The course prepares higher degree research students for their research project by providing a basic understanding of the requirements of a research thesis and the range of methodologies used in legal research. Students will participate in workshops that help them develop their research questions, design their research project, and prepare a research proposal.

The course is compulsory for all newly enrolled PhD, SJD and LLM by Research students. In the case of PhD students, satisfactory completion of the course will constitute a requirement for PhD confirmation. PhD students will still be required to satisfy all of the other conditions set for confirmation of their candidature. In the case of SJD students, the course should be taken after successful completion of the coursework Masters component of the degree (i.e. in the second year of their three-year full-time degree).