Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
LLM(IntLaw&Pols)
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The specialist Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) is a degree designed for students who have a basic knowledge of Law and wish to develop their specialist knowledge in international law and politics.
Students take courses in international law and international politics plus a dissertation. Courses are delivered through UC Law and Te Kura Mātāpuna Tangata | School of Language, Social and Political Sciences.
The degree prepares students for careers in the diplomatic service, specialised legal practice, government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the military.
UC is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for Politics and International Studies, and in Law and Legal Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021), and is also ranked first in Aotearoa New Zealand for research in Political Science, International Relations and Public Policy (Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
Students must have qualified for a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) with a minimum B Grade Point Average. Relevance and standard of undergraduate studies will be criteria for approval.
If English is your additional language, you must also meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Laws (International Law and Politics) or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The LLM(IntLaw&Pols) is made up of four courses and a dissertation.
The following courses are compulsory:
- ILAP 613 Advanced Principles of Public International Law
- ILAP 614 Principles and Practice of International Relations and Diplomacy
- ILAP 640 Dissertation
The remaining two courses (30 points) must be selected from Schedule E.
Students can start their studies in either February or July, although starting in February is recommended. The degree takes 1–2 years of consecutive full-time study or, with the approval of the Dean of Law, 2–4 years of consecutive part-time study.
Students can go onto a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, or Political Science and International Relations.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,852 |
| 2021 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,938 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $36,500 |
| 2022 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $37,500 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Laws (International Law and Politics).
For study planning help, please contact our Student Advisors:
UC Law
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3888
Email law-enquiries@canterbury.ac.nz