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Doctor of Laws

The degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) is awarded, on the recommendation of the Sydney Law School, for published work that has been recognised by scholars in the field concerned as a distinguished contribution to knowledge. Persons contemplating the submission of work for the LLD should first consult the Dean of the Law School. Only a mature scholar would be likely to present work meeting this requirement. The degree may also be awarded on an honorary basis in recognition of distinguished achievement.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University on the basis of a thesis, which is regarded by the examiners as a substantially original contribution to the area in which it is written. Candidates are required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words, including footnotes, which may be exceeded by no more than 20,000 words with the permission of the Associate Dean. The word limit does not include appendices. The following is a summary of the requirements.

There are three main conditions of admission, namely:

• academic qualifications,
• research and publication experience, and
• suitability of the proposed course of study and research.

An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) must submit to the Sydney Law School a proposed program of advanced study and research. The applicant must submit satisfactory evidence of training and ability to pursue the proposed program.

Academic qualifications

The normal requirement is that the applicant has completed one of the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with First or Second Class Honours; or
• Master of Laws (LLM); or
• Qualifications which the University's Committee for Graduate Studies considers equivalent.

Satisfactory evidence of training and ability to pursue the proposed program may be demonstrated by showing the successful completion of a sustained piece of research in an earlier degree program, scholarly publications, or sustained research in a professional capacity. Candidates who are not able to demonstrate sufficient research experience may be admitted first to an LLM by research with a view to upgrading to a PhD if there is satisfactory progress.

Proposed program of study

The proposal must be:

• suitable in scope and standard for the PhD,
• one that the applicant is competent to undertake, and
• one for which supervision and facilities can be properly provided.

Rules governing research

The Rules governing the degree of Doctor of Philosophy are the  University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 and the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015 . The most recent versions of these rules are found the Policy Register .

Research Coursework

The University of Sydney introduced a new coursework requirement for Higher Degree by Research students commencing from Research Period 1 2021.

Coursework is intended to give students the opportunity to take units of study that expand their existing skills or work toward developing novel capabilities that will complement their research and career development.

Units of study students can choose to fulfil the Higher Degree by Research coursework requirement are listed in  Table R  of the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook.

Students can enrol in units of study in Sydney Student and plan professional and academic development activities with their supervisors in the Research Education Candidature System. Award requirements for each degree are outlined in the respective course resolutions.

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The University of Sydney - Sydney Law School Handbook 2022

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• Bachelor of Laws
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• Master of Labour Law and Relations
• Master of Taxation
• Doctor of Juridical Studies
• Master of Criminology (Research)
• Master of Laws (Research)

Doctor of Laws

The degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) is awarded, on the recommendation of the Sydney Law School, for published work that has been recognised by scholars in the field concerned as a distinguished contribution to knowledge. Persons contemplating the submission of work for the LLD should first consult the Dean of the Law School. Only a mature scholar would be likely to present work meeting this requirement. The degree may also be awarded on an honorary basis in recognition of distinguished achievement.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University on the basis of a thesis, which is regarded by the examiners as a substantially original contribution to the area in which it is written. Candidates are required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words, including footnotes, which may be exceeded by no more than 20,000 words with the permission of the Associate Dean. The word limit does not include appendices. The following is a summary of the requirements.

There are three main conditions of admission, namely:

• academic qualifications,
• research and publication experience, and
• suitability of the proposed course of study and research.

An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) must submit to the Sydney Law School a proposed program of advanced study and research. The applicant must submit satisfactory evidence of training and ability to pursue the proposed program. Academic qualifications The normal requirement is that the applicant has completed one of the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with First or Second Class Honours; or
• Master of Laws (LLM); or
• Qualifications which the University's Committee for Graduate Studies considers equivalent.

Satisfactory evidence of training and ability to pursue the proposed program may be demonstrated by showing the successful completion of a sustained piece of research in an earlier degree program, scholarly publications, or sustained research in a professional capacity. Candidates who are not able to demonstrate sufficient research experience may be admitted first to an LLM by research with a view to upgrading to a PhD if there is satisfactory progress. Proposed program of study The proposal must be:

• suitable in scope and standard for the PhD,
• one that the applicant is competent to undertake, and
• one for which supervision and facilities can be properly provided.

Rules governing research

The Rules governing the degree of Doctor of Philosophy are the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011) and the Thesis and Examination of Higher Degree by Research Policy 2015 . The most recent versions of these rules are found the Policy Register sydney.edu.au/policies .

Research Coursework

The University of Sydney introduced a new coursework requirement for Higher Degree by Research students commencing from Research Period 1 2021. Coursework is intended to give students the opportunity to take units of study that expand their existing skills or work toward developing novel capabilities that will complement their research and career development. Units of study students can choose to fulfil the Higher Degree by Research coursework requirement are listed in Table R of the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook. Students can enrol in units of study in Sydney Student and plan professional and academic development activities with their supervisors in the Research Education Candidature System. Award requirements for each degree are outlined in the respective course resolutions.

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Course overview

The Diploma in Law is a legal qualification equivalent to a law school degree. It can provide entry to practice in all legal jurisdictions in Australia.

The Diploma is awarded by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and is taught by the University of Sydney. Lectures are given by leading practitioners and academics at the Camperdown Campus in Sydney.

The aim of the course is to provide a readily accessible legal education and a flexible means of entry to the legal profession. It is designed to be especially suitable for part-time students, including country and interstate residents.

Am I eligible?

All lectures are delivered in the evening, with interactive seminars held across two weekends each semester. The lecture timetable is designed to give you the flexibility to work around a busy schedule. Lectures are held at the University of Sydney’s Camperdown Campus.

Evening classes

Most students will undertake a Diploma in Law via evening classes. These are generally run from 6–8.30pm or 9pm. Students can expect to attend one lecture per week, per subject. Distance students can view a live stream of the lecture.

Weekend school

Weekend schools are designed to provide an opportunity for further discussion, revision and problem solving. Students will attend one 3-hour seminar per subject and all students, including distance students, are expected to attend in person. Recordings are not available for these seminars.

Students have full access to the Sydney Law Library (the Herbert Smith Freehills Law Library) which includes:

• an extensive electronic reserve of legal materials
• legal research classes
• a specialist law librarian
• extended loan entitlements and the use of postal loan and photocopying services for students living outside Sydney
• 10 bookable meeting rooms with whiteboards and computers
• an exhibition space
• silent zones
• 24/7 access (with student card)

Students also have access to the on-line learning system Canvas where they can:

• download lecture slides and other resources;
• obtain and submit assignments;
• chat with other students through the discussion boards and conference tools.

Semester dates

Each semester runs for 14–15 weeks with a two-week break in the middle of the session.

Our next intake is for the Winter 2024 semester, with applications to join the course closing on 1 March 2024 .

More information

Our curriculum.

Learn more about the syllabus, accreditation and the student experience.

Costs and fees

The Diploma in Law provides an accessible pathway to a career in law.

How to apply

Find out more about eligibility and steps to enrol in the course.

Doctor of Philosophy

As a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, you’ll complete a substantial program of independent and original research in your chosen field of study. A PhD prepares you for a range of careers - from academic to industry and is the highest degree qualification available. 

• 3–4 years (full time) minimum commitment of 35 – 40 hours per week or
• 6–8 years (part time) minimum commitment of 15 hours per week.
• Offered in all Faculties
• A thesis of no more than 100,000 words.

Entry requirements

Future careers.

• Fees & costs

UNSW undertakes world-class research that tackles some of the greatest challenges facing society today. When you join the UNSW research community, you join a passionate collective of people who are using research to transform minds, transform lives, and transform the world.

UNSW will support you to develop the skills and expertise you need to make a difference in your field. We are committed to providing you with an unmatched PhD experience that includes outstanding research training and mentorship, world-class supervision, and access to research environments defined by excellence and collaboration.

You will receive advanced specialist research training and produce a thesis that provides evidence for independent thought, critical analysis, and expert knowledge of the discipline in an international context. In some disciplines, creative work may form part of the thesis.

Find information about individual PhD programs and codes on the UNSW Handbook .

Learn about the graduate attributes and learning outcomes for UNSW higher degree research programs here . 

The minimum requirement for admission to a PhD is:

• A UNSW Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from UNSW; or
• a completed Master by Research from UNSW with a substantial research component and demonstrated capacity for timely completion of a high quality research thesis; or
• an equivalent qualification from a tertiary institution as determined by the Faculty Higher Degree Committee (HDC)

The minimum requirement for UNSW Scholarship with admission to a PhD is:

• a four year Bachelor degree with first or upper second class Honours from an Australian institution or equivalent research qualification as above.

You may think of yourself as a student, but we think of you as a professional researcher in the early stages of a long and vibrant career.

UNSW will provide you with the skills and expertise to pursue a range of career pathways after you graduate, from academia to industry.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll have access to a wealth of opportunities to work with and alongside industry through industry PhD programs to internships and mentorships .

You’ll also have access to the most comprehensive student entrepreneurship program in Australia, that can help you develop your ideas, raise capital and launch a startup.

Fees and costs

The costs associated with enrolment in a research higher degree program vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international candidate. Learn more about the fees and costs here .

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