Research units
Enrolling for Research unit A (6 credit points) consists of two stages. Candidates should read through and understand the stages below before embarking on the application process. Please note that Research unit A can not be counted at your law research elective.
Stage 1: Eligibility and proposal
Check your eligibility
Approval to do a research paper will not be given unless the candidate has met the required prerequisites following for the unit. Students will need to check unit handbook entry for more information:
Application and Proposal preparation
The student must complete the online application form. The student should approach an academic member of the faculty to discuss a proposal (or alternative proposals) to research a topic for the purpose of undertaking a Research Paper.
A proposal is to be prepared by the candidate in consultation with the faculty member, and must contain information such as:
- the nature, definition and outline of the topic
- the resources required to research it
- suggestions as to who might act as Supervisor (Note: The academic faculty member can also be your supervisor)
The student must also complete Research unit supporting statement from supervisor form. The form must be signed by the faculty member, and uploaded via the LAW4173 online application form linked above.
Application due dates
Research Unit A is available over teaching periods in the table below. Applications submitted later than application closing date may not be considered.
Teaching period | Application closing date | Final submission date |
---|---|---|
Summer Semester A 2023 | 24 October 2023 | Mid February 2024 |
Summer Semester B 2024 | 14 December 2023 | Mid February 2024 |
Semester 1 2024 | Sunday 18 February 2024 | 25 May 2024 |
Semester 2 2023 | Sunday 9 July 2023 | 20 October 2023 |
Stage 2: Approval and submission
Approval of proposal
The completed application and proposal form and will be submitted to the Chief Examiner of the unit for approval. You will be contacted with the outcome of the proposal via your Monash email account by Law Student Services within 2 weeks of application.
If the proposal has been approved, you will be provided with an approval letter and enrolled into the unit by Law student services.
- The approval letter will outline the approved topic, supervisor and submission date.
- You will be enrolled into the unit by Law student services staff on receipt of the approval letter.
- Enrolment in this unit will be subjected to the approval and appointment of a Supervisor.
If the proposal has not been approved, you will be provided a letter.
Submission of the research paper
Submit the completed research paper directly to Moodle on or before the approved submission date.
The final marks and report will be submitted to the Undergraduate Board of Examiners for approval and will be made available on the relevant result release date for the period you are enrolled into.
Other matters
Availability and appointment of supervisor
If you do not have a supervisor and require one, the Chief Examiner of the unit will recommend the appointment of a suitable member of the faculty as Supervisor of the Research Paper. The Supervisor will normally, but not necessarily, be the faculty member consulted by the student.
In deciding whether to approve the proposal, the Chief Examiner should have regard to the availability of a person or persons to provide adequate supervision.
Extension request for submission
The final research paper must be submitted no later than the final submission date of the respective teaching period. An extension maybe applied for via the Special Consideration process.
Form, style and standard of the research paper
The research paper should normally not exceed 5000-6000 words in length excluding appendices, bibliography and footnotes that are purely citations.
The standard required of a research paper is that is should demonstrate independent research and advanced competence in legal analysis and writing.
Contact us
Dr Katie O'Bryan (Katie.OBryan@monash.edu) - Chief Examiner
Dr Drossos Stamboulakis (Drossos.Stamboulakis@monash.edu) - Chief Examiner