Programme details

Master of Laws – LLM

Expand your legal expertise and advance your career with specialized postgraduate studies in Law.

Course description

Qualification options

– Master of Laws by coursework
– Master of Laws by dissertation and coursework
– Master of Laws by thesis
– Master of Laws by research portfolio

Elevate your passion for law through advanced study and research, engaging in debates, analysis, and discussions on legal and policy issues in New Zealand.

Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, your education will be relevant, accessible, and intellectually stimulating. You can delve into a specific area of law that interests you or customize your coursework to align with your career aspirations.

The Master of Laws program is designed with flexibility in mind, offering courses in various formats. Some courses meet weekly, while others are offered in more condensed formats.

Block courses are intensive sessions taught over one to two weeks, while other intensive courses are divided into eight to twelve-hour segments. These are typically held over two to three consecutive evenings or during Friday afternoon and Saturday sessions, with breaks of two to three weeks between sessions.

Immigration benefits

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

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

A Master of Laws degree opens a wide array of career opportunities, allowing you to pursue roles such as legal consultant, policy advisor, or legislative analyst. You might find yourself working as a corporate lawyer, specializing in areas like mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, or international trade law. Alternatively, you could become a human rights advocate, environmental lawyer, or public prosecutor. The degree also prepares you for academic careers as a law professor or legal researcher, and for roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international bodies, such as a compliance officer, diplomat, or legal advisor to NGOs.

Entry requirements

For all programmes:
– An LLB(Hons) or LLB degree with at least a B average or equivalent
– To be accepted by the director of postgraduate studies for the Faculty of Law as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

EL requirements (any one of the following)
IELTS: overall band of 7, including a writing sub-score of 7 and no sub-score below 6.5 (or equivalent)
TOEFL: 100 on the internet-based test with a minimum of 25 in writing
EAP: a minimum of three ratings of 5 for reading, writing, and speaking, and one rating of 4 for listening from the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme.