University
The University of WaikatoBachelor of Laws
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
4 years
Next start date
Expected Mar 2027
Summary
Study a Bachelor of Laws degree in one of the best law schools in New Zealand. Look deeper to find out why laws are made, who made them, how they work and how to change them.
Assessed by Lawyers & JudgesLawyers and judges will be involved in teaching and assessing your law assignments and will provide you with valuable feedback. This sort of contact with the profession will stand you in good stead when you come to apply for a full-time job.
Practical experienceAt Waikato, you'll get to practice skills you need to succeed in the profession – whether it's interviewing a client, making a case in court, negotiating a settlement for a client, or drafting a required contract to perfect a merger.
You'll analyse how law operates in local, national and global contexts and learn to consider the business practices of financial markets, corporations, national and local government, trusts and iwi.
InternshipsThere are plenty of opportunities for you to apply your practical experience to real-life problems. From your second year onward in the law degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain work experience at the Hamilton District Community Law Centre (opens in a new tab), Police Prosecution Office (opens in a new tab), Defence Office, several city and regional councils, law firms and other organisations. You'll also be eligible for the National Summer Clerking Employment Programme.
Entry criteria
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
There are two intakes for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - in February and July each year.
To enrol in the Bachelor of Laws programme, you need to have gained University Entrance as well as satisfy additional requirements for entry to Law.
Additional Requirements for Entry to Law
NCEA Level 3 Certificate endorsed with Merit or Excellence.
The Admissions Committee considers all applications on a case-by-case basis. You'll need to support your application with academic achievement, work experience, school and community involvement outlined in a written statement. Your personal statement should be up to 300 words.
If you don't meet the University Entrance requirements, please contact info@waikato.ac.nz as there are other pathways that you can take to study in this field.
If you pass your first year at Waikato then you're guaranteed entry into the second year of your degree.
As an international student studying at undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
Please note that the Bachelor of Laws requires a higher level of English proficiency than other undergraduate programmes. For details on accepted tests and required scores, refer to the English Language Entry Requirements (opens in a new tab) document.
Disclaimer
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Please note that degrees and qualifications earned via remote or distance learning are excluded from the overseas credential evaluation and recognition services provided by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE). For more information, please contact CSCSE directly: +86-10-62677800 (phone) or visit their website(external link that opens in a new tab).
You can learn more about international recognition of New Zealand qualifications on the NZQA website.