Doctorates

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
• 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 minimum requirement for admission is completion of one of the following degrees:

• a bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class honours; or
• a master’s degree by research; or
• a master’s degree by coursework awarded at High Distinction or Distinction level, and including a research component equivalent to 25% of one year of full-time enrolment; or
• an applicant who does not meet the above requirements may be admitted to candidature by the Associate Dean, provided they hold qualifications that, in the opinion of the Law School Postgraduate Research Education Committee, are equivalent to a first or upper second class honours degree,

Satisfactory evidence of training and the ability to pursue the proposed program may be demonstrated through the successful completion of a sustained piece of research in a
prior degree program, scholarly publications, or sustained research conducted in a professional capacity. Candidates who cannot demonstrate sufficient research experience may first be admitted to a master's by research, with the possibility of upgrading to a PhD upon satisfactory progress.

Proposed program of study

The proposal must be:

• suitable in scope and standard for the PhD
• a project that the applicant is competent to undertake
• one for which adequate supervision and facilities are available

Research Coursework

To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:

(a) complete any specified probationary requirements

(b) complete the units of study LAWS6077 Legal Research 1 and LAWS7001 Legal Research 2

(c) conduct research on the approved topic

(d) write a thesis embodying the results of the research

Students can enrol in units of study in Sydney Student. Award requirements for the PhD are outlined in the relevant University by-laws, rules, and policies

Rules governing research

The Rules governing the degree of Doctor of Philosophy are the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2026 and the associated the policies and procedures . The most recent versions of these rule, policies and procedures are found the Policy Register: http://www.sydney.edu.au/policies