Law
Why study Law?
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 as an undergraduate at Waikato you have the choice of a Bachelor of Laws 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.
We have several postgraduate options including Master of Laws, Master of Legal Studies and Magister Juris.
Students in Tauranga are able to enrol in all of our Law programmes.
Career Opportunities
- Solicitor - LLB
- Barrister - LLB
- Judge - LLB
- Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Mediator and/or Negotiator
- Legal Researcher
- Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
- Local government advocacy
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Study Law in these qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws
- Graduate Diploma
- Postgraduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Climate Change
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Master of Laws
- Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Diploma in Law
- Magister Juris
- Doctor of Laws
Study towards a Bachelor of Laws degree
Choose to study a Bachelor of Laws degree (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 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-practising law-based qualification ideal for those who 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 backgrounds. Nearly 40 per cent of our students are over the age of 25.
Law
Enhance your legal expertise with our postgraduate degrees in Law. Our programmes offer rigorous training in legal theory and practice, preparing you for a successful career in law and the legal sector.
Study law in Tauranga
Tauranga campusStudents in Tauranga are able to enrol in all of our Law programmes.
Students enrolled in the Diploma in Law, the BA in Law, or the BSocSCi in Law also have the option to credit their Law papers toward completion of the Bachelor of Laws LLB.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Laws
Diploma in Law
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Master of Laws
Master of Legal Studies
Doctor of Juridical Science
Doctor of Philosophy
Exchange programme and study abroad
Are you keen to study law 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.
For International Law Graduates
Overseas law graduates wishing to practise law in New Zealand should be assessed by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE) to determine the equivalence of their qualifications and experience to New Zealand law qualifications. Depending on the assessment, the NZCLE may require candidates to enrol in specific New Zealand law courses or sit the NZ Law and Practice Examination.
The assessment process can be time-consuming, and admission requirements can vary based on individual circumstances. Please visit the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE) for detailed guidance.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato offers a range of programmes for overseas law graduates to meet the NZCLE requirements:
- Individual paper credit (IPC) – If you need to complete one or two papers.
- Graduate Certificate in Law – If you need to complete up to 60 points of Year 1, 2, 3, and 4 LLB papers.
- Graduate Diploma in Law – If you need to complete Year 1, 2, 3, and 4 LLB papers.
- Postgraduate Certificate in Law – If you need to complete 60 points of law electives only.
- Master of Laws (LLM) – If you need to complete 120 points of law electives only.
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.