LAW4801 - Research project - 2019

6 points, SCA Band 3, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Chief examiner(s)

Semester 1 Dr Colin Campbell
Semester 2 Dr Colin Campbell

Unit guides



  • First semester 2019 (On-campus)
  • Second semester 2019 (On-campus)


LAW1111, LAW1112, LAW1113, LAW1114, LAW2101, LAW2102, LAW2111, LAW2112, LAW3111, LAW3112, LAW3402 and any 3 Law elective units.


This unit, typically undertaken in the penultimate semester of the course, requires students to plan and execute a research project or piece of scholarship with some independence. Students will learn and apply advanced research methods and skills, including locating materials, project planning, critical analysis, effective written communication, and self-management.

Further information is available at:



  1. Conduct an independent, research-based project under broad direction;
  2. Develop a research plan to complete complex and original research.
  3. Synthesise discipline knowledge by critically analysing complex legal issues, using advanced legal reasoning and research methods.
  4. Identify and apply appropriate research methods to address complex legal research issues.
  5. Develop cognitive and creative skills in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses and developing new understandings
  6. Communicate effectively in writing for a professional audience.


At the discretion of the Chief Examiner, students may undertake the project in groups of 3 or 4.

For students who complete the research project as an individual activity:

  1. Research skills module completed online: 10%
  2. Project plan: 10%
  3. Research project paper (4,000 words): 80%

    For students who complete the research project as a group activity:

  4. Research skills module completed online: 10%
  5. Project plan - group activity: 10%
  6. Online reflective journal entries on the conduct of the project - individual activity: 10%
  7. Research project paper - group activity (8,000 words): 70%

Workload requirements

3 hours per week of lectures/seminars, plus an additional 1 hour research seminar during the semester. Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study/self-directed research. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information