If you're ready to dive deeper into legal or criminal justice issues that shape our world, Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law at the University of Canterbury offers a dynamic environment for postgraduate research. Our robust research programme supports students to explore complex legal challenges, critically engage with contemporary issues, and contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
As a postgraduate research student in Law or Criminal Justice, you’ll work closely with some of New Zealand’s leading legal and criminal justice scholars, gaining expert supervision and mentoring throughout your thesis journey.
Whether your interests lie in constitutional law, indigenous rights, environmental law, criminal justice reform, or another area, you’ll be encouraged to produce original research that informs both academic debate and real-world legal practice.
A research degree in Law or Criminal Justice from UC opens doors to advanced legal careers, policy development, advocacy, and further academic study.
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey?
Law or Criminal Justice research thesis study options
Alternatively, we also offer coursework-based master's degrees in Criminal Justice and International Law and Politics.
Research support and opportunities
Explore current research opportunities and research profiles at UC to find a supervisor or project that aligns with you.
Research scholarships
UC offers a diverse range of scholarships to support students studying a postgraduate degree in Law or Criminal Justice.
Meet our research students
Faculty of Law research
Academics in the UC Faculty of Law are leaders in their fields of research, contributing significantly to understanding and using law.
Ready to take the next step in your academic journey?
Studying towards a research degree is a demanding process. Our Graduate School and Faculty of Law staff are available to offer support at any point of your research journey.
