Outline

Overview

The goal of this unit of study is to provide students with an opportunity to pursue advanced research in an area of their choosing, under the limited supervision of a Law School academic staff member https://www.sydney.edu.au/law/about/our-people/academic-staff.html. The unit is only available to eligible students in special circumstances, and with the approval of the relevant Program Director. Permission must be obtained from Sydney Law School prior to enrolment. Information and application form are available at https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-coursework-research-projects or E: law.postgraduate@sydney.edu.au.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	LAWS6183
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jeanne Huang, jeanne.huang@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Human Ethics Module (0%) Students complete RSCH9002 Human Ethics Module - General via Canvas.	0%	Ongoing	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Dissertation or thesis	Independent Research Project (100%) Students pursue advanced research in an area of their choosing.	100%	STUVAC Due date: 15 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Nov 2025	15,000 - 20,000 words / 11 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Independent Research Project Plan (0%) Students adapt proposal into a research plan for the semester.	0%	Week 02 Due date: 17 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Aug 2025	2 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Independent Research Project Proposal (0%) Students prepare a research proposal and submit it to potential supervisor.	0%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59	500 words (2 pages)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

The Independent Research Project (IRP) offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced research in an area of their choosing.

Independent Research Project Proposal (0%)

Eligible students may apply for LAWS6182 Independent Research Project by submitting a 500 word research proposal (2 pages) to their potential supervisor, who is a continuing academic staff member of Sydney Law School by 30 May 2025 at 11:59pm (Sydney, Australia time). The application form must be submitted along with the proposal using the following format and content:

ELEMENT	DESCRIPTION
Title	The title of the research proposal should be concise, descriptive, and it should provide a clear indication of the research question that the proposal will address.
Introduction	The introduction presents a brief overview of the chosen research topic, highlighting its relevance and significance in the legal field. It should also explain the rationale behind choosing this specific area of law for research.
Research Question	The research question is a concise statement that outlines the specific issue or issues that the research will address. It guides the entire research process and should be carefully formulated to ensure it is clear, focused and answerable.
Literature Review	The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of existing scholarly work related to the research topic. It helps to identify gaps in the current knowledge that the research aims to fill.
Theoretical Framework	The theoretical framework outlines the theories or concepts that will guide the research and analysis. It also explains the relationships between different concepts and how these theories will be applied to the research problem.
Methodology	The methodology section details the research methods that will be used to answer the research question. It includes the research design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques. It should justify why these methods are appropriate for the research question.
Ethical Considerations	If the research involves human subjects, the proposal should address any ethical considerations associated with the research, and how they will be managed.
Timeline	The timeline presents an estimated schedule for the completion of different stages of the research project. This helps to ensure that the research is feasible within the given timeframe.
Preliminary Bibliography	The preliminary bibliography lists the primary and secondary sources that the researcher plans to use. This demonstrates familiarity with the relevant legal scholarship and ensures there are sufficient resources to support the research.
Expected Outcomes	The expected outcomes section outlines the potential contributions of the research to the field of law. It might discuss potential theoretical implications, practical applications, or policy recommendations.

Independent Research Project Plan (0%)

Students are required to work with their supervisor to adapt their proposal into a research plan they will follow for the remainder of the semester.

This must be submitted via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) no later than Sunday 17 August 2025 at 11:59pm (end of Week 2), Sydney, Australia time.

Human Ethics Module (0%)

Students must complete RSCH9002 Human Ethics Module - General via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) prior to commencing research.

Independent Research Project (100%)

Under the supervision of an approved academic staff member of Sydney Law School, students undertake a 15,000 – 20,000 word research project, as agreed with supervisor. The Independent Research Project must involve research and writing and must not include material that has been previously submitted for assessment in any other unit of study. Students are required to attend supervision meetings as scheduled by their supervisor. Students must submit their research project via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) by 15 November 2025 at 11.59pm (Sydney, Australia time).

Due to the restricted timeframe for completion of the research project and lengthy application approval process, Sydney Law School does not encourage students to conduct research involving human participants as part of their award course. The research project must also not contain any “confidential” information which is not publicly available. For further information, please refer to Research Integrity and Ethics https://www.sydney.edu.au/research/research-integrity-and-ethics.html

The total word count of the research project will:

Exclude - bibliography, footnote numbers, footnote citation and cover page

Include - body text, headings and sub-headings, quotations, anything other than numbers and citations in footnotes

Please consult with your supervisor to determine an appropriate word length for your project prior to commencement of the project.

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: If you are unable to submit on time, you should apply for formal special consideration. Please refer to application eligibility criteria and form at Special Consideration and Arrangement https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/special-consideration.html.

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 an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • 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.

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. For example, a submission after the due time specified in the assessment summary but before the same time the following day will attract a 10% penalty.

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	Learning outcomes
Ongoing	Supervision of research project	Project (26 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Supervision: Supervisory guidance is designed to facilitate a student's exploration of their project’s methodology and the literature review, thus fostering your familiarity with the subject. As part of this advanced research endeavour, senior students should adopt a more 'independent' stance. Beyond this initial level of supervision, the supervisor's role will transition towards assessing the project upon its completion.

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

As required by the supervisor.

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. Formulate and articulate a comprehensive research proposal in a chosen area of law, demonstrating advanced cognitive skills and mastery of relevant methodologies.
LO2. Responsibly and ethically apply research strategies to a specific area of law incorporating the evaluation of primary and secondary sources.
LO3. Innovate and produce a substantial piece of original legal research, demonstrating the ability to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level.
LO4. Critically self-evaluate and effectively communicate the research findings and the knowledge and understanding gained during the project, demonstrating the exercise of high-level judgment and adaptability.

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.

Updated for 2025 assessment schedule.

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

LAWS6182: Independent Research Project A

Semester 2, 2025 [Supervision] - 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