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 intending to complete 120 points must have: 

a (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors (Honours) degree or a relevant four-year Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study,  

or

(ii) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors (Honours) degree or a relevant four-year Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III,

or

(iii) (a) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University, or have equivalent prior study,

and

(b) completed the requirements for a relevant postgraduate qualification from this University of at least 120 points with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III

and

b demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director the ability to undertake advanced legal study. This requirement may take into consideration prior study and work experience.

2 In order to be admitted to this programme, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Commercial Law from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0, or have equivalent prior study,

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Commercial Law from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study,

and

(ii) demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director the ability to undertake advanced legal study. This requirement may take into consideration prior study and work experience.

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

4 a 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.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 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.

Note: A relevant degree may be in accounting, architecture, business, engineering, urban planning, or information technology.

5 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 4a 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

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 4b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Master Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Legal Studies Schedule.

8 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director and subject to Regulation 10 will include LAW 701.

9 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.

10 A student may be permitted to substitute LAW 701 with 30 points from the Master of Legal Studies taught schedule where the student has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Programme Director advanced knowledge of the New Zealand legal system, its sources, structure and method.

11 With the permission of the Programme Director a student may substitute up to 30 points from any other 700 level courses offered at this University that are relevant and suitable for inclusion in this degree.

12 Where a student passes courses, which may include a Dissertation or Thesis on a relevant topic, totalling at least 90 points from one of the areas of specialisation listed in the Master of Legal Studies Schedule, this degree will be conferred with an endorsement as to that area of specialisation.

13 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.

14 a A dissertation or thesis, when included in the programme, is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The dissertation or thesis topic needs the approval of the Programme Director prior to enrolment.

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

15 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.

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

17 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.

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

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Dean of Faculty of Law.

With the permission of the Dean of Faculty of Law a student may include up to 30 points from any other 700 level courses offered at this University that are relevant and suitable for inclusion in this degree.