Law
Studying law is empowering as it affects every aspect of our life. Study Law at the University of Waikato - one of New Zealand / Aotearoa’s leading law schools - and you'll be looking into why laws are made, who makes them, how they work and how to change them.
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. As an individual it governs all aspects of our lives, shapes our behaviour and provides the building blocks for our community. Law underpins many professions - business people, financial consultants, police officers, forensic scientists, parole officers, policy advisors and many other professions all need an understanding of the law.
By choosing to study law at Waikato you have the choice of an LLB degree or majoring in Law as part of a Bachelor of Arts. Gain the skills and knowledge that meet the high demands of a wide range of careers, both inside and outside the legal profession.
Study towards a Bachelor of Laws:
Choose to study an LLB and you will gain a practical set of skills designed to meet the demands of any legal career and the ability to go into to practice as a barrister or solicitor. You will gain a thorough knowledge of the law, its implications and how it applies in today’s context, you will gain well developed analytical and research skills, and be able to think critically with well-developed communication skills and a sense of social responsibility
Transform your BA with law as a major:
Choose to study a Bachelor of Arts with a Law Major and transform the study of Humanities. This is a non-practicing law based qualification ideal for those that want to develop knowledge of the law and its implications and a sense of justice and public responsibility. Studying law within your BA develops the ability to argue from a basis of evidence, hone your research skills, and develop well rounded critical analysis abilities - all skills that can be transferred to many careers
Internationally Recognised:
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.
Key information
| Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga, Online Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Law in these qualifications
Study Law as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Climate Change
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Media and Creative Technologies
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Technology)
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Diploma in Law
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master of Arts
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Philosophy
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
Career opportunities
- Solicitor - LLB
- Barrister - LLB
- Judge - LLB
- Policy Analyst & Advisor
- Mediator and/or Negotiator
- Legal Researcher
- Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
- Local government advocacy
Study in Tauranga
A range of Law papers are available in Tauranga.
A range of Law papers are available in Tauranga. You can complete the entire one-year Diploma in Law (DipLaw) at our CBD campus, which gives you the option of either finishing with a Diploma or crediting your study towards a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) which you'd complete in Hamilton.
The BA in Law is also available to Tauranga students through a combination of online lectures and in-class tutorials.
Papers
Available Law papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL100 | Pre Law | 15.0 | 23JS (Hamilton) |
| Introduction to core topics and skills in legal studies. Topics include law making and the legislature, the court system, common law and cases. Skills include written and oral advocacy skills, legal research, client interviewing, and group work. | |||
| LEGAL103 | Legal Method A | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper introduces students to the study and practice of law in New Zealand. With a particular focus on criminal law, the paper will teach you the basics of legal methods, including legal research, reasoning, opinion writing, statutory interpretation and case analysis. With a particular focus on crimes, this paper will teach the... | |||
| LEGAL104 | Legal Method B | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| Using the law of contract by way of illustration, this paper teaches students crucial approaches to statutory interpretation and case analysis, and introduces students to the key legal skill of mooting. With a particular focus on contracts, this paper will teach students essential skills in Legal Method, including case analysis, st... | |||
| LEGAL105 | Introduction to New Zealand Law and Society | 15.0 | 23A (Online) & 23B (Online) |
| An introduction for non lawyers to the nature and functions of law and the processes of lawmaking. The relationship between law and society will be illustrated by relevant examples. | |||
| LEGAL106 | Legal Systems and Societies | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| An introduction to the history, sources, context and institutions of law in Aotearoa/New Zealand, with particular reference to statute, custom as illustrated by Maori customary law and the common law, and the distinctive position of the Treaty of Waitangi. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL201 | Public Law | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| Part One examines the principles of constitutionalism and the framework of the New Zealand system of government. Part Two examines the exercise and control of executive power in New Zealand and the relationship between the state, its agencies and the individual. | |||
| LEGAL203 | Jurisprudence | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| An analysis of legal theories and ideologies, emphasising different approaches to the meaning of law, examining the relationship between theory and practice, illustrated by the concepts of sovereignty, liability, property, justice, rights and personality. | |||
| LEGAL204 | Contracts | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| This paper is an introduction to the theory of contract; the general principles relating to the operation, formation and discharge of contract; and the general principles of agency. It is a core paper for the Council for Legal Education (CLE). | |||
| LEGAL205 | Foundations in Legal Studies | 15.0 | 23A (Online) |
| A paper to provide students with a basic understanding of the New Zealand legal system, and an introduction to the law of torts, contract, agency, sale of goods and services, persons, including corporate bodies, property and consumer legislation. | |||
| LEGAL207 | Torts | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| An analysis of the general principles of civil liability; interests protected by the law of torts; negligence; specific torts such as nuisance and defamation; and the law relating to compensation for personal injury by accident in New Zealand. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMDEV340 | Perspectives on Counselling | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines the philosophical, psychological and sociological principles that underpin the aims and methods of the helping professions in general, and counselling in particular. | |||
| LEGAL300 | Law and Bioethics | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This is a survey course designed to develop students' understanding of key issues in Medical Law and Bioethics within the legislative and policy framework of Aotearoa/New Zealand. | |||
