postgraduate research unsw law

Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law

Postgraduate study.

The Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law is an ideal base for postgraduate study in the field of public law leading to the award of a  Masters of Laws ,  SJD  or  PhD . The Centre is a dynamic environment where higher degree research students join an academic community, find exciting opportunities for scholarship and engagement and are supported by the facilities and supervision available at one of Australia's leading law schools. Postgraduate researchers also have the chance to work in collaboration with the industry partners of the Centre.

Centre people are also involved in teaching in the PG coursework program.

Sir Anthony Mason PhD Award in Public Law

The purpose of the Award is to provide additional support to one UNSW PhD candidate each semester, who has had their candidature confirmed and is undertaking research in the area of public law. See  here  for more information.

Scholarships and Applications

Information  about UNSW Law’s research and research degree programs.

General  information  from the Graduate Research School about Postgraduate Research Programs at UNSW.

Current Postgraduates

The centre's present postgraduate students are listed  here .

Undergraduate Study

The Faculty Associates and Project Directors of the Centre teach in a range of courses in the undergraduate LLB program, including Public Law and Federal Constitutional Law.

Resources relevant to the study of these subjects are available in the  Constitutional Law Teacher's Clearing House

The Centre also takes part in the subject  LAWS2307 Social Justice Intern Program . The subject enables later year undergraduate students to spend one day a week with one of the Centres at the Faculty of Law. Over a semester, the students work on a research project, public interest litigation and other social justice activities. The subject is co-ordinated by Professor Julian Disney, who is the Director of the the Faculty's Social Justice project.

A List of the centre's past and present Social Justice Interns is found  here .

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LIVESTREAM Meet the Experts: Postgraduate Research Degrees with UNSW Law

Information Session

Are you contemplating your next step after graduating? Are you rethinking your career and want to take an opportunity to develop your research skills? Do you want to contribute to emerging research about the legal, social and other impacts of the most pressing challenges facing society both within Australia and internationally?

Are you interested in a postgraduate research degree, but not sure? Or uncertain which degree might be best for you? Or planning to apply and wondering how to apply or which degree to pick?

Join us for an online, livestream Information session on Postgraduate Research Degrees in the Faculty of Law at UNSW.

An expert panel comprising Professor Rosemary Rayfuse (Director of Postgraduate Research), Professor Sarah Williams (Postgraduate Coordinator), Dr Jenny Jarrett (HDR Officer) and Angela Kintominas (HDR student representative) will provide guidance and answer all your questions, including about things such as:

• Why do a postgraduate research degree? How is it different to a taught degree?

• Why UNSW Law?

• What programs does UNSW offer? Which one is right for me?

• What qualifications do I need?

• How do I apply?

• How do I find supervisors?

• How do I start drafting a research proposal?

• How much does it cost? Are scholarships available?

Date: Thursday 27 August 2020, from 5 – 6 pm, via zoom.

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Master of Laws by Research

The Master of Laws by Research (LLM Res) postgraduate research degree at UNSW Law & Justice prepares you for a career in advanced legal research or other professional roles. The knowledge gained in this degree can help you undertake policy and research roles in legal practice, academia and industry.

Our LLM by Research candidates are equipped with the research skills needed to move on to areas such as academia, the legal profession and policy development, whether this is for government, NGOs or inter-governmental agencies.

As part of the program, you will conduct a research project that makes a substantial and original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area. You’ll enjoy a collegiate and dynamic research culture at UNSW Law & Justice, an internationally renowned faculty.

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• Entry requirements
• Program structure 
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Admission to the Master of Laws by Research program requires completion of a recognised Bachelor of Laws degree with an Honours Class 2 (Division 1) or higher. 

The bachelor's degree should have included a substantial research component, or the equivalent. 

You must also submit a research proposal to be considered for this program. Admission to the LLM by Research program is subject to appropriate supervision being available. 

The LLM by Research program involves conducting research and preparing a thesis of approximately 50,000 words in your chosen area of law. Candidates can complete the Master’s program in a minimum of 1.5 years and a maximum of 2 years full-time.  

You'll be supervised by experts in your chosen area, who will help you develop insights and critical research skills in a supportive and stimulating university environment.  

Compulsory coursework includes research ethics, research methods and data management.  

, conducted by an appointed panel, will help track your research project's milestones and achievements throughout the postgraduate degree. 

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How to apply

Find a research supervisor, our research.

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Research thesis enrolment form (pg).

This form is to be completed by students wishing to complete a Research Thesis  towards their Postgraduate Degree. 

Students should read the Postgraduate Research Thesis Information Sheet before considering enrolment in a Research Thesis. There are specific requirements that need to be met. 

Deadline for applications:

Friday of Week 1 of the semester/term you wish to be enrolled in.

Please note the following:

• It is the students responsibility to finalise the research thesis outline and find a supervisor for the Research Thesis;
• The Research Thesis is due on the last day of classes each semester ;
• Research Thesis worth 6uoc requires a 2nd supervisor. Your Research Thesis supervisor can advise you who this will be.

