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 examines the core principles of international tax law and is not based upon Australia tax law. It examines these core principles as they apply around the world and the policy issues supporting them. It thoroughly examines double taxation agreements with a focus on the current version of the OECD model. It considers global issues in relation to transfer pricing and thin capitalisation rules as well as the topic of international tax avoidance. It also considers current debates in relation to base erosion and profit shifting.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a thorough understanding of the core principles of international tax law and the policy issues in relation to these around the world; (2) analyse and apply double tax agreements; (3) critically evaluate the core principles and debates around double tax agreements; (4) demonstrate an understanding of the international application of transfer pricing and thin capitalisation rules; (5) evaluate different international approaches to tax avoidance; (6) critically engage in the current debate on international tax concepts and base erosion and profit shifting; (7) apply appropriate research methods to answer complex questions in relation to the cross border taxation, and find, understand and apply a wide range of legal and academic sources to cross border tax issues; (8) effectively communicate, both in writing and orally, their analyses and conclusions in relation to cross border taxation; and (9) organise their work effectively and work autonomously, and reflect upon and use feedback.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) examination; and (3) in-class presentation and participation. 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 Nolan Sharkey
- Unit rules
- Advisable prior study
- previous study
or knowledge of tax law is strongly advised
- Contact hours
- Students must attend every day of the intensive period between 18-19 and 25-26 September 2025
- 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.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.