Laws

The Master of Laws (LLM) at The University of Auckland offers an advanced qualification designed for legal professionals, academics, and recent graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of various legal disciplines. This program provides students with the flexibility to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations through a diverse range of specializations, including international law, commercial law, human rights law, environmental law, and more. The coursework emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical application, preparing graduates for leadership roles within legal practice, government, non-governmental organizations, and academia.

Throughout the program, students engage with contemporary legal issues, exploring both theoretical frameworks and real-world scenarios. They have the opportunity to participate in research projects, internships, and moot courts, fostering experiential learning and professional development. Faculty members are distinguished experts from various legal backgrounds, offering mentorship and expert guidance to enhance students’ academic and practical skills. The program is designed to be accessible, with part-time and full-time study options, allowing students to balance their education with professional commitments.

The University of Auckland’s Law School is renowned for its research excellence and strong connections with the legal community in New Zealand and internationally. Graduates of the LLM program are well-equipped to pursue careers in legal practice, policy development, or further academic research. With a comprehensive curriculum that combines rigorous coursework and practical experience, the Master of Laws at The University of Auckland is an ideal stepping stone for those aiming to advance their legal careers or contribute meaningfully to legal scholarship and reform.

You can choose from over twenty five taught courses and entry to the LLM is available throughout the year, and you study your LLM by Research or by Coursework.

Semester One 2017

Compulsory: Legal Research

Intensive:

• Contractual Interpretation
• The Tax Base
• Law of Agency
• International Tax
• and others  

Full Semester:

• Special Topic: Cybercrime and Cybersecurity
• Special Topic: Contemporary Issues in Air & and Space Law

Semester Two 2017

Compulsory: Legal Research

Intensive:

• Mediation
• Taxation of non-corporate entities
• International Criminal Law
• Health Care Law
• and others

Masters degree (120 point) requirements

Current students
You must have completed a bachelors (honours) degree or a postgraduate diploma in a field relevant to your chosen specialisation with a GPA of 5.0. If you are applying for the Master of Engineering Studies a GPA of 4.0 is required. Some programmes may require higher scores, including the Master of Commerce in Accounting or Finance.

Prospective students
You must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar) in a field relevant to your chosen specialisation. Four year bachelors degrees will be considered where the final year consists of postgraduate-level study.
You will typically require a GPE of 5.0.  If you are applying for the Master of Engineering Studies a GPA of 4.0 is required. Some programmes may require higher scores, including the Master of Commerce in Accounting or Finance.

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5 and all bands 6.0 or better
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 90 plus a written score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL: Overall score of 575 plus Essay (TWE) of 4.5
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 176 and all bands 169 or better
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50. You must authorise the University to view and verify your PTE scores. See How can I submit verified PTE Academic results to the University of Auckland?
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 85

Auckland Law School LLM Awards are awarded each year to encourage and support academically outstanding students to undertake a Masters of Laws (LLM) at Auckland Law School.

The awards are intended to cover at least half the recipients’ costs. An Auckland Law School LLM Award is worth up to $25,000 if awarded to a student paying international fees or $15,000 for a student paying domestic fees.

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Auckland is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in legal principles, ethics, and practical skills necessary for a career in law. The program typically spans three to four years, depending on the study load and whether students undertake additional majors or minors alongside their law studies. The curriculum covers core areas such as criminal law, constitutional law, contract law, tort law, property law, and legal theory, offering students a well-rounded understanding of the legal system in New Zealand and beyond.

Students are encouraged to engage with a variety of learning methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops, which develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and persuasive communication skills. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations and professional responsibility, preparing graduates for various roles within the legal profession, including solicitor, barrister, legal advisor, or roles in government, business, and non-profit sectors.

The University of Auckland's Faculty of Law often incorporates internships, mooting competitions, and pro bono work to provide real-world experience and foster connections within the legal community. Students have access to a well-resourced library, legal databases, and support from faculty members who are experts in their fields. The university maintains strong links with practising lawyers and legal institutions, giving students valuable networking opportunities.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for admission to the New Zealand Law Society, which is a prerequisite for practicing law in New Zealand. Additionally, the program's multidisciplinary approach allows students to combine law with other areas of study, such as arts, commerce, or science, enhancing their employability and adaptability in diverse professional contexts. The University of Auckland's Law School is highly regarded nationally and internationally, often ranking among the top law faculties in Oceania, and provides a vibrant academic community with a wide range of extracurricular activities.