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 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
12 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. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Melanie O'Brien
Unit rules
Incompatibility
LAWS5696 Research Paper III Part 1,
and LAWS5697 Research Paper III Part 2
Advisable prior study
It is advisable to have previously completed
or to be currently enrolled in a unit appropriate for the chosen topic for the research paper.
For students without a recognised Law degree, LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions is an advisable prerequisite.
Enrolment is subject to the approval of the Unit Coordinator.
Contact hours
This research unit involves unstructured contact with a supervisor throughout the semester.
Note
This unit must be completed in one semester. 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.
  • 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.