Outline

Overview

In Australia citizenship status has recently been central to decisions on whether indigenous Australians are vulnerable to deportation, expanded powers of citizenship deprivation, debate on Covid-19 restrictions on international mobility, and proposed changes to naturalization requirements. The legal status of citizenship combines what is often a strong emotive charge, stemming from its relationship to membership, allegiance and belonging, with a highly technical legal role in multiple fields of law. The course analyses the workings of citizenship status within diverse fields of law, both municipal (constitutional and administrative) and international (public and private). Study of the status also serves as a study of the interaction between these fields. We will study the history of Australian citizenship; membership under the Australian Constitution; international law relating to nationality; the interaction between national citizenship regimes; developments and proposals affecting rights integral to citizenship; and issues surrounding access to citizenship for long-term residents, among other topics. These issues will be, in part, explored through contemporary and historic case studies and controversies. The unit will analyse a wide range of sources, including writings in the history and sociology of law as well as judgments, court filings, and government and parliamentary reports. All the topics raise the vexed relationship between citizenship as a formal status ascribed by states, and its role in alternately enabling, registering, or denying, belonging.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	LAWS1021 and LAWS1023
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS5215
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rayner Thwaites, rayner.thwaites@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Class discussion leadership (20%) Structured class discussion leadership	20%	Multiple weeks	Seminars as rostered	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	70% attendance requirement Attendance (0%)	0%	Ongoing	70% of timetabled seminars	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) EFT	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:59	3 questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research outline (0%) Written task	0%	Week 05 Due date: 02 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Sep 2026	300-500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research presentation (20%) Presentation of research	20%	Week 12	10 minutes / week 12	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay (60%) Research Essay	60%	Week 13 Due date: 03 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Nov 2026	3500 words / 13 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Attendance (0%): Attendance (0%): Students in this unit of study are required to attend 70% of seminars. Students who apply successfully for Special Consideration may be granted an exemption from the attendance requirement by the coordinator. To enable students to apply for Special Consideration, attendance has been included as a 0% assessment in this unit of study. Students should only apply for Special Consideration when they have failed to attend at least 30% of timetabled activities.

Early Feedback Task (0%): The Early Feedback Task in this unit is an interactive quiz, supporting research methodology and responsible research practice. The quiz will be available on Canvas from 3 August to 21 August 2026, Sydney Australia time. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Class discussion leadership (20%): Each student will be rostered for class discussion leadership in one or two seminars (in weeks 1-11). In the rostered seminar(s), students must be ready to answer questions and lead discussion on the assigned topic readings. Criteria for this assessment will be published on canvas and will include evidence of preparation, including knowledge and analysis of the assigned topic readings.

Research outline (0%): Students will be required to submit a research outline comprising: the proposed research question, a 300-500 word abstract and an initial bibliography of at least 5 references. The outline is due by Wednesday 2 September 2026, 23:59 Sydney Australia time. Students will be provided with feedback on their outline within a fortnight of submission.

Research presentation (20%): Students will each give a 10 minute oral presentation on their research essay, as scheduled in the final two seminars (week 12). These two seminars will be run as workshops, enabling peer and coordinator feedback on the work in progress before submission in week 13.

Research essay (60%): The research essay, due in week 13, allows students to focus on a topic of interest, and to develop independent research and analytic skills. Work on the essay is supported through three formative assessments detailed below: the Early Feedback Task, the research outline due in week 5, and the research presentation in week 12.

The essay will be due at 11.59pm Tuesday 3 November 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).
The essay has a maximum word limit of 3500 words. The total word count excludes: title page; abstract (150-200 words); citations and other non-discursive text in footnotes; the bibliography; acknowledgements of permissible assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI.
The essay must comply with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018). A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.
A marking rubric will be published on the canvas site by Friday of week 2.

Word limit penalty: Failure to comply with the word-limit on the research essay is penalised at a rate of 10% of the total mark for the assessment for every 100 words in excess of the limit.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study, with the exception of the Early Feedback Task, in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard. The table below provides grading descriptors for the research essay (60%). A rubric for each item of assessment will be published on canvas.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research. Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Achieves a critical and evaluative approach. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Very well written, structured and expressed.
Credit	65 - 74	Demonstrates an attempted critical approach. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis, being characterised by one or more of the following: Lacking adequately reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Offers a descriptive summary of material. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment.
Fail	0 - 49	Demonstrates insufficient research or analysis, being characterised by one or more of the following: Few or no identifiable arguments. Contains significant or numerous errors. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction - contemporary and historical case studies	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 02	The allocation and distribution of citizenship	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	The difference citizenship makes	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Legal distinctions between citizens - naturalised citizens and dual citizens	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Citizenship and interdependence: the interaction between national legal systems	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 07	Loss of citizenship	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 08	Proof of foreign citizenship and citizenship and private international law	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 10	Citizenship under pressure 1	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 11	Citizenship under pressure 2	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 12	Student presentations, completion of student surveys for this unit of study	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of seminars to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

A Reader containing the required readings will be available on the Canvas site for the unit.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify and describe to an advanced level the fundamental underlying principles, concepts and practices of citizenship and nationality law, and the broader contexts in which they operate and develop.
LO2. Apply relevant legal research methodologies to critically and creatively analyse issues of citizenship and nationality law, applying and integrating knowledges and reasoning.
LO3. Communicate on issues of citizenship and nationality in ways that are effective, respectful and persuasive.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

A number of changes have been made to clarify assessment expectations and assist students in identifying and developing a topic for their research essay.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS3515: Citizenship and Nationality Law

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links