Master of Laws
With a one-year Master of Laws qualification from the University of Waikato you can tailor your programme through a selection of taught papers and/or research thesis.
120 points
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Why study the Master of Laws?
The Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato places a strong emphasis on the development of research skills. The classes are small and are typically offered in seminar style discussions. This approach to teaching at an advanced level creates opportunities for you to share perspectives and discuss issues related to the topic. It'll help you to improve your communication skills and gain expert knowledge. It creates opportunities for you to network with others and renew motivation and confidence. You'll also get a lot of one-on-one time with the lecturing or supervising academic staff.
We offer a large selection of papers in the areas of Environmental Law, Health Law, International Law, Māori and Indigenous Governance, and Public Law and Policy that you can tailor your LLM programme to reflect your intellectual interests and career goals.
Wherever your interests lie, you will benefit from nationally and internationally recognised academic staff.
Career Opportunities
- Government Departments
- Law teaching and research
- Civil and public service and the judiciary
- Banking, financial services and financial regulation
- International development organisations
- Non-governmental organisations such as human rights agencies
- Private legal practice
- Business
120 points
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Trimester A (February) and Trimester B (July).
Degree information
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Entry Requirements To be accepted to the LLM programme, you need to have:
- Completed an LLB or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
- Completed an LLB (Hons) at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
- Satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject at a level that is considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
In exceptional circumstances, candidates who do not meet these requirements, but who have proven record of academic merit and relevant experience may be accepted into the programme.
Students whose first language is not English are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their English language proficiency. An overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) in the IELTS or equivalent.
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Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,626 - $9,292 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 01 August 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Estimated fees
$39,335 (120 pts) per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 01 August 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
To be accepted to the LLM programme, you need to have:
- Completed an LLB or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
- Completed an LLB (Hons) at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
- Satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject at a level that is considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
In exceptional circumstances, candidates who do not meet these requirements, but who have proven record of academic merit and relevant experience may be accepted into the programme.
Students whose first language is not English are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their English language proficiency. An overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) in the IELTS or equivalent.
Estimated fees
$7,626 - $9,292 per year
-
Fees free
You may be eligible for fees-free study in your first year.
Fees-free for new students -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 01 August 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Estimated fees
$39,335 (120 pts) per year
-
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Find a scholarship
Relevant as of 01 August 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Master of Laws with Honours
The Honours Degree may be awarded with
- First Class Honours, or
- Second Class Honours (first division), or
- Second Class Honours (second division).
To be eligible for the award of honours, you would need to complete your Master of Laws qualification within 12 months (if studying full-time) or not exceeding four calendar years (if studying part-time) and pass all your papers.
Other higher degree qualifications offered by the University of Waikato
Explore our other undergraduate qualifications in law:
If you have already gained a Bachelor degree in a subject other than law, you may be interested in our Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution (GradDipDR).
For more information on these and other options, please contact us at Law Reception.
Cultural experience
The Faculty members come from a wide range of nations and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly multicultural environment. This helps foster in our students an increased awareness of global issues, exposes them to multiple historical and cultural perspectives as well as offer insight into legal systems outside the jurisdiction of the Common Law.
We have the most diverse and vibrant student body of all law schools in New Zealand. Up to 30 per cent of all our students identify themselves as Māori and nearly 16 per cent come from Pacific background. Nearly 40 per cent of our students are over the age of 25.
The Faculty's three dynamic law student associations: Pacific Law Student Association, Te Whakahiapo (Māori Student Association) and Waikato University Law Student Associations play an important role of fostering great collegial relationships between students and offer plenty of social and learning opportunities.
Our Mentoring Programme will provide extra support and guidance in your studies, help you to navigate through the transition period from school or previous employment to university study as well as advise you on other services and opportunities available to you on campus.
Documents
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Laws.