Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law

Undertake a PhD in Law at Flinders

The power to change

Understand the legal issues of today to influence change and impact lives in the future by undertaking independent research in an area of law that can make a difference. Develop your legal expertise and gain essential transferable skills, such as competency in advanced research, critical thinking, legal writing, communication, and project management. You will be part of a vibrant academic community that values both established and emerging areas of legal research.

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Why undertake a PhD in Law at Flinders

Work with supervisors who are global experts in their field
Collaborate with industry partners
Explore possibilities for interdisciplinary research
Establish links with world-class overseas universities
Make a difference in the world – your research has the potential to change people’s lives

Discover more about research at the College of Business, Government and Law

Your career

A PhD in Law can open the door to a career both inside the courtroom and out. With in-depth knowledge in a legal specialty you will be attractive to both national and international government and non-governmental organisations, in areas of legal practice, business, diplomacy, social justice, and human rights.

Potential occupations include:

Consultant
Legal adviser
Practicing lawyer
Civil servant
Legal/Human rights advocate
Government analyst
Academic/Researcher

Potential employers include:

Government
Research Institutes/Think Tanks
Law Firms
National and international corporations
NGOs
Universities

Top up scholarships available

Top up scholarships are available for newly enrolled high-achieving domestic or international PhD students in the College of Business, Government and Law on the basis of academic merit and research potential.

The six scholarships available are valued at $5,000 per annum for the duration of a PhD degree (maximum 3 years, with a possible 6-month extension).

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Potential research supervisors

Flinders Law academic staff are recognised as leaders in their fields both in Australia and around the world. Our academics draw on their extensive knowledge to undertake research that makes a difference to people's lives.

Professor Margaret Davies

Legal theory, feminist legal theory

Associate Professor Hossein Esmaeili

International law, Islamic and Middle Eastern law, immigration and refugee law

Associate Professor Vivienne Brand

Corporate law, corporate ethics, Social licence to operate, Corporate whistleblowing, AI and corporate boards, Foreign bribery

Associate Professor Marinella Marmo

Gender and human rights, corporate and transnational crime, human trafficking

Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.

Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?

Explore Research @ Flinders.

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How to apply

Review the course rule

Check your eligibility

Find a research supervisor

Find out about scholarships and fees

Prepare your application

Apply now

Meet our PhD students

Thomas Jupe

Thesis title: The accountability of State crime: An exploration into the human rights violations concerning the Rohingya of Myanmar
Supervisors: Dr Sanzhuan Guo, Associate Professor Marinella Marmo

This project explores the ongoing ‘genocidal violence’ committed against the Rohingya ethnic population of Myanmar by government forces, in an attempt to bring to light the legal and political factors that allow nation states to continue to carry out serious violations of human rights, with no immediate intervention from international law.

Enquire now

Review answers to regularly asked questions about applying for a higher degree by research (FAQs).

After reviewing the Study HDR web pages and FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, complete the form. You must provide details about the Reason for your enquiry in the text box 'Ask a question here’.

For queries relating specifically to a project, direct your enquiry to the College where you plan to study.