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Resources and Support

Research support units

To assist research students in planning and executing a thesis project, and to expedite progress, Faculty runs three research support-units, namely, Legal Research 1, 2 and 3.

Research computer access lab

In recognition of the particular needs of students undertaking research towards a thesis, postgraduate research students are offered exclusive access to a computer lab on Level 5 of the Law School Building. The computer lab contains a number of shared work stations with PCs and a shared printer.

Application Form

Postgraduate common room

We have designated a light-filled common room in the Law Building for all postgraduate students to relax and prepare refreshments. A kitchenette with fridge, microwave, tea and coffee making facilities plus a range of magazines and newspapers is provided for your convenience.

Sydney Law School events program

Sydney Law School produces an exciting program of seminars, lectures, workshops and conferences with expert presenters drawn from Australia and around the world. From informal staff lunchtime seminars to large public lectures by distinguished speakers, the program offers insights, analysis and discourse on a vast range of topics within the field of law. Research students are invited to actively participate in the program with access to discounts or free entry to select events.

As a postgraduate student you will automatically be subscribed to the events e-newsletter to stay informed of all events coming up in the Law School.

The current events program can be found at sydney.edu.au/law/events.

Postgraduate Research Conference

The annual Postgraduate Research Conference, an initiative of Sydney Law School, brings together research students from Australia and New Zealand to facilitate exchanges and provide a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to the experience of starting out as a legal researcher. All postgraduate research students are invited to participate.

Annual progress review & training needs analysis

Each research student is given an opportunity to discuss their progress and provide feedback to the Associate Dean (Research) and the Review Committee at an annual progress review meeting. The purpose of the annual review is to assist research students to complete their research project within the maximum course duration. The annual review process also helps the Faculty to ensure that satisfactory progress is being made.

The Training Needs Analysis is a tool for managing, reflecting on and helping to promote Higher Degree by Research skills development. To enable the Faculty to identify the training needs of all candidates, please complete both forms:


Due Date: Friday 31 May 2013

Commencing and suspended students will be contacted later in the year.

Careers Centre

The Careers Centre provides information and services for current and prospective students, parents and carers, employers and university staff. Please visit the Careers Centre website for the latest information on workshops and career information sessions.

Research Support

For further information on the types of support provided to research students, please visit the Research Support website

PGR Crim* Discussion Group

This student led group aims to provide opportunities for PGR students to discuss their research and experiences as PGR students in a face to face and informal environment.
The postgraduate research experience can be isolating and many students have little opportunities to share their research processes, research findings, writing and research experiences with other research students. The PGR Crim* Discussion Group aims to help students overcome some of this isolation through providing opportunities to meet and form ongoing dialogues with other students researching in similar or related fields.

Meetings are held monthly. Each meeting has a different theme which is decided between the participants prior to each meeting. If you would like to attend, please contact .

The discussion group is cross-faculty (ie research students from law and criminology, as well as such faculties and schools as social work, sociology, gender/cultural studies, psychology).
Although the focus of the group is on criminology, criminal process and criminal law, research students researching in related areas (eg researching in relation to disadvantaged or overcriminalised groups more broadly, social justice or welfare issues, or regulation and governance) are welcome to participate. The exchange of ideas from outside of and from the margins of the areas of criminal law, criminology and criminal process will contribute to the inter-disciplinary and critically diverse nature of the group, and will provide all members with alternative perspectives to take to their own research.
Masters by coursework students are welcome to participate if they feel it would be relevant to their studies or they are considering pursuing postgraduate research studies.

PGR crim* discussion group 2013 dates - To be advised

Please note that the meeting dates alternate between Fridays and Tuesdays in an attempt to cater for students who are part time or are not on campus every day of the week.

If you are interested in possibly participating in the meetings remotely or in receiving email updates about the discussions at the meetings, please email .

The PGR Crim* Discussion Group thanks the Institute of Criminology, Associate Professor Gail Mason, and Dr Rita Shackel, for their support and assistance in developing this group.

If you would like further information or would like to attend, please contact .

Social Science Methods, Analysis and Research Training (SSMART)

A number of funded places are available for postgraduate law research students to attend the 2012 SSMART workshops organised by the US Studies Centre to enhance their methodological and analytical skills.

Expressions of Interest (including the workshop you wish to attend and how it will enhance your skills required for your research) must be submitted to Postgraduate Team Leader no later than Tuesday 15 May 2012.

If nominated by the Faculty, the applicant will be advised to submit a formal application to the US Studies Centre by Friday 1 June 2012.

Services and Support

We know that starting university for the first time, doing a new course to advance your career or build your skillset can be a big change and a challenge for you and your family, especially if you’re living away from home.

But even before you arrive on campus, you are not alone. We offer a wide range of services to help you get started and to help you get the most out of studying with us. Please visit Services and Support website

What statistics software is available through the University?

ICT provides a variety of software for use on University owned ICT equipment. To request download or view more information, please visit ICT website or contact ICT Helpdesk