17 Law Degree Programs in New Zealand

Take your passion for law to the next level with advanced study and research. Be at the centre of debate, analysis and dialogue about law and legal policy issues in New Zealand. Full-time or part-time, your study will be relevant, accessible and intellectually rewarding-research an area of law that interests you or tailor a Master of Laws - LLM by Coursework of study that suits your career goals.

Advance your legal or building industry career with a specialized qualification tailored to working professionals. Discover new opportunities and elevate your career trajectory with the Master of Construction Law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

The aims of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Program are to provide a good, general, critical legal education; to meet the requirements of the Council of Legal Education, so that holders of the degree are eligible for possible to the New Zealand legal profession; to provide students with skills in legal research, including use of electronic databases and search tools, writing, and advocacy, both formal and informal.

The Master of Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL) degree is an interdisciplinary postgraduate program which consists in writing a research dissertation under supervision and completing papers worth an additional 120 points from a schedule of papers. The degree may be awarded with distinction or credit. The degree draws on the resources of both ethical and legal theory, and attends to bioethical problems arising from the increasing use of technology in medicine and changes in the resourcing and delivery of health care.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

The Master of Laws (LLM) degree requires at least one year of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. It entails completion of a thesis, and there is no requirement for coursework. The aim is to develop in a candidate the skills needed to understand recent developments in the Law. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB(Hons)) degree, or alternative qualifications and experience acceptable to the University.

Otago's unique Applied Science degrees link the excitement of science and the power of technology with the challenges of business. Applied Science programs help graduates to become innovative thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit, the very attributes successful New Zealanders are well-known for. As a graduate you'll be in better control of your career, able to contribute to the success of any organization. And if innovation attracts you, an Applied Science degree combined with work experience will provide the right background if you decide to start your own business.

The Master of Laws (Applied Law) in Common Law Practice (NZ) is designed to meet the needs of the New Zealand legal profession for higher level, practice-based skills acquisition across a range of specialized practice areas.

People looking for a new way of life often put New Zealand at the top of their wish list. The immigration process can be difficult and confusing though, so professional advice is vital.

The global threat of climate change is real and urgent. Gain insight into climate change challenges in science and policy-making with this multi-disciplinary degree. Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges our world faces. Globally we already see some of the consequences: an increase in extreme weather events, the loss of habitable land, and growing concerns about food security, species loss, and threats to biodiversity.

Develop and improve your capabilities in policy advising and analysis and get the skills you need to drive government decision-making with Master of Public Policy programme.

The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The program is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year.

Develop specialised knowledge and explore the latest developments in crime and justice with a Master’s degree in Aotearoa’s most established and extensive criminology programme. 

Do you want a career in kaupapa Māori based governance roles? Transform your previous experience into qualifications and build first-level management skills with this course delivered part-time to allow you to continue working while you upskill.

Study in one of the top 200 law schools in the world. Look deeper to find out why laws are made, who made them, how they work and how to change them.