LLM(Māori/Pacific/Indigenous)
Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law

To be accepted to the Master of Laws 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 a 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 (with at least 6.0 achieved in the Writing band) in the IELTS or equivalent.

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 within 24 months (if studying part-time) and pass all your papers.

Postgraduate qualifications in law:

Master of Laws (LLM)
Doctor of Philosophy (Law)
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
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.

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 (PLSA), Te Whakahiapo (Māori Student Association) and Waikato University Law Student Association (WULSA) 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.