Dip(Law)
Diploma in Law

All applications will be considered on a case-by- case basis by the Faculty of Law Admissions Committee. Factors such as academic results, work experience, school and community involvement, and other achievements will be taken into account. Include these in your personal written statement.

With your application please provide:

• a written statement (letter of application) of up to 300 words outlining your work experience (paid or unpaid), community involvement, your previous study and reasons for wishing to undertake the diploma programme
• verified copies of academic records (transcripts) of any previous studies
• a verified copy of your birth certificate or current passport.

If you are under 20 years of age, you'll need to have gained University Entrance including at least 18 points in one literacy-rich subject, or your NCEA Level 3 Certificate endorsed with Merit or Excellence.

Contact our Law Student Administrators to discuss your study options.

If you don't meet the University Entrance requirements, please contact [email protected] as there are other pathways that you can take to study in this field.

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 Māori/Pacific & Indigenous Peoples' Law (LLM Māori/Pacific & Indigenous Peoples')

Explore our other undergraduate qualifications in law:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Laws conjoint degrees

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.

Throughout this diploma, you’ll gain strong research and analytical skills as well as become an excellent problem-solver.

You’ll learn how to construct legal arguments and form legal opinions. You will create legal documents and learn the principles of forming a contract. You’ll develop your capacity to manage your own learning with our expert guidance provided through practical workshops and tutorials.

As a student of our Diploma in Law programme you can apply for all opportunities available to our students including internship and clerkship opportunities; as well as negotiation, mooting, client interviewing, witness examination and other competitions.

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 Mentors 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.