Master of Laws
With a one-year Master of Laws qualification from the University of Waikato you can tailor your programme through a selection of taught papers and/or research thesis.

The Faculty of Law at the University of Waikato places a strong emphasis on the development of research skills. The classes are small and are typically offered in seminar style discussions. This approach to teaching at an advanced level creates opportunities for you to share perspectives and discuss issues related to the topic. It'll help you to improve your communication skills and gain expert knowledge. It creates opportunities for you to network with others and renew motivation and confidence. You'll also get a lot of one-on-one time with the lecturing or supervising academic staff.
We offer a large selection of papers in the areas of Environmental Law, Health Law, International Law, Māori and Indigenous Governance, and Public Law and Policy that you can tailor your LLM programme to reflect your intellectual interests and career goals.
Wherever your interests lie, you will benefit from nationally and internationally recognised academic staff.
Key information
Years: | 1.0 |
---|---|
LLM Study Locations: | Hamilton, Tauranga, Online Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info. |
Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): |
$7,417 - $9,039 per year
See if you're eligible for fees-free study in your first year |
Estimated Fees* (International): | $37,110 (120 points) per year |
Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate International |
Area of Study: | |
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. |
Degree Planner
LLM main subject & endorsements
The main subject for the LLM is Law
There are four endorsements which may be selected:
For a list of the papers available under the LLM and its subject endorsements, please see the catalogue of papers.
Master of Laws in Environmental and Climate Change Law
With a one-year Master of Laws in Environmental and Climate Change Law from the University of Waikato you’ll develop the skills enabling you to participate actively in developing the law and policy in this area – and be one of tomorrow’s change makers.
We offer a large selection of papers in the areas of Environmental and Climate Change Law including Animal Law, Biodiversity Law, Energy Law, Oceans Law, and Water Law that you can tailor your LLM programme in Environmental and Climate Change Law to reflect your intellectual interests and career goals.
Master of Laws in Health Law
With a one-year Master of Laws in Health Law from the University of Waikato you can tailor and develop the skills enabling you to participate actively in developing the law and policy in this area – and be one of tomorrow’s change makers.
We offer a large selection of papers in the area of Health Law including Bioethics Law, Elder Law, Family Law, and Gender and Sexuality that you can tailor your LLM programme In Health Law to reflect your intellectual interests and career goals.
Master of Laws in International Law
With a one-year Master of Laws in International Law from the University of Waikato you’ll develop the skills enabling you to participate actively in developing the law and policy in this area – and be one of tomorrow’s change makers.
We offer a large selection of papers in the area of International Law including Armed Conflict and Humanitarian Law, Comparative and International Indigenous Rights, Foreign Investment Law, Human Rights, International Trade, Oceans Law, and Space Law that you can tailor your LLM programme in International Law to reflect your intellectual interests and career goals.
Master of Laws in New Technologies and Cyber Security Law
With a one-year Master of Laws in New Technologies and Cyber Security Law from the University of Waikato you’ll develop the skills enabling you to participate actively in developing the law and policy in this area – and be one of tomorrow’s change makers.
We offer a large selection of papers in the areas of New Technologies and Cyber Law including Bioethics, Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Intellectual Property that you can tailor your LLM programme in New Technologies and Cyber Law to reflect your intellectual interests and career goals.
Career opportunities
- Government departments
- Law teaching and research
- Civil and public service and the judiciary
- Banking, financial services and financial regulation
- International development organisations
- Non-governmental organisations such as human rights agencies
- Private legal practice
- Business
Entry requirements
Expand to read entry requirements
To be accepted to the LLM programme, you need to have:
- Completed an LLB or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
- Completed an LLB (Hons) at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
- Satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject at a level that is considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
In exceptional circumstances, candidates who do not meet these requirements, but who have proven record of academic merit and relevant experience may be accepted into the programme.
Students whose first language is not English are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their English language proficiency. An overall score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) in the IELTS or equivalent.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Master of Laws with Honours
The Honours Degree may be awarded with First Class Honours, or Second Class Honours (first division), or Second Class Honours (second division).
The Honours Degree may be awarded with
- First Class Honours, or
- Second Class Honours (first division), or
- Second Class Honours (second division).
To be eligible for the award of honours, you would need to complete your Master of Laws qualification within 12 months (if studying full-time) or not exceeding four calendar years (if studying part-time) and pass all your papers.
Graduate study options
Expand to read available graduate study options
Master of Laws in Maori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples Law (LLM(Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples'))
Doctor of Philosophy (Law)
Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Other higher degree qualifications offered by the University of Waikato
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Explore our other undergraduate qualifications in law:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Bachelor of Laws conjoint degrees
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).
For more information on these and other options, please contact us at Law Reception.
Cultural experience
The Faculty members come from a wide range of nations and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly multicultural environment.
The Faculty members come from a wide range of nations and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly multicultural environment. This helps foster in our students an increased awareness of global issues, exposes them to multiple historical and cultural perspectives as well as offer insight into legal systems outside the jurisdiction of the Common 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.
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 and 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.
Documents
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Laws.
Contacts
Faculty of Law
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cheaptiffanyjewelryu.com/law
Opening hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday
Location: N Block, Gate 7, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton
Enrolment Assistance Location: J Block ALPSS Reception, Gate 1 Knighton Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TePiringaFacultyOfLaw
Have a chat with one of our friendly advisers to help you plan your degree.
Phone: +64 7 838 4610
Email: [email protected]