The aim of the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program is to provide research training in a manner that fosters the development of independent research skills in candidates. Criminal and Social justice Criminal and Social justice research examines the impact of the law and legal institutions on communities and families, and aims to help build resilient communities by informing policy and legislative reforms through evidence based research. Law, Science and Technology For better or worse, the law plays an important role in regulating and shaping many areas of science, technology, engineering, and health. In some instances, legal and regulatory provisions promote scientific discovery and technological innovation, whereas, in others, such schemes function to restrict research in these domains. Human and Civil Rights Research scholars within the Law School have long focused on the relationship between citizen and State power and the law relating to governance generally. Their work is diverse and encompasses many topics that affect individuals in society and communities, from civil rights to migration and discrimination. Law, Politics and the Modern State Research scholars within the Law School have long focused on the relationship between citizen and State power and the law relating to governance generally. Their work is diverse and encompasses the fields of constitutional law and administrative law as well as the law governing courts and adjudication. Private, Commercial and Corporate Law The TC Beirne School of Law is one of Australia’s foremost centres of expertise in private law. Scholars specialising in the field are also members of a broader private law network shared with the University of Melbourne. Their work has been influential in shaping academic and judicial thinking across a broad range of subjects including the law of trusts, contract and commercial law, tort law, medical law, property law, consumer law, private international law, restitution and unjust enrichment. Intellectual and Cultural Property Our researchers investigate a diverse range of research areas, including the protection of indigenous knowledge, biodiversity conservation and food security, to inform policy making and legal reform to will improve the effectiveness of intellectual and cultural property law. In doing so, the research undertaken at the School aims to produce economic, cultural and social benefits both in Australia and internationally. Law and Humanities Law and Humanities research explores the nature and concept of law, and the influence of ethics and history to the existence and content of law. Our researcher examine issues in legal design and theory, the ethical basis of legal institutions, the nature and extent of legal obligation and authority, and the structure of legal and political discourse, to understand the intersection of law, regulation and public values. International, Transnational and Comparative Law The UQ Law School has significant research expertise in the area of transnational law. By exploring the development and application of the law in many jurisdictions, this research provides a comparative analysis which can be used to inform legal change and enhance mutual understanding between nations, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. International Trade and Maritime Law Our researchers investigate the areas of Maritime Law, International Trade and Natural Resources. Much of expertise in the area of Maritime Law is centered in the Marine and Shipping Law Unit (MASLU). The interests of scholars include the law arising from maritime commercial activities in an Australian, regional and international context.