Law, Governance and Development focuses on the role that local, national and international systems of law and governance play in fostering social and economic development in developing and transitional countries. The program introduces students to a range of theoretical and methodological tools and strengthens their ability to think critically and creatively about the links between law, governance and development. It includes a focus on historical shifts and current trends in law and development theory and practice, drawing on practical examples from Asia and the Pacific. Courses address highly topical issues such as law, order and state-building; legal pluralism and customary dispute resolution; displacement and resettlement of vulnerable groups; extractive industries and resource conflict; human rights and development; humanitarian and refugee law; climate change; international financial institutions; and anti-corruption.

The Master of Laws in Law, Governance & Development is of particular interest to; development practitioners working in all aspects of law, governance and development in the Asia-Pacific as well as those working in a context of international institutions.