University of Auckland - Faculty of Law

The Master of Laws (LLM) degree is designed to provide an advanced level of study for full-time students, legal practitioners and other students engaged in full- or part-time employment. Students may concentrate their study in particular areas of specialisation, or study a broad range of legal subjects. Currently the areas of specialisation comprise of Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Litigation and Disputes Resolution, and Public Law.

Our LLM programme draws together distinguished overseas teachers to teach intensive courses. By calling on the world's leading law teachers from a range of top law schools and the considerable expertise of Auckland's own staff, we offer you an array of intellectual talent and quality course offerings unmatched in New Zealand and comparable with the best taught LLM programmes in the Common Law world. This academic excellence is complemented by the cutting-edge expertise of internationally renowned law practitioners.

There are two ways to complete your LLM degree:

• The LLM by research allows you to conduct in-depth research into an area of personal interest with supervision from a leading expert in the area. This research can be completed by dissertation or thesis.
• The LLM by coursework allows you to study specific topics in greater depth and at a more advanced level. Each course contains a significant research component. Taught courses are held throughout both semester 1 and semester 2 and are either taught as an intensive course, a half semester, or a full semester course.

Postgraduate Certificate in Law
The Postgraduate Certificate in Law provides you with a one-semester postgraduate qualification in Law. It can also provide a pathway to the LLM or MLS degree programmes.

Master of Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies degree programme is similar to the LLM degree, but is designed for graduates who do not have a law degree, but whose career or experience involves legal issues.

Master of Taxation Studies
The Master of Taxation Studies (MTaxS) programme is designed for both law and commerce graduates who intend to make tax advocacy or tax consulting their career and who wish to extend their understanding of the theoretical issues and legal structures that underpin the taxation system.

Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy is the ultimate step in the academic study of the field of law. It is a thesis-only research degree usually requiring full-time study for 3 to 4 years at The University of Auckland. The degree is undertaken under supervision and candidates must complete a sustained course of research resulting in the production of a substantial original thesis.



 

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university. It is the only New Zealand university ranked among the world's top 200 universities by the Times Higher Education World Rankings of Universities. It is also the highest ranked New Zealand university in the QS World University Rankings and the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The University of Auckland has a strong international focus. It is the only New Zealand member of Universitas 21 and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities - international consortia of research-led universities. The University of Auckland is home to more than 40,000 students. More than 8,000 international students from 120 countries choose to study here.

There are over 10,000 postgraduate students at the University of Auckland. Investing in postgraduate study at The University of Auckland will broaden your academic, research and employment horizons, and add value with specialist skills and knowledge. Whether you plan to join the next generation of leading lawyers in New Zealand, or strive to become a leader in the international field, The University of Auckland will help you to make your mark on the world.

 

Auckland Law School leads the development of quality postgraduate legal education in New Zealand. Our postgraduate degrees are internationally recognised, with graduates who are valued and sought after throughout New Zealand and the world..

Situated in the heart of the city's legal precinct, the School maintains strong links with the practising profession and the judiciary and offers the largest and most diverse range of postgraduate law courses in New Zealand. 

Auckland Law School is home to a number of research centres of excellence:

• Aotearoa New Zealand Centre for Indigenous Peoples and the Law
• New Zealand Centre for Environmental Law (NZCEL) 
• New Zealand Centre for Human Rights Law, Policy and Practice
• New Zealand Centre for Legal Theory
• New Zealand Centre for ICT Law
• New Zealand Centre for Law and Business

Our highly experienced staff who are international leaders in their field of study are all available for LLM supervisions in their area of expertise. They also teach on the LLM programme throughout the year.

Effective learning begins with great teachers.  The school's academic staff are at the forefront of their areas of expertise, both nationally and internationally, in many fields of public and private law. Our lecturers are committed to helping you to get the most from your study.

Auckland Law School offers a number of resources to support your postgraduate studies; including a postgraduate common room, wireless network across campus, The Davis Law Library - which hosts the largest collection of legal literature in New Zealand. In addition to the general computer facilities in the Davis Law Library, several computers are provided for the exclusive use of postgraduate students. Further space is also provided for postgraduate study and discussion rooms are set aside for postgraduate students.

Postgraduate students are also welcome to attend the staff seminar series run throughout the year, with Auckland academic staff and visiting academics presenting research papers and work in progress. Research students will also be encouraged to present their work throughout the year in the autumn and spring student seminar series, or in postgraduate colloquia.
 

Auckland Law School welcomes applications from both domestic and international students for admission to our postgraduate programmes. Any student that holds a New Zealand LLB degree or an overseas equivalent (ie a law degree that entitles an international student to practise law in their home country), with at least second-class honours, may apply to study in The University of Auckland postgraduate programme.

