Laws

UC School of Law's mission statement is 'the internationally recognised, professionally relevant, community focused Law School'.

Students gain a professional degree of outstanding quality in four years. In addition, Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students deal with real people with real problems as part of the innovative clinical studies programme at UC. By helping the community, our students hone critical practical skills in the process.

Features of the Bachelor of Laws at UC

• Prestigious Law School founded in 1873
• High employment rates in stimulating, diverse careers
• Many legal textbooks are written by UC lecturers
• Guest lectures by Supreme Court judges and top international lawyers
• Law courses can be credited to most other degrees and students can study towards a double degree
• International exchanges including the prestigious US Congressional Internship Programme
• Active Law Students' Society (LAWSOC) and Te Putairiki Māori Law Students' Association.

The Bachelor of Laws is made up of the following:

• eight compulsory Law courses
• 13 optional Law courses
• 75 points of non-Law courses (five 100-level courses).

Entry requirements

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully. For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

Recommended preparation

The study of Law does not require a background in any specific subject at school and entry to the first year of the LLB is open to all students with University Entrance.

You will need to have good reading, writing and analytical skills. Subjects such as English, drama, economics, te reo Māori, languages, history and classical studies are useful preparation.

Career opportunities

With one of the largest Law internship courses of any New Zealand law school, this UC course and the clinical and community work experience available can really give your résumé the edge over other graduates.

Graduates can become a practice solicitor, in-house lawyer or a self-employed barrister. Recent UC graduates have also found roles as research counsel, judge’s clerk, policy analyst and Māori development advisor.

Legal skills of research, writing, analysis and reasoning are highly prized in many professions such as politics, policy, public service, foreign affairs, journalism, publishing, immigration and business.