Doctor of Legal Science (Research)

Advance your knowledge and research skills in an area of law of your choice with Bond’s Doctor of Legal Science (Research) (SJD) program, a higher degree by research program combining coursework and a thesis on an approved topic. 

The coursework is comprised of six postgraduate law subjects. The thesis is a written work that a significant and original contribution to our knowledge or understanding of an aspect of law and that demonstrates your capacity to engage in independent research. (Students with a Master of Laws (LLM) have the option to reduce the coursework component in lieu of a longer thesis.)

The duration of the program is four years of full-time study, with part time enrolment available. During this period, you will be a member of Bond’s close-knit Higher Degree by Research (HDR) community. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with Bond’s research centres and specialist research units, and work with leading researchers and academics from all over the world.

We offer a team-based approach to supervision: you will be mentored and supported by a Principal Supervisor and one or more Associate Supervisors with expertise in the topic of your project. You and your supervisors will work closely together, and it is not unusual for supervisors and candidates to be co-authors in publications resulting from the student’s dissertation.

Through our dedicated HDR Unit, you will have access to administrative support, specialist advice and research training. You will have your own assigned workspace with lockable storage, IT support and funding for flights, accommodation and expenses related to conference presentations and fieldwork.

Bond’s Faculty of Law is a professional law school with a global focus and strong international connections. As a member of our research community, you will deepen your research skills and knowledge in an area of law of your choice with the support of your supervisors and peers, and you will have access to the expertise of Faculty researchers and scholars as well as visiting academics from across Australia and around the world.