Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

Addressing the cutting-edge issues in the areas of commercial, human rights and international law, the Master of International and Comparative Law is designed for those who want to pursue an international career in law and law related work. It is especially suited to non-lawyers working in non government organisations, governments and industry who are interested in how the international legal framework impacts upon their work

The Master of International and Comparative Law trains students to understand and critically analyse the legal framework pertaining to international private and/or public including the role of conventions and international organisations in the legal regime. Candidates will be able to research international developments in the applicable law, including the laws of different countries, and international law and private international conventions, codes and guidelines. In addition, graduates will be able to analyse and formulate policy objectives in the area and demonstrate high level skills in legal writing and research.

12 credit points

The course comprises eight 6-point coursework units.

Candidates must complete five units* offered as part of the Master of Laws specialising in international and comparative law. The remaining three units may be taken from any units offered in the masters coursework program. Alternatively, students can elect one of the following options:

• four coursework units with at least one unit in the area of international and comparative law and a minor thesis of 25,000-30,000 words on an approved topic in the area
• six coursework units with at least three units in the area of international and comparative law 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 degree in a discipline other than law will be required to complete the unit LAW7212 (Australian legal system). Candidates with a law degree from a non-Australian jurisdiction must complete LAW7436 (Introduction to Australian legal process).

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

Master of International and Comparative Law