Advanced Legal Research Committee
Advisable prior study
Levels 1 and 2 of Juris Doctor must be completed
Contact hours
4 hours per week.
  • 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.