Programme details

Bachelor of Laws with Honours

Study Bachelor of Laws with Honours to enhance your research abilities in legal fields that you are enthusiastic about.

Course description

A Bachelor of Law with Honours provides an opportunity to grasp the essential principles of law while engaging in individual and directed legal research at the undergraduate level. You will enhance your research, analytical, and oral skills across various specialized fields. This program will equip you to undertake further legal research at the postgraduate level.

Admission to the LLB(Hons) program is by invitation only, with enrolments capped at approximately 35 places each year. The initial segment of this degree commences with the Bachelor of Laws , and you will generally start the Honours component of your studies in your third or fourth year.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with New Zealand Law Society.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 4 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

Future career prospects include working as:

Lawyer
Judge
Journalist
Policy analyst
Politician
In-house legal counsel.

Entry requirements

Academic requirement:

Achieve the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or three GCE Advanced Level passes at C grade, or equivalent.There could be specific secondary academic prerequisites that depend on the country where the initial education was completed.

Selection Criteria:

In order to qualify for Honours study, it is essential to attain satisfactory grades in your 200-level LAWS courses. The selection process for the LLB(Hons) program is determined by the outcomes of your top three 200-level Law courses (LAWS 211–214). Additionally, your performance in LAWS 297 may also be considered. Furthermore, possessing robust research skills is necessary to effectively complete the LLB(Hons).

Students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in English. Undergraduate English requirements:

IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.0 with no sub-score below 5.5; or,
TOEFL: minimum overall score of 80 (internet-based test); or,
PTE: minimum score of 50 (with a ‘Communicative score’ of not less than 42); or,
Victoria University of Wellington English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme: minimum final scores of 4,4,4,3; or,
Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 169 or higher, with each skill score no less than 162; or,
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL): Level 4 (Academic); or,
NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 2 (with no skill lower than Level 1)