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LWZ402 - Legal Research Development

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Law

Credit Points

Unit Level

400

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit will assist students to apply the theory learned in LWZ401 Legal Research Methodologies in planning and developing their research proposals and literature reviews required for their honours research and thesis.

Topics include formulating and developing viable research topics, setting the parameters and refining the research topics, developing research proposals, conducting literature reviews, legal analysis, legal writing, and applications for ethical clearance.

Important Information

Only students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws Honours (VLAWH2) are eligible to enrol in this unit.

Online enrolment is not available for this unit. To enrol, complete the Special Enrolment form accessed via the eForms tile through CDU Portal.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Formulate legal research questions on the basis of a critical evaluation of an identified problem.
2.	Critically analyse complex ideas relevant to a research question.
3.	Evaluate a diverse range of primary and secondary law materials relevant to a research problem.
4.	Develop a research proposal and critically evaluate research proposals by their peers.
5.	Effectively communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to others and evaluate critical comment offered by peers and supervisors.
6.	Critically evaluate potential ethical issues for given research topics.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Written Assessment (500 - 700 words)	10%	3,6
2.	Literature Review (2000 - 3000 words)	45%	1,2,3,4,5,6
3.	Literature Review (2000 - 3000 words)	45%	1,2,3,4,5,6

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Danala - Education and Community Precinct	OLR	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)