Become an expert in an area of the law that engages your interest or stirs your passion. Our Master of Laws (by Research) allows in-depth study of a legal topic.

VU offers support and guidance from leading legal researchers. For your masters degree, you’ll complete a major thesis, worthy of publication, under expert supervision.

Our research program maintains strong links with public-sector authorities such as the Department of Justice, as well as private law firms – offering access to real-world scenarios for investigation.

Our governance research program focuses on:

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

Your thesis will be equal to a combined total of 192 credit points. You may apply to transfer to our Law PhD, building on your strong legal research skills, and aiming for top academic, government or law-firm positions.

A Master of Laws will help you advance your career in academia, the law and related fields. It also opens the doors to academic or government advisory roles.

Careers in law are paid well. The following are averaged expected salaries:

• early career academic, $85,000
• policy and planning managers, A$123,000