LAWS5225 Special Topic C - application and selection process
Overview
LAWS5225 Special Topic C offers high-achieving students in the LLB(Hons) and LLB(Hons) dual degree programs a unique opportunity to serve as Student Editors for the University of Queensland Law Journal (‘UQLJ’).
In this course, you’ll:
- build advanced skills in academic editing and proof-reading, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into the world of academic publishing
- work with Faculty Editors to contribute to the publication of high-quality journal articles in the TC Beirne School of Law’s flagship publication.
Places are limited and highly competitive. You must apply to enrol.
Apply by 19 June 2026 to start in Semester 2.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- be enrolled in the LLB(Hons) or an LLB(Hons) dual degree program
- have successfully completed all Level 1 and Level 2 LAWS courses, LAWS3700, and LAWS3705
- have an excellent academic record (including GPA)
- Be able to commit to the required editorial workload across the semester, which includes attending mandatory in-person editorial training
- Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of the Australian Guide to Legal Citation 4th ed (‘AGLC4’)
Note: You cannot get academic credit for LAWS5225 if you have completed or are enrolled in LAWS5181 Law Journals.
Quota
Enrolment in LAWS5225 is limited to 4-6 students per semester. Selection is highly competitive and based on the stipulated Selection Criteria.
Application Process
Step 1: Applications open
- Applications will open around the close of the previous semester (approximately 8 weeks before the start of the enrolling semester).
- Once applications are open, instructions for completing and submitting your application will be provided.
Step 2: Submit your application
To apply, you must submit a complete application package consisting of an application form (the UQLJ Student Editor Application Form) filled with the following attachments:
- cover letter (max 500 words) explaining your interest and how you meet the selection criteria
- current curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your academic achievements, any relevant publications, research/writing projects, moot submissions, or prior degrees
- academic transcript (unofficial mySI-net copy is acceptable).
Semester 2, 2026 applications close at 11:59 pm on 19 June 2026.
Step 3: Shortlisting, selection and notification
Faculty Editors will review all applications comprehensively.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to submit a mandatory Editing Diagnostic Exercise (a short, simulated proof-reading and citation-checking test) to assess editorial proficiency.
- Successful applicants will be notified of the final outcome shortly after the diagnostic exercises have been assessed.
- Faculty Editors may decide to interview some or all candidates at their discretion, in order to assist in the selection process.
- Successful students must confirm their acceptance of the editorial position within seven days of receiving an offer.
- Faculty Editors may write to specific applicants to confirm their intended date of graduation or any other details as necessary to assist in the selection process.
- Following acceptance, successful students will be granted permission to enrol in the course via mySI-net.
Selection criteria
In your application letter, demonstrate how you meet the following criteria:
Academic performance
Applicants must demonstrate high grades across LAWS courses, particularly in research- and writing-intensive subjects. Performance in the student’s other degree may also be taken into account, particularly as it reflects proficiency in some or all of the Selection Criteria.
Degree progression
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient time remaining in their studies to complete a full editorial tenure. Editorial duties may, by necessity, extend beyond the conclusion of enrolling semester – any issues with this should be raised in the application documents. Later-year students are preferred.
Writing, editing and referencing skills
Applicants must demonstrate advanced appreciation of writing, editing (including proof-reading), and referencing skills through tangible evidence. Evidence may include academic publications, research projects, or prior roles involving relevant skills or experience. The Editing Diagnostic Exercise will also be relied on as evidence of these skills.
Organisation and time management
Applicants must demonstrate strong independent time-management skills, reliability, and organisational capacity to balance editorial duties with other commitments. This includes the ability to: autonomously navigate stringent deadlines, respond to time pressure and unexpected challenges, learn and adapt ‘on the job’ (i.e., iteratively and responsively during task completion), and both make and adhere to time estimates and commitments.
Honesty and Professionalism
Applicants must demonstrate a robust appreciation of and adherence to ethical standards, including, with regard to: plagiarism, citation practice, use of Generative AI, confidentiality, and discretion. Applicants will be working as members of a professional team and must be prepared to conduct themselves in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and associated UQ Values. They must demonstrate a capacity to collaborate professionally, respectfully, and effectively with peer and Faculty editors within a rigorous peer-review environment.
Important Notes
- This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
- Students must strictly adhere to confidentiality requirements regarding unpublished academic manuscripts and double-blind peer reviews.
- The workload can fluctuate heavily around publication deadlines; students must be highly organised and adept at time management.
- Editorial workshops and meetings will take place in person, with individual editing tasks to be completed without a need for in-person attendance (subject to specific requests from a Faculty Editor).
Contact
If you have questions about the course, eligibility, or the application process, please contact:
Dr Wenting Cheng
Faculty Editor / Course Coordinator – LAWS5225 Special Topic C
Email: wenting.cheng@uq.edu.au (Attention: LAWS5225 Coordinator)
Associate Professor Rebecca Ananian-Welsh
Faculty Editor / Course Coordinator – LAWS5225 Special Topic C
Email: rebecca.aw@law.uq.edu.au (Attention: LAWS5225 Coordinator)