| LEGAL301 | Crimes | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| An analysis of the general principles of criminal law and selected offences chargeable under New Zealand law; an introduction to criminal procedure from arrest to sentencing in both jury and judge-alone trials (excluding evidence); and an introduction to the criminal justice system. | |||
| LEGAL304 | Corporate Entities | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An introduction to the concept of corporate personality in the law including an introduction to the general principles of law relating to companies and other corporates. | |||
| LEGAL306 | Dispute Resolution | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| The objective/ethos of the paper is to expose students to the theory, general principles and practical dimensions of client interviewing, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, adjudication and advocacy. Once the students have a basic knowledge of these skills, the paper then examines how these skills are applied within certain conte... | |||
| LEGAL307 | Land Law | 30.0 | 23D (Hamilton) & 23D (Tauranga) |
| An analysis of the history, principles and bicultural context of land law. | |||
| LEGAL308 | Equity and Succession | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An analysis of the principles of equity with particular reference to the laws of trusts, the principle of the law of succession and the administration of estates, and choses in action and the assignment thereof. | |||
| LEGLR300 | Summer Research Project | 15.0 | 23C (Hamilton) |
| This paper has been developed specifically for students who will be undertaking a summer research scholarship. | |||
400 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL401 | The Law of Evidence | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| An examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases. | |||
| LEGAL402 | Civil Procedure | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An examination of the jurisdiction and procedure of the District Court and the Senior Courts in civil cases, with particular emphasis on High Court proceedings, the principles of pleading and the drafting of documents. | |||
| LEGAL404 | Commercial Transactions | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| An examination of the law on sale of goods, personal property securities, credit contracts and consumer finance, and aspects of fair trading and consumer guarantees law. | |||
| LEGAL405 | Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An examination of the Treaty of Waitangi 1840 in contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand. Consideration will be given to ways in which the Treaty guarantees might best be realised in relation to the legal system, health, education, resource management and local government. | |||
| LEGAL406 | Māori Land Law | 15.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| An examination of the legal practices applicable to Maori land; the history of Maori land legislation, present laws and practices, the effective utilisation of Maori land and proposals for future utilisation. | |||
| LEGAL407 | Climate Change Law | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| This paper addresses the law concerning climate change, including international law, emissions trading and other carbon pricing systems, sectoral regulation to mitigate emissions, sequestration, and adaptation. | |||
| LEGAL408 | Family Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| A focus on the law and social policies involved in the formation and breakdown of family relationships. The paper specifically examines the matrix of legislation and case law that underpin common family law disputes and legal proceedings in the Family Court. | |||
| LEGAL410 | Charity Law | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| A detailed examination of Charity law and its public law role in the regulation of civil society. | |||
| LEGAL413 | Ngā Tikanga Māori/Māori Customary Law | 15.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| This paper is designed for students who wish to function skillfully in the field of Indigenous and Maori law and/or deepen their knowledge of Tikanga Maori. | |||
| LEGAL416 | Issues in Public Law | 15.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| This paper will examine key issues in constitutional and administrative law and justice, comparatively - and in their cultural, economic, historical, and social context. | |||
| LEGAL417 | Law Review | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| A skills based paper focused on commissioning, editing, marketing, and publishing of peer reviewed and quality assured Law Reviews (law journals). | |||
| LEGAL420 | Employment Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This course is a practical survey of employment law in New Zealand. It examines the formation, operation, and termination of the employment relationship as well as personal grievances, remedies and the employment institutions. | |||
| LEGAL425 | Contemporary Indigenous Issues and the Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| A detailed examination of law relating to contemporary indigenous issues raised at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues each year to provide a topical insight into the UN system. | |||
| LEGAL432 | Energy Law | 15.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| An examination of the law concerning global energy problems, oil and gas, renewables, markets, energy efficiency and climate change, with an emphasis on regulation and commercial aspects. The course provides an introduction to themes in modern energy law. | |||
| LEGAL434 | Environmental Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines the foundations and principles of environmental and resource management law, their expression in key areas (biodiversity, climate change, freshwater, and oceans), and the planning, adjudication and compliance techniques used to implement the law. | |||
| LEGAL435 | Cyber Law | 15.0 | 23B (Online) |
| An exploration of the impact of the internet, including aspects of both criminal and civil arenas, with special emphasis on cybercrime, intellectual property, and e-business. | |||
| LEGAL436 | Legal Ethics | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An introduction to the concept of a profession and the ethical and professional duties of practitioners and an introduction to ethical analysis, the applicability of legal analysis to legal practice and the wider responsibilities of lawyers in the community. | |||
| LEGAL437 | Public International Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An introduction to public international law: evolution, sources, relationship between international and municipal law, the law of treaties, the law of the sea and international institutions, particularly the United Nations. | |||
| LEGAL440 | Pacific Peoples and the Law | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| A critical study and comparison of legal systems and issues within the Pacific Region. | |||
| LEGAL449 | Mediation: Law, Principles and Practice | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| This paper will offer students an opportunity to understand mediation at an advanced level. It will examine legal aspects of mediation, theories in relation to practice as well as practical training and skill development. | |||
| LEGAL468 | Intellectual Property | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| A study of the law of intellectual property in New Zealand, including the law of copyright, trade secrets, patents, designs, trade marks, fair-trading and passing off. | |||
