About this program
Bond University's Doctor of Legal Science is a research doctorate in law, the SJD, which differs from a PhD in law by combining structured coursework with a shorter thesis of about 50,000 words. The program runs four years full-time or eight years part-time. Candidates complete up to six postgraduate law electives before starting their independent research, and applicants who already hold a Master of Laws can reduce the coursework in exchange for a longer thesis. The thesis must make a significant contribution to knowledge in an area of law and demonstrate independent scholarship, supervised by a principal and associate supervisors. It suits practising lawyers and legal scholars who want doctoral-level research training with a taught component, rather than the pure-research path of a PhD.
Fees & duration
English test scores
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Course structure
Students must complete a major dissertation (of approximately 50,000 words which represents an original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of an aspect of law and which demonstrates a capacity for independent research. The faculty must approve the topic and appropriate supervision must be available. LAWS99-501: SJD Thesis - Law Read more
Career & PR pathway
Which careers in Law lead to skilled migration depends on the occupation, not the degree title. See the skilled occupation lists guide for which occupations are on each list, and the points calculator to check where you stand.
Admissions
Applicants must have a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Juris Doctor (Honours), Master of Laws degree or equivalent.
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