Become a leading researcher in law and its application. Our integrated program offers a path to a PhD in Law for graduates with limited research experience.

Integrated PhD in Law program at VU

During the first year of our integrated PhD in Law, you’ll benefit from intensive research training. After passing the coursework and thesis with a 70% average, you’ll begin your own original and important research into local or international law.

Our team of leading legal researchers will support you throughout your PhD. You’ll also benefit from a research program with strong links with public-sector organisations and private law firms.

Our governance research program focuses on:

• governance and regulation
• the scholarship of legal education
• international law
• courts and justice.

You’ll learn to present your research findings clearly and effectively in a thesis and through:

• conferences
• public presentations for broader audiences
• journals
• books
• other publications.

Course structure

To attain the award of Doctor of Philosophy through undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) students will be required to completed in total 384 credit points consisting of:

• 72 credit points of Core studies in Year 1
• 24 credit points of Elective studies in Year 1
• 288 credit points of Thesis units as per standard PhD

Careers in law and legislative policy

A PhD in Law will help you advance your career as a barrister or solicitor. It also opens the doors to academic or government-advisory roles.