If you are an international student, and you do not have a degree taught in English at a recognised institution, you will need to sit an IELTS or TOEFL test. You will need:
- 7.00 IELTS, with a minimum writing band score of 6.50, or
- 100 TOEFL computer-based, with a minimum writing score of 24 out of 30

For further details on how to apply as an international student, please contact Auckland International:
www.auckland.ac.nz/international

As a first step, we recommend you contact a student adviser at the Auckland Law School Student Centre to discuss your proposed programme of study prior to making a formal application to the University of Auckland. This will help you ascertain whether your previous study qualifies you for entry and familiarise you with the specific requirements and regulations for that programme.

For application advice and assistance, please contact:
Postgraduate Student Adviser
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88180
Email: postgradlaw@auckland.ac.nz

Studying for the LLM by research requires approval from the Postgraduate Committee before enrolling. Please contact the Postgraduate Student Adviser above requesting the Master's Dissertation Application form and Master's Thesis Application Form.

Fees for 2021 will be set towards the end of 2020. As a general indication, the 2020 annual tuition fees for a Law postgraduate programme were approximately $8,768.40 – $18,615.60 for a 120-point LLM or MLS for domestic students and $37,140 – $48,381.60 for international students. The 120-point MTaxS was $10,308 – $18,615.60 for domestic students and $37,140 – $48,381.60 for international students. These amounts are based on a standard full-time enrolment. 

The 2020 annual tuition fees for a PhD were $7,250.40. New international PhD students will be accorded domestic status for the purposes of tuition fees, subject to supervisory and residency requirements. 

For information on fees for international students for all of our postgraduate programmes, including the domestic status for international PhD students visit: www.international.auckland.ac.nz/fees ;

The University of Auckland is committed to ensuring the very best students are able to study with us. We are offering guaranteed scholarships to high-achieving domestic research postgraduate students. The University also has some of the most generous postgraduate scholarships in New Zealand. For more information visit
www.auckland.ac.nz/makethegrade

Auckland Law School's Postgraduate Law Awards will be awarded each year to encourage and support academically outstanding students to undertake postgraduate law studies at Auckland Law School. The awards are intended to cover a substantial portion of the tuition fees. A Auckland Law School Postgraduate Award is worth $10,000. Up to five postgraduate law awards are awarded each year. The closing date for the postgraduate law award applications are 30th of January and 30th of June each year. 

https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/law/study-with-us/scholarships-and-awards/masters-awards.html

Auckland is a diverse, inspirational city and our Law School is right in the heart of it. You’ll be studying in the hub of the business and legal district in a city that was ranked third out of 231 world cities for quality of living in the Mercer Quality of Living Survey, 2019.

While we offer the best that city life has to give, you’re never too far from the great outdoors. Our campuses and accommodation are close to cafés, restaurants, cinemas and parks, and within 30 minutes of some of the world’s most stunning beaches and pristine forests. A seaside city with a mild climate, known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland provides opportunities to pursue many sports and outdoor activities as well as explore the harbour and many islands of the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland is also a thriving centre for arts, culture and entertainment. From major sporting highlights and cultural celebrations, to international fashion and stage shows, there’s something for everyone.

For more information about what’s on in Auckland, see: www.heartofthecity.co.nz,
www.facebook.com/heartofaklcity

The University of Auckland has a variety of accommodation options that offer you an independent lifestyle, while still remaining in a university community during your postgraduate studies. If living on campus doesn’t appeal, our Accommodation Solutions team can help you find accommodation more to your liking.

www.accommodation.auckland.ac.nz or email accom@auckland.ac.nz

Our campuses and accommodation are well equipped and we offer a wide range of support services. There is a great social life with clubs and associations for most interests, sport, music, cafés - and a vibrant city at your doorstep. If your hobbies are outdoor-based, you have access to some of New Zealand's most stunning beaches, bush walks, mountain bike tracks and subtropical islands.

The Postgraduate Students Association seeks to create and foster a sense of identity and community for all postgraduate students at The University of Auckland and provide an effective voice promoting the distinct and unique academic, professional and social interest of postgraduate students within the University and the wider community.

For more information and benefits of the Postgraduate Students Association visit www.uoapgsa.org/

We offer a highly flexible programme that includes full semester courses, shorter courses, a range of intensive five-day courses and online courses throughout the year. Dissertation and thesis research can be undertaken at any time of the year, including during the summer break.

New students enrolled in postgraduate studies at The University of Auckland Law School need to undertake LAW 700 Legal Research and Methodology. The course is specifically tailored for those students who have not studied at Auckland Law School. It is particularly useful for students who have not completed their undergraduate studies in a Common Law jurisdiction. The course is taught in an intensive three days, focusing on an introduction to Common Law theory and practice and legal database training.