Outline

Overview

The primary goal of this unit is to develop skills in undertaking a significant piece of legal research at levels of sophistication suitable for examination. At the conclusion of the unit it is anticipated that members of the class will be able to conceptualise the issues to be researched; will be able to locate relevant legal and other materials (using both hard copy and electronic bibliographic aids); will be able to place and sustain an argument (a 'thesis'); and will be able to assess both the quality of that work and to judge the merits of other approaches to planning such research. It is expected that students will become familiar with using comparative materials (both within the federation and international), and will gain a working familiarity with relevant research techniques of other disciplines in the social sciences. The unit aims to encourage debate about the respective merits of different approaches, ethical issues, and the hallmarks of 'quality' research.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Carolyn McKay, carolyn.mckay@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Reflection Papers (0%) Weekly (500 word maximum) reaction papers to be submitted	0%	Ongoing	500 word maximum	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research Essay (100%) A research strategy essay on student's thesis topic	100%	Week 05 Due date: 22 May 2026 at 17:00	7000 words / 11 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Workshop participation and presentation (0%) Present and defend research essay	0%	Week 11 Due date: 23 Oct 2026 at 09:00	6 hours	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Reflection Papers (non-weighted): Students need to submit weekly (500-word maximum) reaction papers to the readings for each class in which they reflect on the methodologies discussed in the assigned readings and how they could be used in their envisaged research project.

Research strategy essay (100%): This is an essay on your thesis topic, which develops a research strategy on the selected topic, and incorporates a literature review and a search of relevant authority and statutory material (including, as applicable, comparative and international material): approximately 7,000 words. The essay is due on 22 May 2026 at 17:00 (Sydney, Australia time).

The total word count for the critical analysis and the research strategy essay will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required).

Workshop participation and presentation (non-weighted): The researcher will need to present and defend their research strategy essay in a workshop format. The workshop will take place on 23 October 2026.

Retain drafts: Students must retain pre-submitted drafts of their assessments on file.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

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 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.

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 clear HDR standard, a distinction a very high HDR standard, a credit a good HDR standard but with significant work needed, and a pass a less than acceptable standard. All grades need to be understood in the context of the detailed written feedback provided when material is returned to the candidate with that grade attached

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work receiving a high distinction grade will exhibit the characteristic that it demonstrates very strong HDR thesis level performance (for the requisite thesis level) and/or confidence in thesis planning and execution, including but not limited to: • its originality of thesis argument, methodological approach and analysis. • its exhaustive or innovative research. • its high proportion of publishable quality writing.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work receiving a distinction grade will generally exhibit high level attainment of or potential to reach all qualities relevant to the HDR thesis in question, but will have identified deficiencies that require to be rectified in order confidently to be assured of realising those qualities in the final thesis.
Credit	65 - 74	Work receiving a credit grade will generally reflect retention of confidence that a viable HDR thesis of the requisite standard is ultimately realisable, but that serious and potentially fatal deficiencies currently appear across one or more relevant thesis attributes, the rectification of which is vital.
Pass	50 - 64	Work receiving a pass grade will lack sufficient evidence of doctoral qualities or potential to achieve those standards in the future as to call for fundamental reconsideration, development of capacities or other quite major improvements in a thesis that on current indications is headed towards failure at assessment. The pass grade is applied because the unit is a support seminar and the grade indications and other advice provided during the course are designed to enable the candidate to regain the qualities relevant to HDR level thesis work
Fail	0 - 49	A fail grade, which would effectively require repeating of the unit, and perhaps termination or suspension of candidature, is rarely ever considered. Instead a very low pass grade is the preferred way of conveying that assessment to the candidate.

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. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

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 03	Structuring a thesis; whys and whats of a strategy and thesis project presentation by class members	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Introducing the electronic library	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Managing references, reference materials and citations: using Endnote software	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Using full text databases	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 07	The role of legal theory and theoretical paradigms	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 08	The role of surveys and social science methods	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 10	Interdisciplinary, law reform and social policy techniques	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Planning and executing a research project	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 11	Final workshop to be held 23 October, Week 11 in Semester 2.	Seminar (6 hr)
Week 12	The ethics of research	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Writing up research	Seminar (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes 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).

Annual progress evaluation: Evidence of completion of this unit i.e. meeting your progress milestone must be provided. It is mandatory that YOU upload the Unit Coordinator’s graded assessment feedback form online with your next annual progress evaluation form when available.

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

There is no prescribed list of readings, though Hutchinson (below) will be a very helpful acquisition.

Hutchinson, T., Researching and Writing in Law (Sydney: Thomson Reuters/Lawbook Co., 4th ed, 2018).

Material will be referred to during the course, and students are expected to engage in independent reading on the topics covered.

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. Critically evaluate and refine their HDR thesis strategy, incorporating methodological approaches, theoretical frameworks, a preliminary exploration of the literature, and ethical considerations for ethics approval.
LO2. Conduct peer reviews, providing constructive critique and feedback, to gain diverse perspectives on HDR research approaches.
LO3. Employ and integrate fundamental legal research principles to conduct scholarly research in an HDR context, synthesizing HDR techniques, objectives, and legal research methodologies.
LO4. Search and select relevant primary and secondary legal and scholarly materials using online databases, professional publications, and grey literature.
LO5. Evaluate and choose appropriate methodologies and data collection techniques for legal and interdisciplinary research, tailored to their thesis objectives.
LO6. Articulate and defend research arguments, addressing challenges, ethical considerations, and assessment criteria in legal and scholarly research.

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.

Changes have been made to the assessments.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

LAWS6077: Legal Research 1

Research Period 2 Units, 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