Law

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Monash University is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the legal field. This degree offers a robust curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal system, both domestically and internationally. Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of legal disciplines including constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, administrative law, and property law, among others. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, fostering the ability to interpret and apply legal principles effectively.

Monash University's Law program is distinguished by its strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to participate in moot court competitions, clinical legal education, and internships with law firms, government agencies, and community organizations. These practical experiences are designed to develop professional skills, ethical awareness, and an understanding of the social context in which legal practice occurs. The program also encourages multidisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from economics, politics, and other social sciences to foster a well-rounded legal education.

The Honours component involves a research thesis, allowing students to explore a legal topic in depth under the supervision of experienced academics. This research component aims to cultivate advanced research skills and contribute to scholarly discourse within the legal community. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at Monash are well-prepared for a variety of career paths, including becoming barristers, solicitors, legal advisors, policymakers, or pursuing further studies in law or related fields. The program's strong network of alumni and industry partnerships provides valuable opportunities for mentorship, networking, and employment after graduation. Overall, this program encapsulates Monash University's commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and producing socially responsible legal professionals dedicated to serving justice and society.

A PhD in Law requires you to complete a research thesis of up to 80,000 words (or alternative approved outputs), which must be of a standard comparable to the legal writings found in scholarly law journals. The thesis must demonstrate an ability to undertake independent research and to analyse and synthesise legal concepts.

The Doctor of Philosophy program may be undertaken in any area of research, including:

• Commercial law
• Comparative law
• Criminal law
• Administrative law
• eLaw
• Family law
• Health law
• Human rights law
• Environmental law
• Equity and property law
• Intellectual property law
• International trade law
• Public law
• Torts

The staff expertise webpage has an extensive list of the current research areas within Monash Law.

As well as the research component, you will also complete a series of professional development activities or coursework units relevant to your chosen research focus. These activities are designed to provide you with the skills needed to develop your professional skills to support you in your future career.

• A Bachelors degree with honours with a grade of H1 or H2A, or an equivalent qualification considered appropriate by the Monash University Institute of Graduate Research.
• IELTS 7 with 7 for written module; TOEFL 600 with a TWE of 5; or a computer-based TOEFL 250 with an Essay Rating (ER) of 5

The Master of Laws (LLM) program at Monash University offers various financing options to support students throughout their studies. International students are encouraged to explore scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities provided by Monash University and external sources. Monash University offers a range of scholarships specifically targeted at postgraduate law students, including the Monash Graduate Scholarship, which provides partial tuition fee waivers, and faculty-specific awards that may cover a portion of the tuition costs. Additionally, students can apply for external scholarships such as Commonwealth Scholarships, Australia Awards, and other government-funded grants that support international postgraduate students.

Students are also advised to consider external financial support options such as student loans, private scholarships, and sponsorships from employers or legal firms. It is important for prospective students to check their eligibility criteria for each scholarship or financial aid package and ensure timely application submissions. The university recommends that students carefully plan their finances by calculating tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, and additional study-related expenses. Monash University provides a Financial Aid Office which offers advice, resources, and guidance on funding opportunities and financial planning.

For students requiring additional funding, they may consider part-time work opportunities available on or near campus, respecting the visa regulations for international students regarding work hours. Some courses within the Master of Laws may offer flexible or part-time study options, enabling students to work while completing their degree. Furthermore, students should stay informed about deadlines for scholarship applications and financial aid programs, as these can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with postgraduate legal studies. Overall, Monash University is dedicated to assisting students in securing adequate funding for their legal education, facilitating access to quality legal training for domestic and international students alike.

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at Monash University is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to equip students with a solid foundation in legal principles and practices. The program typically spans four years when studied full-time, with part-time options available. It provides students with essential skills in critical thinking, legal research, and analytical reasoning, preparing them for a range of careers within the legal field and beyond. Throughout the course, students engage with core areas such as Australian constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, tort law, property law, and administrative law. Additionally, they have opportunities to explore specialist subjects like environmental law, human rights law, commercial law, and international law, depending on their interests.

The curriculum emphasizes practical learning through structured moot courts, internships, and legal clinics, providing students with real-world experience and exposure to the legal profession. Monash University also offers various pathways for students to expand their legal knowledge, including electives and interdisciplinary options that allow integration with other fields such as business, arts, and social sciences. The program is designed to develop not only technical legal skills but also ethical reasoning and professional communication, fostering qualities essential to successful legal practitioners.

The degree is accredited by the Law Society of Victoria and the Legal Profession Admission Board, allowing graduates to qualify for admission to practice law in Australia after completing the necessary postgraduate professional legal training. Monash University maintains strong links with legal practitioners and the judiciary, providing students with networking opportunities and insights into contemporary legal issues. The university's learning environment is characterized by its diverse student body, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to research excellence.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws program benefit from access to Monash’s extensive library resources, online legal databases, and dedicated academic advisors. Moreover, the university encourages global citizenship, and students may have the opportunity to participate in international exchanges or internships. Upon graduation, students are well prepared to pursue careers as solicitors, barristers, legal advisors, policymakers, or academic researchers. They may also choose to continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM). Overall, Monash University's Law program aims to produce competent, ethical, and socially responsible legal professionals equipped to meet the demands of the evolving legal landscape.