The Degree of Master of Laws – LLM

1 In order to be admitted to this programme, a student must have:

a (i) completed the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Laws or for the Degree of Bachelor of Laws (Honours), or an equivalent qualification in Law as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(ii) (a) completed the requirements of a relevant qualification as approved by Senate or its representative

and

(b) been in practice as a barrister or solicitor, in New Zealand or elsewhere, for no less than two years full-time or the equivalent part-time

and

b (i) gained a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 120 points in the most advanced courses taken for the Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or an equivalent qualification in Law

or

(ii) passed, for a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies, at least 60 points in 700 level courses, or in LAW 690 Dissertation and 700 level courses, provided that a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher has been achieved in such courses and/or dissertation

or

(iii) passed, for a Postgraduate Certificate in Law, at least 60 points in 700 level courses, provided that a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher has been achieved in these courses

or

(iv) otherwise shown to the satisfaction of Senate or its representative capacity to undertake advanced study and research in the courses proposed to be taken for this degree.

2 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

3 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 160 points.

4 Of the 120 points required for this degree, a student must pass:

either

a Research Masters

(i) LAW 700

and either

(ii) 120 point Thesis listed in the Master of Laws Schedule

or

(iii) (a) 90 point Thesis

and

(b) 30 points from either courses or the Dissertation listed in the Master of Laws Schedule

or

(iv) 120 point Research Portfolio listed in the Master of Laws Schedule

or

(v) (a) 90 point Research Portfolio

and

(b) 30 points from either courses or the Dissertation listed in the Master of Laws Schedule

or

b Taught Masters

(i) LAW 700

and either

(ii) 120 points from courses listed in the Master of Laws Schedule

or

(iii) (a) 90 points from courses

and

(b) 30 point Dissertation listed in the Master of Laws Schedule.

5 An exemption from LAW 700 may be granted to a student who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Dean of Faculty of Law advanced skills in legal research methodology.

6 With the permission of the Dean of Faculty of Law a student may include up to 30 points from any other 700 level courses in programmes offered at this University provided they are relevant and suitable for inclusion in this degree.

7 Where courses, which may include a Dissertation, Research Portfolio or Thesis on a relevant topic, totalling at least 90 points are passed from one of the areas of specialisation listed in the Master of Laws Schedule, this degree may be conferred with an endorsement as to that area of specialisation.

8 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

9 A student who has passed, for a Postgraduate Certificate in Law or a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies, courses that are available for this degree and is eligible to be admitted to this programme, may reassign those courses to this degree provided the Postgraduate Certificate in Law or the Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Studies have not been awarded.

Note: A student who is not a law graduate will not be eligible to transfer to this degree.

10 a The dissertation, research portfolio or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative, on the recommendation of the Dean of Faculty of Law.

b The dissertation or thesis topic or the elements of the research portfolio must be approved by the Dean of Faculty of Law prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation, research portfolio or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

11 This degree may be awarded with Distinction, Honours or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2024.