Unit rationale, description and aim
A defining characteristic of modern-day migration law and practice is not merely specialised content knowledge, but also the ability to draw upon evidence to revise that knowledge and in so doing enhance and innovate professional practice. Research-informed decision making is now a term widely used across a range of contexts and it is therefore critical for practitioners to understand what constitutes valid research, how it has been produced, and in what ways such research can be applied. By fully understanding and utilising research, migration law practitioners and scholars can be leaders in their field and have a lasting impact on the future.
The aim of this unit is to build upon the Migration Law Research Paper unit in order to enable students in the postgraduate course who are otherwise qualified to do so to undertake a thesis enabling them to progress to a PhD Program in the Faculty of Law and Business in the field of migration law and practice.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Design and complete to a high standard an independ...
Learning Outcome 01
Conduct independent scholarly research.
Learning Outcome 02
Apply conceptual and critical analysis skills to c...
Learning Outcome 03
Design appropriate methodologies to address identi...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
1. Introduction to Research
2. Research Strategies
3. Mapping a Research Plan
4. Writing each chapter of your thesis
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment for this unit is structured to support the development of independent, high-level research skills in migration law. The research proposal and thesis (LO1–LO4) guide students through the design, planning, and execution of an original research project, fostering critical analysis, methodological rigour, and scholarly communication. The chapter-based viva process provides structured feedback and verification of academic integrity, ensuring progressive research concepts and application. Collectively, the assessment ensures alignment with the learning outcomes by developing students’ capacity to identify research problems, apply appropriate methodologies, and communicate complex findings effectively, while consolidating advanced discipline knowledge. In order to pass this assessment, students need to achieve a 50% pass mark in the final thesis.
The final thesis will be examined by two independent examiners appointed by the National Head of School or nominee. This may include external examiners and will exclude your supervisor.
Overview of assessments
Assessment task: Final Thesis Details: The fina...
Assessment task: Final Thesis
Details: The final assessment will be a thesis of 12,000–15,000 words in length, focused on a migration-related topic, as agreed with your supervisor. As part of this assessment, students are required to submit a research proposal during the early stages of the unit. Successful completion of the research proposal is mandatory; students must achieve a passing grade to be eligible to undertake the final thesis. Additionally, each chapter of the thesis will involve a mandatory viva with the supervisor which will be a formalised meeting (your supervisor will need to sign off on each chapter to continue to the next). These viva sessions are required to ensure the integrity and security of the assessment process and to provide structured feedback and guidance for progression to subsequent chapters.
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to develop students’ ability to conduct independent, advanced research on a migration-related topic, demonstrating critical analysis, research design, and scholarly communication skills. The research proposal ensures that students plan their study effectively and meet the academic standards required for the final thesis, while the chapter-based viva process provides structured guidance, feedback, and verification of academic integrity throughout the research journey.
Format: Written Assessment (with progressive viva throughout the unit with your supervisor)
100%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This 40-credit point unit requires approximately 600 hours of total learning. It is delivered through personal supervision from a designated academic (through online meetings).
The unit’s learning and teaching strategy focuses on independent research and scholarly development. To develop these skills, students engage with a range of activities; including reading, critical reflection, online discussions, legal research, webinars, case studies, and self-directed tasks. These tasks are designed to build research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing. These approaches are scaffolded by regular supervisor guidance to support personalised learning and progression.
Early in the unit, students submit a research proposal, which must be passed to proceed to the thesis component (the assessment). Each thesis chapter includes a mandatory viva with the supervisor, where feedback is provided and the chapter must be signed off to continue. These viva sessions ensure assessment integrity, provide structured guidance, and support student progression throughout the unit.
Representative texts and references
Representative texts and references
Australian Guide to Legal Citations
Grich, C., Qualitative Data Analysis An introduction (SAGE 2nd ed 2013)
Cane, P. and Kritzer, H.,Oxford Handbook of Empirical Legal Research (Oxford University Press, 2012)
Steven, E. K. (2005). Research paradigm and meaning making: A primer. Qualitative Report, 10, 2005.
Lester, E. (2018). Making Migration Law: THE FOREIGNER, SOVEREIGNTY, AND THE CASE OF AUSTRALIA. Cambridge University Press.
Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2023). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design (5th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Scholten, P., Pisarevskaya, A., & Levy, N. (2022). An introduction to migration studies: The rise and coming of age of a research field. In IMISCOE Research Series (pp. 3-24). Springer Science and Business Media.
Hutchinson, T: Duncan, N (2013) "Defining and describing what we do: doctrinal legal research" LegEdDig 41 (1(3).
Schrama, W. M. (2011). How to carry out interdisciplinary legal research: Some experiences with an interdisciplinary research method. Utrecht Law Review, 7(1), 147-162.
John W. Creswell
Ihugba, U. (2020). Introduction to Legal Research Method an (1st ed.). Malthouse Press. Retrieved from https://www.perlego.com/book/4213092/introduction-to-legal-research-method-an-pdf (Original work published 2020)
Bloomberg, L. D., & Volpe, M. (2008). Completing your qualitative dissertation: A roadmap from beginning to end. SAGE Publications, Inc.