Graduate Diploma of Research Studies

What you will study

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Law Research, students must complete 80 credit points.

Research Method Course

• Legal Research Methods

Dissertation Courses

• Thesis Work in Progress - (capstone course)
• Thesis Completion - (capstone course)

Electives

• Selected courses must include exactly 20 credit points at level 5.
• Selected courses must include exactly 20 credit points at level 7.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies, a student must:

• Hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (using a 7.0 point scale) over the last two years of the Bachelor's degree.
• Hold a Masters degree in a related discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing).

As a condition of acceptance into the program, students will be required to find a suitable supervisor or supervisor and have their research project approved by the supervisor/s and the Program Director. Students requiring assistance in finding a suitable supervisor should contact a Higher Degree Research ( HDR) Convenor in Law. The supervisor/s will be responsible for assessing and recommending applications for admission into the program and plans for programs of study and will act as the nominated student contact for any concerns and issues that arise in their study. The Program Director will have final approval for admission into the program.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0

• A minimum score of 575 on TOEFL.
• An internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19).
• No score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only).
• A minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English).
• An overall score of 58 on the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Applicants should be aware that the above test scores are the minimum scores required by Griffith University for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Law Research Studies. Applicants intending to progress to Higher Degree Research studies should refer to the language requirements for those programs as they may require higher levels of proficiency.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University's Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy will apply.

Students who have completed relevant prior postgraduate studies may be granted a maximum of 20 credit points of credit towards the 40 credit points of coursework. Credit will not be granted for the dissertation component.

Outcomes

Career Outcomes

The research capabilities developed through the program will be appropriate for students seeking employment in research fields.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $26,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points.

The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of units.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.