Professional doctorates: a discussion paper

Abstract

In July 1995 the Law Faculty proposed to the Graduate Degrees Committee (GDC) that the University introduce an SJD degree (Doctor of Juridical Science). After a good deal of critical discussion the proposal was referred back to the Faculty for refinement. A revised proposal was approved by GDC in October 1996, by the Board of the Faculties in October, and by BIAS in November. It was finally accepted by Council in December 1996. During discussion at the Academic Boards and at Council, considerable uneasiness was expressed about the whole matter of "professional doctorates", and in particular that the standards of the ANU PhD might be undermined by the introduction of such degrees. The Boards requested, and Council noted, that GDC should prepare "a discussion paper on the general framework of professional doctorates". This paper has been prepared in response.