Master of Laws by Research
How to apply
- Study mode
- Full Time Part Time
- Full time duration
- 2
- Murdoch code
- M1235
- First year fee (domestic)
-
2026 $0
2027 $0
- Full course fee (domestic)
-
2026 $0
2027 $0
- Australian Qualifications Framework level
- Level 9 - Masters Degree (Research)
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Course overview
The Master of Laws by Research will allow you to undertake research at an advanced level. You will achieve a depth of knowledge of the law of your focused areas of legal study which is not offered at the undergraduate level; develop your skills of critical analysis of the law by enhancing your research and writing skills and in oral presentation; and you will participate in a scholarly discourse with teachers and fellow students in order to achieve a breadth of legal scholarship.
As part of this Masters course, you will be required to identify an Academic to supervise your topic. You will complete a research thesis up to 60,000 words, and your supervisor will determine a program of study to support the completion of this thesis. This may include units of study at the university to further your knowledge and skills in your study area, which the supervisor deems to be of central relevance to your research program.
If you have not completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with Research Honours, in addition to the thesis you will be expected to complete 12 credit points, consisting of Legal Research Methods for Honours and Advanced Supervised Honours Research, plus 6 credit points of electives offered by the University at 500 or 600 (AQF8 level).
This course will enhance your qualifications and open opportunities for you to build a successful career in the legal profession.
Murdoch had this beautiful culture where you were really able to absorb yourself in so many different opportunities. I certainly took up as many opportunities as I could.
Zahra Al Hilaly, Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication
Read full student story
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2028 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2028 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Students are required to identify an Academic willing and capable to supervise their topic.Recognition of Prior Learning
Not applicable to research courses.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - Build your personalised study plan interactively.
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
Fees & Scholarships
Course fees
First year fee
2026 $0
2027 $0
Full course fee
2026 $0
2027 $0
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable domestic fee.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Whether you're a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
View all scholarshipsHow to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
- Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates. For details, see 2027 International Fees.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.