Master of Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies degree emphasises creativity, communication, critical analysis, applied knowledge and problem solving in a variety of specialist disciplines.
180 points, 1.5 years
or 120 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March), Trimester B (July) and Trimester C (November)
Why study the Master of Legal Studies?
The curriculum will provide training in critical skills that are marketable across professions, such as the ability to "think like a lawyer" in solving problems and to make clearly written and logical arguments. It is a flexible, professionally aligned academic degree that addresses key aspects of human culture, communication, and society. It offers explicit pathways into the workforce as well as pathways for career progression or to higher degrees. Although the Master of Legal Studies will not qualify students to practice as a lawyer, it will provide graduates with the core competencies and skills required for law-related work. Students will gain practical legal knowledge that is flexible and transferable to a wide range of occupations, across the public and private sectors.
Career Opportunities
- Policy Analyst & Advisor
- Mediator and/or Negotiator
- Legal Researcher
- Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
- Local government advocacy
- Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker
- Corrections and Probation
180 points, 1.5 years
or 120 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.
Trimester A (March), Trimester B (July) and Trimester C (November)
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. As an international student studying at postgraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for postgraduate international students.
Entry to this qualification has no specific subject requirements in your undergraduate degree.
Estimated fees
$41,300 (120 pts) $61,955 (180 pts) per year
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 01 February 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Generally, a Master of Legal Studies graduate should be able to:
- Read and interpret statutes and delegated legislation
- Analyse decided cases and understand the role of legal precedent
- Understand the normative influence of Māori tikanga on New Zealand law
- Appreciate the jurisprudential and theoretical basis that underpins law
- Understand selected areas of law of interest in detail and apply them in practical ways across various sectors and in various policy settings
The Master of Legal Studies programme is not, however, designed as a pathway into legal practice: for that, students would need to pursue a New Zealand LLB programme.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.
Documents
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Legal Studies.
What our students are saying
Studying law at Waikato assisted me with obtaining a clear pathway to residency, as the law profession is considered a Skilled Profession in New Zealand.Rashmi SapkalMaster of Laws
