Law
Studying law is empowering as it affects every aspect of our life. Study Law at the University of Waikato - ranked as one of the world's top 250 universities for Law - 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:
The QS World University Subject Rankings has recognised the University of Waikato among the worlds top 250 universities for studying Law.
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 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
- Doctor of Philosophy (Law)
- 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 | 21X (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 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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. | |||
| LEGAL104 | Legal Method B | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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. | |||
| LEGAL105 | Introduction to New Zealand Law and Society | 15.0 | 21A (Online) & 21C (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 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21D (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 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21D (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 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21D (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 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21D (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 | 21A (Online) & 21B (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 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21D (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. | |||
| LEGAL208 | Law of the Public Sphere | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will examine the New Zealand constitution and the framework of the New Zealand system of government, it will also examine the exercise and control of executive power in New Zealand and the relationship between the state, its agencies and the individual. | |||
| LEGAL209 | Law, Policy and Practice | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| This paper will examine the policy process in New Zealand and the translation of that policy into the law through a consideration of specific case studies. The case studies will include employment relations, electoral issues, and issues relating to gender. | |||
| LEGAL210 | Māori Law and the Treaty | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will examine Maori tikanga as the first law of Aotearoa. 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 governmen... | |||
| LEGAL211 | International Law: Global and Comparative | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| MNMGT201 | Business Law and the Legal Environment | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Tauranga) & 21B (Hamilton) |
| This paper overviews the sources of New Zealand business law and obligations that arise under this law, and critically examines the importance of key aspects of: the Legal System and Treaty of Waitangi; Jurisdiction; Business forms; Directors duties; Agency; Contracts and On-line Contracts; Consumer Law - Fair Trading Act 1996 and ... | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMDEV340 | Perspectives on Counselling | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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. | |||
| LEGAL301 | Crimes | 30.0 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL305 | Corporate Entities | 15.0 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| An analysis of the history, principles and bicultural context of land law. | |||
| LEGAL308 | Equity and Succession | 15.0 | 21D (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL309 | Regulating New Frontiers | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| New technologies often present novel problems for regulators and the legislature. This paper will explore these new legal frontiers, the issues they raise and the current and prospective legal responses. | |||
| LEGAL310 | Issues in Justice, Crime and Society | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| A critical overview of the intersection between justice, law, and identity markers such as age, gender, sexuality, social status and ethnicity/race. The paper will be taught through a number of national and international case studies with a focus on the criminal law system. | |||
| LEGAL311 | Private Law and Litigation Strategies | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| An analysis of the principles that underpin legal obligations between persons in contract, tort, equity (including a summary of wills and administration) and restitution. This paper will explore how private law can be used to assert rights through litigation and alternative dispute resolution. | |||
| MNMGT301 | Business Law and the Legal Environment | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Tauranga), 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Tauranga) |
| This paper overviews the sources of New Zealand business law and obligations that arise under this law, and critically examines the importance of key aspects of: the Legal System and Treaty of Waitangi; Jurisdiction; Business forms; Directors duties; Agency; Contracts and On-line Contracts; Consumer Law - Fair Trading Act 1996 and ... | |||
400 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGAL401 | The Law of Evidence | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| An examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases. | |||
| LEGAL405 | Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| 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 | Maori Land Law | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL417 | Law Brief | 15.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| Expect to answer a question of law set out in a legal brief originating from any number of public or private sources such as; law practitioners, legal clinics, companies, businesses, NGO's, government departments, charities, or private citizens. | |||
| LEGAL418 | Advanced Competitions | 15.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| The difference between theory and legal practice can, at times, be vast. In this paper, students asume the 'role' of lawyer in practical legal scenarios of either client interviewing, negotiation, mooting or any other approved competition. A combination of research, written and oral skills are employed before legal practitioners an... | |||
| LEGAL419 | Research Clerk | 15.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| This is an opportunity to answer a question of law while being immersed in a professional work environment. An opportunity to develop and show-case your critical thinking, research, writing and oratory skills. Expect a wide variety of research clerk opportunities to choose from as we partner with the likes of law firms, legal pract... | |||
| LEGAL424 | Revenue Law | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to some of the key principles and concepts of New Zealand's taxation system. Selected aspects of income tax law as well as the law on indirect taxes, such as the goods and services tax, will also be examined. | |||
| LEGAL426 | Commercial Transactions | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL432 | Energy Law | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| An examination of the general principles of the law concerning natural and physical resources, sustainable development, pollution control, town planning and Treaty of Waitangi principles. | |||
| LEGAL435 | Cyber Law | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL444 | Critical Issues in Space Law | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper is a study of selected issues in space law. Issues will include legal developments in military uses in outer space, public manned spaceflight and space station operations, space tourism, space transportation, satellite communications, satellite remote sensing and navigation, space resource utilisation, environmental asp... | |||
| LEGAL449 | Mediation: Law, Principles and Practice | 15.0 | 21G (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL451 | International Criminal Law | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21B (Hamilton) |
| International criminal law introduces students to the development of the basic concepts and institutions of international criminal law, the legal nature and elements of international crimes and the general principles of international criminal law, and to the rules of international criminal procedure and evidence. | |||
| LEGAL473 | Introduction to the Law of International Trade | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the law and policies of present-day international trade regulations, both on the multilateral level (and hence an intensive examination of the procedural and substantive law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)) and on the regional level (the law of F... | |||
| LEGAL490 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton), 21G (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton) |
| This paper is open to suitably qualified students who, under supervision of one or more academic staff members with experience in the appropriate area(s), engage in research leading to the production of the equivalent of a 6000 to 8000 word research assignment. | |||
| LEGAL496 | Work Placement | 15.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| This paper enables students to undertake work placement in an area related to their specialisation as part of their LLB and to consolidate that work placement with a 3,000 - 4,000 word research paper. | |||
| LEGAL497 | Work Placement | 30.0 | 21D (Hamilton) & 21X (Hamilton) |
| This is a work placement paper designed to provide a 30 point credit towards the LLB degree. This paper enables students to undertake work placement in an area related to their major as part of their degree. Students work in a chosen field for a period of time in order to gain valuable work experience and learn from experts in thei... | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCTN576 | Commercial and Corporate Law | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the New Zealand legal system and laws regulation specified business activities. The initial focus is given to the laws applying to business contracts. The paper also cover principles applying to companies. | |||
| LEGAL500 | Legal System and Methods | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
| This compulsory paper provides an introduction to key elements of the New Zealand legal system for non-lawyers studying law at masters level. | |||
| LEGAL509 | Legal Research: Theory and Methods | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
| This paper tackles the key areas and aspects of conducting scholarly legal research and guides students through the research and writing process. | |||
| LEGAL526 | Legal Aspects of Cyber Security | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| 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 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| 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. | |||
| LEGAL528 | Foreign Investment Law | 30.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| This paper will provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the law and policies of present-day international trade regulations, both on the multilateral level (and hence an intensive examination of the procedural and substantive law of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)) and on the regional level (the law of F... | |||
| LEGAL534 | Transnational Criminal Law | 30.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| Globalised criminal activity has forced states to coordinate their legal responses. This paper examines the substantive crimes that states have agreed to enact and the forms of procedural cooperation that states have agreed to adopt in order to cooperate in the suppression of transnational crime. | |||
| LEGAL568 | Issues in Public Law | 30.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 12,500 word research paper regarding current Issues in Public Law | |||
| LEGAL569 | International Law - A Place for Indigenous Rights | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21B (Hamilton) |
| The purpose of this paper is to focus on the historical and developing place within International Law, and the United Nations, of the rights for Indigenous Peoples. The influence of the State on this process together the coinciding Indigenous rights to development, education, environmental rights and economic rights will be examine... | |||
| LEGAL576 | The Laws of Armed Conflict & International Humanitarian Law | 30.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is designed to provide the postgraduate student with an advanced understanding of the basic principles of the Laws of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law through an examination of the principles of international law that are to be applied before, during, and after armed conflict. | |||
| LEGAL580 | Special Topic: International Sales and Finance Law | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
| This paper examines the key principles and concepts, legal issues, and applicable laws concerning a specialised legal topic or research area. This special topic is the subject of in-depth study because it has a significant legal and social impact and it will provide advanced knowledge and skills to law students. | |||
| LEGAL590 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 10,000 word dissertation regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
| LEGAL591 | Dissertation | 30.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 12,500 word dissertation regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty | |||
| LEGAL592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 25,000 word dissertation regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
| LEGAL593 | Thesis | 90.0 | 21X (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 | 21I (Hamilton) & 21X (Hamilton) |
| Completion of a 50,000 word thesis regarding a legal research subject that can properly be supervised in the Faculty. | |||
900 Level
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