Everyone needs to know the law, not just lawyers. The Rule of Law is the cornerstone of the civilised society. It defines rights and obligations and provides structure to institutions of government and commerce. Business people, financial consultants, police officers, forensic scientists, parole officers and people of many other professions will have studied law.
Lawyers usually specialise in one or two areas, for example international or cyber law. Use your degree and the practical experiences around it to discover what your passion is, and what kind of law you’d like to practice.
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 QS World University Subject Rankings has recognised the University of Waikato among the worlds top 250 universities for studying Law.
Career opportunities
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- Judge
- Policy Analyst & Advisor
- Mediator and/or Negotiator
- Legal Researcher
- Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
Qualifications
Study Law in any of these qualifications
Papers
Law 1
| Legal Method- Research and Statutory Interpretation | LEGAL103 | 15.0 Points |
| Legal Method- Legal Writing and Case Analysis | LEGAL104 | 15.0 Points |
| Introduction to New Zealand Law and Society | LEGAL105 | 15.0 Points |
| Legal Systems and Societies | LEGAL106 | 30.0 Points |
| Constitutional Law | LEGAL107 | 15.0 Points |
Law 2
| Public Law | LEGAL201 | 30.0 Points |
| Jurisprudence | LEGAL203 | 15.0 Points |
| Contracts | LEGAL204 | 30.0 Points |
| Foundations in Legal Studies | LEGAL205 | 15.0 Points |
| Administrative Law | LEGAL206 | 15.0 Points |
| Torts | LEGAL207 | 30.0 Points |
Law 3
| Perspectives on Counselling | HDCO340 | 20.0 Points |
| Crimes | LEGAL301 | 30.0 Points |
| Corporate Entities | LEGAL305 | 15.0 Points |
| Dispute Resolution | LEGAL306 | 15.0 Points |
| Land Law | LEGAL307 | 30.0 Points |
| Equity and Succession | LEGAL308 | 15.0 Points |
| Managing Conflict and Consensus | MCOM331 | 20.0 Points |
Law 4
Prescriptions for the DipLaw
To complete a DipLaw students must complete the following papers:
| Legal Method- Research and Statutory Interpretation | LEGAL103 | 15.0 Points |
| Legal Method- Legal Writing and Case Analysis | LEGAL104 | 15.0 Points |
| Legal Systems and Societies | LEGAL106 | 30.0 Points |
| Public Law | LEGAL201 | 30.0 Points |
| Contracts | LEGAL204 | 30.0 Points |
| Torts | LEGAL207 | 30.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the GradDip(DR)
The Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution provides a practical and theoretical exploration of the processes of dispute resolution, and utilises the experience and expertise developed within the Schools of Law, Management, and Education. Graduates of this qualification will satisfy the academic requirements for Associate status of the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ). For entry to the Graduate Diploma, candidates must have either a bachelors degree in any discipline or relevant work experience considered to be equivalent.
The programme consists of papers totalling 120 points, comprising LEGAL205, LEGAL306 and MCOM331, either LEGAL449, MCOM431 or MCOM336, and electives totalling 40 points chosen from the following list. For the purposes of the Graduate Diploma, LEGAL205 is a corequisite for LEGAL306, and a prerequisite for the Law elective papers.
Note: LEGAL205, LEGAL306 and LEGAL449 are requirements for admission to Associate status in AMINZ.
| Perspectives on Counselling | HDCO340 | 20.0 Points |
| Foundations in Legal Studies | LEGAL205 | 15.0 Points |
| Dispute Resolution | LEGAL306 | 15.0 Points |
| Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand | LEGAL405 | 15.0 Points |
| Employment Law | LEGAL420 | 15.0 Points |
| Environmental Law | LEGAL434 | 15.0 Points |
| Mediation: Law, Principles and Practice | LEGAL449 | 15.0 Points |
| Directed Study | LEGAL490 | 15.0 Points |
| Managing Conflict and Consensus | MCOM331 | 20.0 Points |
| Negotiation and Persuasion | MCOM431 | 20.0 Points |
| Diversity Leadership | MCOM476 | 20.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the GradCert(Law), GradDip(Law) and GradDip(NZLegSt)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Law at an advanced level in their first degree. A Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Legal Studies is also available.
For further details, contact the Faculty of Law Office.
Prescriptions for the LLB(Hons), PGCert(Law), PGDip(Law), LLM and LLM(Maori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples)
The LLB(Hons) includes 60 points chosen from the papers listed below. Students enrolling in the Honours programme may be subject to prerequisite and corequisite requirements.
The LLM comprises 120 points chosen from the papers listed below.
The LLM(Maori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples) comprises a total of 120 points, normally selected from LEGAL516, LEGAL525, LEGAL531, LEGAL551, LEGAL555, LEGAL569, LEGAL575, LEGAL576 or LEGAL577.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Law MPhil Thesis | LEGAL800 | 120.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the PhD and SJD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a four year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
The Doctor of Juridical Science consists of a research portfolio and a thesis which makes a contribution to knowledge consistent with at least three years of full-time research.
| Law PhD Thesis | LEGAL900 | 120.0 Points |
| Doctor of Laws | LEGAL990 | 0.0 Points |
| SJD Thesis | LEGAL994 | 120.0 Points |
| Research Portfolio | LEGAL995 | 120.0 Points |
Exchange programme and study abroad
Are you keen to study in another country?
Studying law in a foreign jurisdiction is not only valuable on its own merit but it also enables you to re-examine the foundations of the New Zealand legal system through a comparative lens.
In your fourth year of study, you'll have the opportunity to spend one semester of study towards your degree at one of our many partner law schools in Europe, North America or Asia.
To be eligible you must have completed Year 3 Law and have a sound academic record. For more information, contact the Law Student Administrator
University Exchange Programme
If you’re studying a conjoint law degree, you may be able to participate in an exchange from second year onward by studying some non-law papers overseas.
Cultural experience
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. Our Mentors are law students in their senior years. They will provide 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.
Subject links
Download Undergraduate Law Student Handbook
2016 Postgraduate Law Student Handbook
Other undergraduate qualifications in law
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Diploma in Law (DipLaw)
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).
Postgraduate Qualifications in law
Graduate or postgraduate study lets you develop advanced knowledge in an area of law that you are passionate about, giving you an edge in the job market.
Typically to be eligible to apply for Master of Laws qualification, you’d need to have gained a Bachelor of Laws qualification.
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Laws in Maori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples Law (LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples'))
Doctor of Philosophy (Law)
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
Doctor of Laws (LLD)
For more information on these and other options, please contact us at Law Reception.
Contacts
Te Piringa - Faculty of Law
Law Reception
Phone: 0800 924 528 Ext: 4167 or +64 7 838 4167
Email: law.reception@waikato.ac.nz
Website:www.wu.ac.nz/law
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday
Location: N Block, Gate 7, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton