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 explores the public international law framework for the law of the sea and the regulatory regimes for the main uses of the oceans. The principle treaty examined is the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The unit covers the historical development of the law of the sea, leading up to the adoption of UNCLOS, as well as contemporary hard and soft law. Specific areas covered include the law governing different maritime zones, determination of baselines, settlement of disputes, the protection and exploitation of living and non-living marine resources as well as the intersection with refugee law.
The unit has a research focus, developing the independent research skills of students who explore a variety of primary and secondary materials in the field of the law of the sea.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a sophisticated knowledge and critical understanding of (a) the legal regime for the law of the sea including the rights and duties of states in different maritime zones; (b) the regulation of maritime activities; and (c) the key institutions and actors involved in the law of the sea; (2) critically explain, analyse and evaluate (a) the relevant legal principles and how states operationalise them; (b) the challenges currently facing the international law of the sea, and how they might be overcome; and (c) the operations of key actors and their role in creating and resolving law of the sea issues; (3) construct and evaluate critical arguments (a) about the effectiveness of the law of the sea, particularly with regard to enforcement and compliance issues; and (b) in response to hypothetical international legal problem situations; and (4) make (a) an assessment of where the law of the sea can be expected to develop; and (b) recommendations for law reform and/or further research.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) presentation; (2) research paper; and (3) 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)
- Senior Lecturer Philipp Kastner
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in20810 Doctor of Juridical Science
- Incompatibility
- LAWS5179 Law of the Sea
- 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.