University
The University of WaikatoMaster of Legal Studies
This course is available
Online, On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year and 6 months
Next start date
Expected Nov 2026
Summary
The Master of Legal Studies degree emphasises creativity, communication, critical analysis, applied knowledge and problem solving in a variety of specialist disciplines.
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.
Entry criteria
The following groups of students are eligible to be admitted to the Master of Legal Studies:
1. Three year bachelor’s degree in any discipline or field New Zealand bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum B GPA Admission into 180-point Master of Legal Studies programme;
2. Four year bachelor’s degree in any discipline or field New Zealand bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a minimum B GPA Admission into 120-point Master of Legal Studies programme.
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.
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.