Higher Degrees by Research

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

The SJD can be undertaken in any area of legal research offered by the faculty and is suited to individuals who wish to:

pursue an academic career in law
pursue a major academic study project (such as a matter of law reform)
develop policy or theoretical perspectives in areas where they have recognised expertise.

The SJD is a professional doctoral degree suited to legal professionals seeking to enhance their expertise through advanced coursework and research. It is suited to outstanding Master of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) students who do not wish to complete a doctorate wholly by thesis.

The SJD prepares students for high level research and policy formulation roles in private practice and government. It is equal in status to the PhD but differs by combining academic research with coursework. Taken on a full or part-time basis, the SJD has a 75 percent research component. The 25 percent coursework component consists of four elective postgraduate units and a compulsory seminar unit.

Please also see Professional Doctorate Guidelines/Minimum Standards.

Structure

Students are required to complete:

four coursework units from the Master of Laws program at Monash with a minimum average level of "distinction" although in some cases credit may be given for Masters subjects completed elsewhere (provided that the subjects did not constitute a component of an already completed degree). Units which offer only “pass” or “fail” grade should be avoided as these cannot be taken into account to determine the "distinction" average; and
the SJD Seminar Unit which includes attending a series of seminars on advanced legal research, an essay of 3,000 words on a topic relevant to their proposed research and presentation of a thesis proposal to a review panel; and
a thesis of no more than 50,000 words.

Duration

Three to four years full-time study or six to eight years part-time.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a Bachelor of Laws with Honours with a grade of H1 or H2A, or have completed four coursework units from the Monash Master of Laws program (with a minimum average level of "distinction" including excellent results in research assignments submitted within the units) which count towards the degree.

For further information, please visit University’s Regulations on SJD entry requirements.

Intakes

March: applications close 31 October
July: applications close 28 February

Students intending to apply for a Postgraduate Research Scholarship are requested to contact the Faculty Research Officer in the first instance:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: + 61 3 9905 3342.

Scholarship applications close on 31 October each year.

Fees

There is no tuition fee for local students.

Local students admitted to this course are funded under the Commonwealth’s Research Training Scheme (RTS). Those students who do not receive an RTS commonwealth funded place at the time of enrolment will usually be given a non-commonwealth funded place where the course fees are fully waived until an RTS place becomes available.

Tuition fees apply to international students. The current annual fee is A$22,720.

Information on amenities fee.

Applications

Both local and international students wishing to apply for the SJD should submit an application form.

Local applicants

Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents should submit their application directly to:

The HDR Coordinator
Faculty of Law
Building 12
Monash University
Wellington Road
Clayton Vic 3800,
Australia

Phone: + 61 3 9905 3342
Email: [email protected]

International applicants

Qualifications and English requirements apply for international applicants. International applicants must submit their application directly to Monash International.

Monash University
International Recruitment Services
871 Dandenong Road
Caulfield East, Victoria 3145
Australia
Email: [email protected]

Confirmation of Candidature

SJD candidature will be confirmed when candidates have:

completed four LLM coursework units with a minimum average level of "distinction"; and
have enrolled in LAW7300 "SJD Seminar Unit" and completed most of the requirements in this unit as well as presenting their thesis outline to a review panel.

Guidelines and a confirmation of candidature form are available from the Monash Research Graduate School.

Candidates will be notified by the Faculty Research Office when the confirmation of candidature is due to take place. SJD candidature is confirmed by an official letter from Monash Research Graduate School when the review panel agrees that the candidate is able to proceed to the research component.