The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study,

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from this University, or have equivalent prior study,

and 

(ii) passed, for a Postgraduate Certificate in Law from this University, at least 60 points in 700 level courses with a GPA of 5.0 or higher.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

4 A student admitted to 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.

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

6 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.

7 An exemption from LAW 700 may be granted to a student who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director advanced skills in legal research methodology.

8 With the permission of the Programme Director 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.

9 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.

10 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

11 a The dissertation, research portfolio or thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The dissertation or thesis topic or the elements of the research portfolio must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

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

12 A student who is eligible to be admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 2 and has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Law that are available for this degree may reassign those courses to this degree, provided that the Postgraduate Certificate in Law has not been awarded.

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

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2026.

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.