Master of Laws
LLM
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
February or July (Semester 1 or 2)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Master of Laws degree offers a choice of over 40 topics for either general study or specialised research. It is a very flexible programme, offering participants the ability to study by thesis alone, or by combining short research paper courses and a dissertation.
LLM students develop in-depth expertise in particular fields of legal specialisation, broaden their knowledge in a range of legal subjects, and combine law study with related disciplines. Students get the chance to undertake research under the supervision of expert staff in the School of Law | Te Kure Ture.
UC ranks in the top 150 universities in the world for Law (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018).
Normally the minimum requirement is a three-year bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university, or a qualification or combination of qualifications considered to be equivalent. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to make sure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
Candidates must have a Bachelor of Laws degree (or equivalent) with good grades. Students with English as a second language must also provide evidence of their English language competency.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Laws 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 Master of Laws may be undertaken by:
- completing four research paper courses and a dissertation (LAWS 674 Dissertation), or
- by thesis only (LAWS 690 LLM Thesis).
The LLM takes 1–2 years full-time or 2–4 years part-time. Students can begin their studies in February or July (or start anytime if taking the thesis-only pathway).
Students can either complete:
- LAWS 674 Dissertation
- LAWS 671 Legal Research Paper 1
- LAWS 672 Legal Research Paper 2
- LAWS 673 Legal Research Paper 3
or
- LAWS 690 LLM Thesis only
For the up-to-date schedule of courses, see the Regulations for the Master of Laws.
The School of Law | Te Kure Ture also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law.
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.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the 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) |
| 2019 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $7,698 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $33,800 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Laws.
For study planning help contact the School of Law | Te Kure Ture or the College of Business and Law:
College of Business and Law | Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3888
Email law-enquiries@canterbury.ac.nz