Doctor of Juridical Science, Faculty of Law

The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) at the Australian National University Faculty of Law is a prestigious research doctoral program designed for legal scholars, practitioners, and academics who wish to pursue advanced legal studies and produce a substantial original contribution to legal knowledge. This program offers an exceptional opportunity for candidates to engage deeply with complex legal issues, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and develop expertise across various domains of law. The SJD program is ideal for individuals committed to academic careers, policy development, or specialized legal research, providing rigorous academic training and close supervision by leading experts in the field.

The program typically involves a combination of coursework and an extensive research component culminating in the submission of a doctoral thesis. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their capacity for independent research, critical analysis, and scholarly writing at the highest level. The faculty offers support through workshops, seminars, and access to extensive legal resources, fostering an intellectually stimulating environment conducive to innovative legal scholarship. Applicants are encouraged to pursue research topics aligned with the faculty’s strengths, including constitutional law, international law, human rights, commercial law, environmental law, and legal theory, among others.

Admission to the SJD program requires a relevant Master's degree in law or an equivalent qualification, along with a strong academic record and a well-defined research proposal. The program usually takes several years to complete, depending on the scope of the research and the candidate’s progress. The ANU’s Faculty of Law emphasizes a collaborative and supportive academic community, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches and engagement with global legal issues. Graduates of the SJD program are equipped to contribute to academic institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities through their advanced legal research and expertise.

Overall, the Doctor of Juridical Science at the Australian National University provides a comprehensive, rigorous environment for the development of future leaders in legal scholarship and policy. It aims to foster innovative research, critical thinking, and scholarly excellence, equipping graduates with the tools necessary to push the boundaries of knowledge in law and contribute meaningfully to societal advancement.

This is a professional doctorate that combines research with coursework. Approved applicants must complete four courses from the postgraduate LAWS8000 range, except Fundamental or Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) courses, followed by a thesis of 65,000 words. Each candidate has a chair/supervisor and two advisers. 

Study consists of two to four years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

To be admitted to the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program you will be required to have a bachelor's degree with a first or second class honours, usually in law, from an Australian university or a Masters in Law (LLM) with a distinction average, or a qualification equivalent or superior to these as determined by the Director of Higher Degree Research.

You may be granted admission if you can demonstrate that you have a background equivalent to these qualifications.

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students.

If you think you qualify, and for more information on how we recommend you think about applying for Higher Degree Research study at the ANU College of Law, check out How to apply.

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

Domestic research students are not required to pay tuition fees as they are enrolled under the Research Training Scheme which funds the fees. For further information see students.anu.edu.au/fees/domestic/research.php

International students

Indicative fees for international students are:

International student fees (ISF)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)