Take advantage of our strong research culture
As a Higher Degree Research (HDR) student at the ANU College of Law you'll be provided with all the resources you need - office, telephone, computer, printers, inspirational colleagues and mentors. Beyond your supervision, you'll be immersed in the rich collegial academic life and research training history that makes the ANU unique.
Which style of research will work for me?
Do you want to make a substantial contribution to learning in the field of law? Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Are you looking for a professional doctorate that combines coursework with research? Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Would you like to complete your research in one year full time? Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Scholarship options
ANU funds and administers a range of scholarships for graduate research degree programs. The University also administers a number of scholarships funded by the Australian Government and other external sources.
Research scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants with a proven capacity for research. The main scholarship rounds close on 31 August for international students and 31 October for domestic students.
Student profiles
Glen, originally from the UK, is an Advocate at the Total Environment Centre, working to improve environmental outcomes in the electricity system. His research looks at the legal and regulatory frameworks for wave and tidal energy generation, an emerging renewable energy source that is developing quickly overseas. Glen hopes to bring the experiences of other jurisdictions to Australia in order to help the industry develop here.
“ANU has a world-class reputation for research, a collegiate academic community, and a supervisor that I felt was genuinely interested in my research” Glen says. “There is a very supportive atmosphere, a strong community and excellent resources. I recommend that students interested in undertaking research contact potential supervisors early with a concrete proposal, then work with them to develop it in the lead up to your application. Make the effort to meet them personally.”
Glen Wright, PhD Student
Robin lives in Canberra and has three degrees from ANU. She ran her own legal practice specialising in property and commercial law. Prior to studying and working in law, Robin practised as a pharmacist for 30 years. “I love ANU and what it has achieved” Robin says. “There was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to do my research at ANU. It also happens to be the best university in Australia and one of the world's best”.
Currently retired, Robin wants to advocate for legislation for assisted dying. Her research topic is The Argument for Legalisation of Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide in Australia. “Having an ANU speciality degree behind me will provide some evidence of specialist knowledge of the subject” Robin says. She suggests that students undertaking research make use of the wonderful support that ANU gives its research students.
Robin Gibson, PhD Student