Enrolment in the Research Thesis is by school consent only (processed manually by Law Student Services after completion of this form). Students cannot enrol via myUNSW. This form is to be completed and submitted by Friday of Week 1 of the semester you wish to be enrolled in.

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Law | T1 2024 WIL Opportunities

Are you looking for some practical experience while completing your Law & Justice degree?

UNSW Law & Justice  is offering several internship and clinic opportunities through undergraduate and postgraduate WIL courses in Term 1 2024.

Gain experiences in researching, writing and advocating in the fields of legal practice, strategic litigation, policy areas and more - all while earning Units of Credit towards your degree!

Applications open  10am Tuesday 31 October -   8pm Sunday 19 November 2023 .

Internship Opportunities

• LAWS3555/JURD7555 UNSW Law Internship (LLB and JD)
• LAWS8173 Law Postgraduate Internship (LLM Postgraduate only)
• LAWS8052 Human Rights Internship Program (LLM Postgraduate only)
• LAWS3183/JURD7383 Australian Journal of Human Rights (Journal internship)
• LAWS3777/JURD7777 UNSW Law Internship: Extended (LLB and JD)

Clinic Opportunities

• LAWS3302/JURD7502 Land and Environment Court Clinic
• LAWS3319/JURD7819 Police Powers Clinic
• LAWS3303/JURD7303 KLC Community Law Clinic (intensive)
• LAWS3304/JURD7304 KLC Community Law Clinic (non-intensive)
• LAWS3305/JURD7305 KLC Employment Law Clinic (non-intensive)

Law & Justice Faculty O-Week Welcome 22 May 2024

Juris Doctor Info Evening 28 May 2024

Dr Rula Ali

My Expertise

General Practice, Leadership in Medical Education, Governance, Training program directorship and project management, International medical graduates, workplace based assessment, peer feedback and review, evaluation in medical education.

I am a practising GP specialist in Sydney, a senior lecturer in the school of medicine in UNSW, co-convener of Society and Health, and a supervisor for general practice registrars. Previously, I was the director of the Practice Experience Program in NSW and ACT where I demonstrated my leadership skills through sharing strong vision in training highly skilled general practitioners and paving the way for other medical educators to succeed in... view more

I am a practising GP specialist in Sydney, a senior lecturer in the school of medicine in UNSW, co-convener of Society and Health, and a supervisor for general practice registrars. Previously, I was the director of the Practice Experience Program in NSW and ACT where I demonstrated my leadership skills through sharing strong vision in training highly skilled general practitioners and paving the way for other medical educators to succeed in achieving this mission. I was also the National Clinical Lead for Evaluation and Quality Assurance for the RACGP and the company secretary for GP Synergy.

I am committed to facilitating innovative and contemporary models of delivery of medical education. My other interests are research in general practice, project management in medical education and governance.

My Qualifications

BHB, MBChB, FRACGP, GAICD

My Engagement

General Practice specialist in Sydney, Supervisor for the Australian General Practice Training Program, Shire GP PHN Board, Clinical Council of Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, RACGP NSW and ACT Faculty member. 

UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia Telephone +61 2 93851000 Authorised by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) UNSW CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G ABN: 57 195 873 179

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Federal budget 2024-25: UNSW experts available for comment

UNSW has academic experts available to comment on May's federal government budget announcements.

On 14 May, the Australian government will deliver the 2024-25 federal budget. 

The following UNSW experts are available for comment on relevant themes.

Experts who are available for comment on various federal budget topics

Gigi Foster, Professor of Economics, School of Economics, UNSW Business , is available to comment on any aspect of the budget. She can be reached at [email protected] .  Prof. Foster says, “Will we see mainly more ideological posturing and handouts, or serious efforts towards economically sensible structural reform to address Australia’s many problems in housing, cost of living, energy policy, immigration, competition, and other areas.”

Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, School of Economics, UNSW Business , is available to comment on any aspect of the budget including its economic impact. He can be reached at [email protected] . (Please note: Prof.Holden will be in the budget lockup).  

Verity Firth AM, UNSW Vice-President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement  and Professor of Practice, School of Education, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture,  is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected] . Prof. Firth can discuss the federal budget from an educational angle, particularly, the Australian Universities Accord, Student Equity, and Higher Education Harmonisation. Prof. Firth has extensive experience across equity in education and addressing educational disadvantage, having served as Minister for Education and Training in New South Wales (2008-2011) and then as the Chief Executive of the Public Education Foundation before joining the higher education sector. (Please note: Professor Firth will be in the budget lockup). 

Peter Swan, Professor of Finance, School of Banking and Finance, UNSW Business , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected]. Prof. Swan is available to speak about housing, stage-3 tax cuts, energy and environment.

Mark Humphery-Jenner, Associate Professor of Finance, School of Banking and Finance, UNSW Business , is available to comment on any aspect of the budget. He can be reached at [email protected] .

Cost of living

Dr Nalini Prasad, Senior Lecturer at the School of Economics, UNSW Business , is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected] . Dr Nalini says, “The government wants to reduce the cost-of-living pressures. But putting more money in the hands of households risks driving up demand and increasing prices. This measure could be self-defeating.”

