Master of Legal Studies
The Master of Legal Studies degree emphasises creativity, communication, critical analysis, applied knowledge and problem solving in a variety of specialist disciplines.
180 points, 1.5 years
or 120 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study a MLS?
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.
Career Opportunities
- Policy Analyst & Advisor
- Mediator and/or Negotiator
- Legal Researcher
- Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
- Local government advocacy
180 points, 1.5 years
or 120 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga, Online
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
-
Plan your study -
Entry Requirements There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
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 undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
-
Fees and scholarships Estimated fees
$7,626 - $9,292 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees-free study.
Estimated fees
$39,335 (120 pts) $59,005 (180 pts) per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
-
There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
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 undergraduate level, you are required to meet English language and academic entry requirements.
View Entry requirements for undergraduate international students.
Estimated fees
$7,626 - $9,292 per year
-
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees-free study.
Estimated fees
$39,335 (120 pts) $59,005 (180 pts) per year
-
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costs -
Scholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 20 February 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.
Documents
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Master of Legal Studies.