Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

The Master of Laws (International and Comparative Law) is especially suited to lawyers whose practice exposes them to commercial law, human rights and international law and those working in non-government organisations (NGOs), government and industry who are interested in how the international legal framework impacts upon their work. It is ideal for those who would like to pursue a career in the international legal arena, allowing students to focus on a range of international legal issues and providing a thorough knowledge in this fascinating area of law.

The Master of Laws (International and Comparative Law) provides law graduates with advanced legal knowledge across a broad spectrum of global legal issues, from human rights law and international commercial law, to comparative law and international trade and financial law.

12 credit points

The course comprises eight 6-point coursework units, or coursework units and a minor thesis.

This course may be taken in one of three ways:*,**

(a.) eight coursework units, five of which must be taken from the international and comparative law specialisation

(b.) four coursework units, two of which must be taken from the international and comparative law specialisation, and a minor thesis of 25,000-30,000 words on an approved topic in the area

(c.) six coursework units, four of which must be taken from the international and comparative law specialisation, and a minor thesis of 12,000-15,000 words on an approved topic in the area.

The units in the specialisation will be those which are specified from time to time by the faculty board on the recommendation of the Postgraduate Studies Committee of the faculty. For further information regarding specialisations visit http://www.law.monash.edu.au/postgraduate/units-overview.html.

* Candidates with a law degree from a non-Australian jurisdiction will be required to complete the unit LAW7436 (Introduction to legal process).

** In order to qualify to undetake one of the minor thesis options, a student mush have achieved a minimum of 70 per cent in each of the units undertaken.

Postgraduate unit offerings

The faculty endeavours to offer a broad range of graduate units each year across many areas of specialisations and practice areas. The units published have been approved for the purpose of the coursework component in the postgraduate programs.

Units are offered on a rotational basis. Students should check the current timetable to determine which units are available each year. The faculty reserves the right not to offer in a particular year any of the published units if it appears there are insufficient enrolments or if there are other over-riding considerations. Enrolment quotas may have to be imposed in respect of the listed units.

For further information visit http://www.law.monash.edu.au/postgraduate/units-overview.html.

Thesis requirement

Candidates are required to submit a completed thesis proposal form to the postgraduate studies office (forms are available from the office). Students are encouraged to discuss their proposal with members of academic staff. If required, the chair, Postgraduate Studies Committee, will assist in recommending an appropriate member of staff.

Candidates must complete the thesis at a standard comparable to legal writings found in a learned law journal. For information on the requirements which must be met with respect to the certification of theses prior to submission for examination, contact the postgraduate program coordinator.

Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Law (International and Comparative Law) providing all requirements for that award have been met.

Master of Laws (International and Comparative Law)