Applying for HDR Research

The School of Law provides a supportive and engaged higher degree research culture.  We welcome inquiries about supervision of higher research degrees by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Law) and Master of Research.  We also offer a course work Masters of Law in International Governance LLM (International Governance) degree with a thesis component. For more information email  LLMintgov@westernsydney.edu.au.

Entry to higher degree research is competitive, and it is best to start at least twelve months before you wish to enrol, particularly if you also wish to apply for a scholarship. You may enrol at any time, but the academic year usually begins in February and July. Western Sydney University scholarship applications generally open in April and close in June, and a second round may occur in October. Further information may be found here about higher degree research at Western Sydney and about scholarships.

How to apply

• Develop a Research proposal (1-2 pages) following this guide.
• Find a supervisor who matches your research interests, and email them directly to determine their availability to supervise your project. To find a supervisor, consult School of Law Research Strengths  and School of Law Academic Staff Profiles 
• Check you have all supporting documents on the checklist below, and email your proposal and relevant supporting documents to law.research@westernsydney.edu.au

Checklist

1. Research Proposal.
2. If you are proposing to undertake empirical research (survey, interviews, ethnographic observation, etc), any evidence of training and experience in these methods.
3. Names of possible supervisors in the School of Law who have expertise in your field – indicate whether you have discussed your application with the possible supervisor.
4. CV (curriculum vitae) including contact details (address, phone, email, Skype contact details), education, employment history, title of any scholarly papers you have written including theses, and any publications, including information about whether these are published in refereed publications if possible.
5. Copies of academic transcripts.
6. Evidence of English language proficiency if you an international applicant.
7. Contact details (title, name, institution, phone/Skype contact and email address) for two Academic Referees.
8. Evidence of any professional experience that directly relates to your proposed study.

Once you have provided this information, we can consult the potential supervisors and invite you to make a provisional HDR application to Western Sydney University. Once your application is processed by the WSU Graduate Research School, we can confirm your application and invite you to enroll in the School of Law HDR program.