Dr Chris Martin, Senior Lecturer at the City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected]. His research interests are in rental housing and housing affordability. Dr Martin says, “Australia urgently needs a major investment in social housing to address the chronic lack of affordable options for low-income renters and homeless persons.”

Hal Pawson, Professor and Associate Director at the City Futures Research Centre UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected]. His main area of research is housing policy governance and strategy. Prof. Pawson says, “To ease immediate pressure, The Federal Budget 2024 could significantly increase Rent Assistance and, for longer-term relief, double the investment in social housing construction.”

Stage 3 Tax Cuts

Ann Kayis-Kumar, Associate Professor of Tax at the School of Accounting, Auditing & Taxation, UNSW Business , is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected] . A/Prof Kayis-Kumar says, “The amendments to the Stage 3 tax cuts were a politically sensible and economically sound course correction, grounded in the good tax design principle of vertical equity. In other words, these amendments prevented the system from becoming less fair in a time of increasing financial stress for most Australians.”

Dale Boccabella, Associate Professor of Tax at the School of Accounting, Auditing & Taxation, UNSW Business , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected] . A/Prof. Boccabella’s expertise lies in most areas of the income tax system including, taxation of partnerships, trusts and companies, capital gains tax, fringe benefits tax and fundamental structural aspects of the income tax system.

Dr Rodney Brown, Senior Lecturer at the School of Accounting, Auditing & Taxation, UNSW Business , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected]. Dr Brown can comment on the impact of the Stage 3 tax cuts and whether the Government could have gone further with them.

Environment and climate change

Dr Tim Neal, Senior Research Fellow at the School of Economics, UNSW Business , is available for comment. He can be reached at  [email protected] . He can comment on climate change and its role in the budget. Dr Neal says, “I am an economist who researches the economic impacts of future climate change. I will be able to speak to the initiatives in the budget that relate to climate change and how they may interact with the economy.”

Veena Sahajwalla, Scientia Professor at the School of Materials Science and Director of the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, UNSW Science , is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected]. Prof Sahajwalla, who is a leading expert in recycling science, is available to discuss recycling science, industry collaboration and sustainability for materials. Prof. Sahajwalla says, “Manufacturing is coming under much greater focus here in Australia, and for good reason: to help ensure we have the capability to produce the things we need. But this renewed focus now gives us the opportunity to ensure we can do this more sustainability, to use waste as a resource and create new supply chains.”

Katja Ignatieva, Associate Professor, School of Risk & Actuarial Studies, UNSW Business , is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected] . A/Prof. Ignatieva can comment on factors impacting prices and volatilities in energy markets; supply and demand imbalances, geopolitical events impacting prices; forecasting market trends and integration of renewable energy sources.

Dr Edward Obbard, Associate Professor at the school of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW Engineering , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected] . A/Prof. Obbard can comment on researching nuclear materials, nuclear engineering education, nuclear safety, and nuclear power/propulsion technology.  

Dr Mike Roberts, Senior Lecturer at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW Engineering , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected] . Dr Roberts can comment on how the budget affects household energy issues (rooftop solar, home batteries, EVs, etc.)  

Domestic violence

Dr Patricia Cullen, Senior Lecturer at the School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine & Health , is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected]. Dr Cullen says, “We need real investment into supporting women and children’s recovery from the traumatic impacts of domestic, family and sexual violence through healing informed practice and therapeutic supports.”

Dr Emma Buxton-Namisnyk, Senior Researcher at the School of Law, Society & Criminology, UNSW Law & Justice , is available for comment. She can be reached at [email protected] . Dr Buxton-Namisnyk has analysed more than 3000 domestic violence homicide cases in Australia. The NSW Government has enlisted Dr Buxton-Namisnyk to build a comprehensive risk-assessment framework to help ensure all domestic violence victim-survivors receive a consistent, appropriate, and safe response wherever they present. She recently co-published a series of legal and cultural change recommendations to address violence against women.

Rosalind Dixon, Professor of Law at the School of Global & Public Law, UNSW Law & Justice , is available to comment. She can be reached at [email protected] . She recently spoke to ABC Radio regarding legal, institutional and cultural changes to address violence against women – including bail law reform, increased ADVO breach penalties and specialist DV magistrates. Prof. Dixon also recognised emergency financial assistance as a critical intervention that requires broader housing, psychological and legal support.

Dr Michael Salter, Professor of Criminology at the School of Social Sciences, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture , is available for comment. He can be reached at [email protected]. Prof. Salter is an expert in child sexual exploitation and gendered violence. His research team reported last year that almost 1 in 10 Australian men have committed a sexual offence against children . The report called for investment in initiatives that address concerning behaviour before it starts. He has recently spoken to the media regarding the influence of alcohol, pornography and gambling on domestic violence and called for a non-ideological look at the evidence of what keeps women safe. 

Media enquiries

For any related media enquiries, please contact Katie Miller:

Tel: 0408 033 715 Email: [email protected]

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