| LEGAL476 | Laws of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An introduction to the laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law. Students will explore the changing nature of international conflict as well as the legal options open to the global community in terms of humanitarian intervention both during and in the aftermath of armed conflict. | |||
| LEGAL481 | Immigration and Refugee Law | 15.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| A detailed examination of Immigration and Refugee Law as applied in the New Zealand and International contexts. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL501 | Advanced Evidence Law | 30.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases. | |||
| LEGAL504 | Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Research Methodologies | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper will introduce students to core Maori, Pacific and indigenous research methodologies, principles, methods and ethics that will equip students for culturally responsive, meaningful and innovative research with Maori, Pacific and indigenous peoples. | |||
| LEGAL505 | Critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand. | |||
| LEGAL507 | Academic Legal Research and Writing | 30.0 | 23A (Online) |
| This paper will guide students through the principles and process of academic legal research and writing. They will learn how to develop, present and write scholarly work. | |||
| LEGAL508 | Advanced Family Law | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of the law and social policies involved in the formation and breakdown of family relationships, including, critical analysis of the legislation and case law that underpin family disputes and proceedings in the Family Court and the Senior Courts. | |||
| LEGAL520 | Intellectual Property Law and Policy | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper will provide an overview of the principal regimes for the protection of intellectual property, and examine issues in intellectual property law and policy. Students will have an opportunity to undertake a research paper in an area of their choice. | |||
| LEGAL521 | Advanced Employment Law | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of employment law in Aotearoa New Zealand, including, the formation, operation, and termination of the employment relationship as well as personal grievances, remedies and the employment institutions. | |||
| LEGAL523 | Advanced Civil Litigation | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| The focus of this paper is current and significant issues in civil litigation, with an emphasis on the ways in which concerns about access to justice is changing the way in which litigation is practiced across the common law world. | |||
| LEGAL525 | Critical Issues in Contemporary and International Indigenous Law | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| The purpose of this paper is to focus on the issues that are raised at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, each year, to provide a special insight (at an advanced-level) into the workings of the United Nations on contemporary and topical indigenous issues. An examination of the Declaration on the Rights of Indi... | |||
| LEGAL526 | Legal Aspects of Cyber Security | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper explores the legal aspects of cyber security and cyber crime, by analysing selected legislation and case law relevant to the area of cyber security. The paper covers the ethical and legal boundaries of rights and liability of security professionals. | |||
| LEGAL527 | Advanced Issues in Charity Law | 30.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| Charity law retains its ancient roots, whilst at the same time, striving to reflect its relevance in a contemporary world. This paper enables students to explore advanced issues in national and international charity law, which is a growing area of legal practice and research. | |||
| LEGAL531 | Advanced International Environmental Law | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper provides a synthesis of theory and specific case studies (such as development, growth, trade, debt and aid - as they relate to the international environment), so that the student will be able to understand the most formidable international environmental problems in international law and the context from which these probl... | |||
| LEGAL535 | Advanced Environmental Law | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of the foundations and principles of environmental and resource management law, and the planning, consenting, adjudication and compliance techniques used to implement the law. | |||
| LEGAL540 | Critical Issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law | 30.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of critical issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law. | |||
| LEGAL568 | Issues in Public Law | 30.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| Completion of a 12,500 word research paper regarding current Issues in Public Law | |||
| LEGAL577 | National & International Human Rights Law | 30.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper examines the international framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights and how the standards set can be implemented at the national and international level. | |||
| LEGAL583 | Advanced Immigration and Refugee Law | 30.0 | 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| An advanced-level examination of immigration and refugee law and policy as applied in Aotearoa New Zealand and international contexts. | |||
| LEGAL593 | Thesis | 90.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 38,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL800 | Law MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 50,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL900 | Law PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 23I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 80,000 - 100,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
| LEGAL990 | Doctor of Laws | 0.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| The degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) may be awarded to a candidate who has successfully presented for examination a collection of work, or a specially composed thesis based on such work, which constitutes an original, substantial and distinguished contribution to scholarship and establishes the candidate as an international authority... | |||
| LEGAL994 | SJD Thesis | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 60,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
| LEGAL995 | Research Portfolio | 120.0 | 23X (Hamilton) |
| The production of two publishable quality research papers, and the production of a research proposal to the same level as a PhD proposal, regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Exchange programme and study abroad
Are you keen to study in another country?
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.
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
Expand to see subject links
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).
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 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:
Email: [email protected]
Website:www.waikato.ac.nz/law
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday
Location: N Block, Gate 7, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton