Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Laws

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is a professional law degree of outstanding quality that can be completed in four years. This innovative program allows students to deal with real people and real legal problems, honing critical practical legal skills while helping the community.

What Will My Study Involve?

• Bachelor of Laws students learn to think critically, analyze complex facts and issues, and persuade through logical argument.
• Students will learn to work with statutes, cases, and other legal materials.
• The University of Canterbury has a specially designed Moot Court room, regularly used for client interviewing, witness examination, mooting, and negotiation competitions.
• Students can gain work experience through law internships, clinical, and community work opportunities.
• Many student clubs are available, including LAWSOC, Women in Law, Te Pūtāiki Māori Law Students' Association, CRIMSOC, and Law for Change.
• The structure of the LLB degree allows students to pursue a double degree (like a BA/LLB or BCom/LLB) or switch degrees if they are unable to advance to 200-level LAWS.

Entry Requirements

To enroll in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, students will need:

• University Entrance (or equivalent). The university offers transition programs for those who need help meeting these requirements.
• If English is not the student's first language, they are also required to meet the university's Undergraduate language requirements.

Recommended Preparation

Law studies do not require a background in any specific subject at secondary school, and entry to the first year of the LLB is open to everyone with University Entrance. Students will need to have good reading, writing, and analytical skills. Subjects such as English, drama, economics, te reo Māori, languages, history, and classical studies are useful preparation.

Degree Structure

The Bachelor of Laws is made up of 480 points:

• 210 points of compulsory Law courses
• 195 points of elective Law courses
• 75 points of non-Law courses from other degrees. The degree takes 4 years of full-time study or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.

Limited Entry into Second Year

With good grades in the compulsory courses LAWS101 and LAWS110 in the first year (normally at least a B grade), students will be able to advance into the 200-level Law courses, all of which are subject to limited entry.

Bachelor of Laws with Honours

If students achieve a satisfactory standard in their first two years of study for the Bachelor of Laws, they may be invited to enter the honors program. If they meet the criteria, they will enroll in three additional Law courses in the fourth year:

• LAWS410 Advanced Research Skills
• LAWS420 Honours Research Paper
• LAWS430 Honours Dissertation

Double Degrees

It is possible to study a Bachelor of Laws alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ).

Subjects and Courses

The Bachelor of Laws follows a closely prescribed structure, with courses covering a variety of legal systems in Aotearoa New Zealand and the opportunity to take optional courses in specific areas of legal interest.

Compulsory Courses

• Year 1:
  • LAWS101 Legal System: Legal Method and Institutions
  • LAWS110 Legal Foundations, Research and Writing
  • Five 100-level non-Law courses of the student's choice (excluding certain courses)
• Year 2:
  • Entry into the second year of the degree is limited to students who have achieved good grades in the two compulsory Law courses from the first year.
  • LAWS203 The Law of Contract
  • LAWS204 The Law of Torts
  • LAWS205 Land Law
  • LAWS206 Public Law
• Year 3:
  • LAWS202 Criminal Law
  • LAWS301 Equity and Trusts
  • The remaining five courses in this year are made up of elective 300-level LAWS courses.
• Year 4:
  • The final year of the LLB is made up of another eight elective 300-level LAWS courses.

Fees

Domestic

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,492 per 120 points
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $7,942 per 120 points

International

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $37,120 per 120 points
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $38,570 per 120 points
• 2027 tuition fee estimate: $40,270 per 120 points

Further Study

The University of Canterbury's postgraduate Law options include:

• Graduate Certificate in Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Laws
• Postgraduate Certificate in International Law and Politics
• Master of Laws
• Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law

Careers

Many people study a law degree as a means of entering the legal profession as a barrister and/or solicitor. LLB Bachelor of Laws graduates also work in law-related careers such as policy analysts, Māori development advisors, foreign affairs officers, and journalists. The University of Canterbury has Law Internship courses involving community and clinical work experience, and students can connect with professional and industry organizations to establish strong career networks and opportunities.