Master of Laws (LLM)
There are several ways to conduct research for your postgraduate degree at Waikato.
The Master of Laws (LLM) 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 in research only.
Students who have already demonstrated strength in independent research may (subject to Faculty approval) be permitted to complete the degree by 90 point thesis, 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 or combined Law degree from the University of Waikato, or an equivalent qualification from another university. Admission is subject to a minimum 'B' grade point average.
The 90 point thesis option is available (subject to Faculty approval) to candidates who have achieved a minimum 'B+' grade point average from their LLB degree or equivalent qualification.
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 trimesters, or a maximum of eight consecutive trimesters 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 or School in the University may be substituted for one of the law papers.
LLM by taught papers
Te Piringa - Faculty of Law offers papers that are generally taught as trimester long papers with 2 hours of lectures per week. Intensive papers (taught over a shorter period) may be offered in C trimester.
View list of LLM Taught papers »
A research project dissertation, or thesis may (subject to Faculty approval) be taken in place of one or two or three of the four papers required to complete the LLM degree.
All candidates enrolled in the LLM degree are required to complete a compulsory research methods paper.
Research Options
There are several ways (subject to Faculty approval) to conduct research for your LLM.
- 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 or equivalent qualification and has a grade point average of B+ or equivalent. - 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 or equivalent qualification and has a grade point average of B or equivalent. - 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 or equivalent qualification and has a grade point average of B or equivalent.
LLM student exploring geothermal framework
A lack of clarity surrounding geothermal resource management prompted new research by LLM student Phoebe Parson.
She’s carrying out the research to provide clarity for organisations such as regional councils and other commercial users of geothermal resources. The research is focusing on information sharing about different geothermal systems that are in commercial production.
Phoebe enjoys researching an aspect of law she particularly likes; "I enjoy the interface between environmental law, private and public interest in resource use and how it all comes together".
As part of her masters’ study, Phoebe has analysed the Resource Management Act and compared it with other regimes for managing natural resources, including overseas legislation.
Phoebe received support for her research, becoming the first New Zealander to receive a prestigious scholarship from the International Bar Association's Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law.