Honours and Research

If you are doing particularly well in your Law degree, you should consider applying to graduate with honours (if you are in the LLB) or distinction (if you are in selected PG courses). Graduating with honours or distinction signals that you are at the very top of your graduating cohort.

In order to graduate with honours in the LLB, you need to undertake two subjects: Research Methodology and Research Thesis. In order to graduate with distinction in the JD, you need to undertakethe subject Research Paper.

What are the benefits of undertaking a coursework research subject?

There are many good reasons to take a subject which allows you to research in depth in an area of law you are passionate about. Other classes expose you to a wide range of topics and problems. However in your coursework research subjects you have the opportunity to articulate an original argument within an area of the Law of particular interest to you.

Successfully completing a coursework research subject signals to potential employers (including law firms) that you have gained:

• Advanced research and written communication skills.
• Research techniques needed to acquire, distil and utilise legal information.
• The ability to analyse the law strategically, and to evaluate legal and policy options and viewpoints.
• A high level of independent thinking, creativity and critical analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of an area of the law.

The coursework research subjects may also provide students with the opportunity to:

• Practice sustaining an argument across a longer piece of writing.
• Engage in cross-disciplinary scholarship between law and other degrees studied, e.g. communications law, health law, international law, business law, etc.
• Gain the skills required to apply for a position as a Judge's Associate, TipStaff or Research Assistant at UTS.
• Qualify for further postgraduate academic study.