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 semesters and parts 1 and 2 must be completed to fulfil the requirements of the unit. Students can commence the unit in either Semester 1 or Semester 2. The unit provides the opportunity for students to undertake a research project of their choice in their postgraduate course. The research project must be supervised by an approved expert in the subject area concerned.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) formulate an appropriate research topic; (2) conduct relevant research into the topic; (3) synthesise the research; and (4) write a dissertation on the approved topic.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: research paper 17,000 words (continuous assessment with a final mark awarded at the completion of LAWS5957 Research Paper III Part 2). Further information is available in the unit outline.



Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Dominic Dagbanja (Sem 1) and Dr Melanie O'Brien (Sem 2)
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Approval of unit coordinator
Co-requisites
Students taking Part 1 in Semester 1 must take Part 2 in the following Semester 2.
students taking Part 1 in Semester 2 must take Part 2 in the following Semester 1.
Incompatibility
LAWS5695 Research Paper II
Contact hours
This research unit involves unstructured contact with a supervisor throughout the semester.
Note
This unit must be completed in one semester, but with LAWS5697 Research Paper III Part 2, so it is a full-year 17,000-word research paper. Students can enrol in this unit in either Semester 1 or Semester 2 of any year. Enrolment in this unit depends on the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

The process is: (1) Request the Supervisor Nomination Form from the Unit Co-ordinator and ask for advice about identifying a supervisor; (2) Student identifies a potential thesis topic, and then identifies a suitable supervisor with expertise in this area. Your supervisor will ideally be a Law School academic staff member. A full list of academic staff can be found here https://www.law.uwa.edu.au/contact/staff; (3) approach your proposed supervisor to discuss their availability to supervise and your proposed topic; (4) complete the application form, and ask the supervisor who has agreed to supervise to sign the form; (5) Send the completed form to the Unit Coordinator via email (pay attention to the deadline), and meanwhile enrol in the unit online by yourself; (6) Once the above processes are completed, your online enrolment will still remain 'invalid' but the Law Support Office will enrol you manually into the unit. Please note, if you do not complete and return your Supervisor Nomination Form, you will not be enrolled in the unit and your enrolment will remain ‘invalid'.

THE DUE DATE FOR THIS PAPER IS THE FINAL DAY OF THE SEMESTER, THAT IS, 11.59PM ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE STUDY WEEK BEGINS.
  • 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.