Law Research & Projects

The University of New England, with its roots going back to the 1920s as a University College of the University of Sydney, has a long tradition of scholarship and research being carried out by its academic staff. The School of Law takes pride in continuing this tradition. Members of the School are engaged in innovative research in a variety of doctrinal, historical, theoretical, and law and policy research areas. Senior members of the School have national and international reputations in their fields and more junior members are encouraged to present their work in both journals and at conferences. At the School of Law, research is no add-on: it is fundamental to what we do.

If you are interested in studying a postgraduate degree please contact the HDR Co-ordinator.

World standard

In the ERA 2015, the School received a score of 3, indicating that our research was at world standard. This placed us in the top rank of regional law schools and it is a strategic aim of the School to maintain and improve that performance. We continue to attract a wide range of academic visitors to the School through the Kirby Seminar Series, where leading Australian and international scholars present seminars here in Armidale. This helps in creating a vibrant research culture whereby new ideas are discussed and innovation encouraged to the benefit of everyone associated with the wider academic community within the School. We are confident that whether you are an on campus or off campus student, full time or part time, you will feel part of our community dedicated to the pursuit and transmission of knowledge in the best traditions of university education to produce well-rounded graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the challenges of their future careers.

Australian Centre of Agriculture and Law (AgLaw Centre)

Under the Directorship of Professor Paul Martin, the Australian Centre for Agriculture and Law, has established itself as a leading forum for the interface between law, regulation, public policy and the challenges facing regional and rural communities. The Centre has been successful in attracting both industry and government funding with its Deputy Director, Associate Professor Amanda Kennedy, receiving the only Australian Research Council DECRA awarded to law in 2011. The Centre is also the home of the School's journal, The International Journal of Rural Law and Policy.

Legal history

Professor Lunney was awarded an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant to work on the history of Australian tort law 1900-1950. But our strength is not only in our concentrations: the interests of our academic staff span the four corners of the legal research world.