Master of Laws
LLM
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 Master of Laws degree offers a choice of over 40 topics for specialised research.
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 UC Law.
UC ranks in the top 200 universities in the world for Law and Legal Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
Students must have a Bachelor of Laws degree (or equivalent) with good grades.
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 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 either:
- completing four research 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 670 Legal Research Methods
- LAWS 671 Legal Research Paper 1
- LAWS 672 Legal Research Paper 2
- LAWS 673 Legal Research Paper 3
or
- LAWS 690 LLM Thesis only
UC 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.
- 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) |
| 2021 | 120 | $7,938 | |
| 2022 | 120 | $8,073 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) | Fees (NZD) Excl GST |
| 2021 | 120 | $36,500 | $31,739 | |
| 2022 | 120 | $37,500 | $32,609 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Laws.
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