Master of Laws (LLM)
There are several ways to conduct research for your postgraduate degree at Waikato.
The Master of Laws has a flexible programme structure and suits the objective of a number of students; those who seek to upgrade their skills and knowledge through specialist taught papers, those who wish to combine taught papers with a significant piece of independent research or those students who wish to engage is research only.
Students who have already demonstrated strength in independent research may be permitted to complete the degree by thesis only, an alternative which comprises an advanced investigation under the guidance of a supervisor. It is, therefore, appropriate for a student who wishes to carry out intensive research in a specific area, and to build the skills necessary to contribute original ideas to legal thinking.
Entry criteria
Candidates must have completed the LLB degree, or a combined degree in Te Piringa - Faculty of Law, or an equivalent qualification. Admission is subject to a minimum 'B' grade point average. The thesis-only option is available to candidates who have:
- completed an LLB (Hons); or
- completed a combined degree in Te Piringa - Faculty of Law with Honours in law; or
- completed an LLB (Hons) at another university; or
- achieved comparable levels of attainment in LLB studies at another university.
The subject of the thesis must be developed and defined in close consultation with relevant staff. The research topic is subject to the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies who is responsible for the appointment of a supervisor(s). If more than one supervisor is appointed, one will be designated as the Chief Supervisor.
Course requirements
The LLM degree comprises the equivalent of four Level 5 papers. The four papers amount to the equivalent of one year's full-time work. The papers may be taken over a minimum of two full-time semesters, or a maximum of eight consecutive semesters of part-time study. The papers offered are all internally assessed. There are no final examinations. An approved paper at a comparable level in another faculty may be substituted for one of the law papers.
LLM by taught papers
Te Piringa - Faculty of Law offers papers that are taught on an intensive basis and semester long papers.
Intensive Papers
These papers may be taught prior to or during both semesters. Classes are usually held over a 4 or 5 day period. The papers are taught by Te Piringa - Faculty of Law staff as well as guest lecturers from New Zealand and overseas.
Full Semester papers
Papers are generally offered over one semester. Lecturer contact time is generally 24 hours per paper, with a Semester A or B class meeting for two hours per week and conducted seminar style. Students may also be asked to present their papers in a seminar.
LLM by Research
A dissertation may be taken in place of one or two of the four papers. In either case, enrolment will be subject to the definition of a research subject that can be properly supervised in the Faculty. In the thesis-only option, the research findings are presented in the form of a major thesis which is weighted as equivalent to either three or four Level 5 papers and is, therefore, considered as the result of the equivalent of one year's work by a research student. Students are required to enrol for a minimum of two semesters of full-time study, or a maximum of four consecutive semesters of part-time study.
Research Options
There are several ways to conduct research for your LLM.
- 120 point (4 paper) Thesis
Maximum 50,000 words
The LLM degree thesis requires completion of a full-length research thesis on a topic approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Approval to undertake the degree by thesis is normally given only where the student has completed the LLB degree and has a grade point average of B+ or equivalent.
Approval from the Law Graduate Admissions Committee is required prior to enrolling. - 90 point (3 paper) Thesis
Maximum 38,000 words
The LLM degree may be completed by one 30 Level 500 taught paper and a 90 point thesis (LAWS593) on a topic approved by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Approval to undertake the degree by thesis is normally given only where the student has completed the LLB degree and has a grade point average of B+ or equivalent.
Approval from the Law Graduate Admissions Committee is required prior to enrolling. - 60 Point (2 paper) Dissertation
Maximum 25,000 words
Students may complete a 60 point dissertation as part of the LLM degree.
Approval to undertake part of the degree by dissertation is normally given only where the student has completed the LLB degree and has a grade point average of B+ or equivalent.
Approval from the Law Graduate Admissions Committee is required prior to enrolling. - 30 Point (1 paper) Dissertation
Maximum 12,500 words
Students may complete a 30 point dissertation as part of the LLM degree.
Approval to undertake part of the degree by dissertation is normally given only where the student has completed the LLB degree and has a grade point average of B+ or equivalent.
Approval from the Law Graduate Admissions Committee is required prior to enrolling.
