Laws

The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at the University of Canterbury offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in legal principles, systems, and practices. Designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in law or related fields, this program provides a solid foundation in legal knowledge, critical thinking, and professional skills. Throughout the degree, students engage with a diverse range of legal topics including constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, property law, and legal ethics, enabling them to understand and analyze complex legal issues within New Zealand and internationally. The curriculum emphasizes the development of practical skills such as legal research, advocacy, negotiation, and writing, preparing graduates to excel in legal practice, government, academia, or corporate sectors.

Students benefit from the university's strong links with the legal community, providing opportunities for internships, placements, and networking with professionals. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical experiences, including mooting, research projects, and collaboration with local legal practitioners, ensuring that graduates are workforce-ready and capable of addressing contemporary legal challenges. The Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Canterbury is structured to promote analytical thinking, ethical reasoning, and a thorough understanding of the law’s role in society. It is suitable for those aiming to become legal practitioners, policymakers, judges, or legal advisors, and it also serves as a stepping stone for postgraduate studies in law or related disciplines.

The program is delivered by expert faculty members who are active in research and practice, providing students with insights into current legal debates and issues. With its strong emphasis on justice, responsibility, and societal impact, the Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canterbury equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to the legal profession and society at large. Upon graduation, students will be well-prepared to undertake further professional legal training or to pursue careers that require a deep understanding of legal frameworks and analytical skills.

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.

The Financing Studies of the Bachelor of Laws program at the University of Canterbury are designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of legal principles and practical financial management within the legal context. The program offers a variety of courses that cover essential topics such as legal ethics, contract law, corporate law, and financial regulations, equipping students with the necessary skills to navigate complex financial issues in legal practice. Students have the opportunity to engage in seminars, workshops, and internships that emphasize real-world financial scenarios, enhancing their understanding of how laws impact economic activities and personal financial planning. Tuition fees for domestic students are structured annually, with costs varying depending on the year's rates and any applicable scholarships or financial aid packages. International students are also encouraged to apply and can access various funding options, including university scholarships, government grants, and external sponsorships. The university provides financial support services to assist students in planning their budgets and accessing available financial resources to support their studies. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to participate in moot courts, legal clinics, and financial case studies, which are integral to understanding the financial intricacies of legal practice. Funding options are also available through external organizations tailored to law students, including bursaries focused on students pursuing careers in corporate or financial law. Students are advised to explore all scholarship opportunities early in their application process to ensure timely access to funding. Overall, the University of Canterbury is committed to making legal education accessible through various financing options, ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds can undertake their studies without undue hardship. The university's financial aid office provides counseling and guidance for students seeking information on loans, scholarships, or part-time employment opportunities on or near campus that support their educational expenses while balancing academic commitments.

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.