Program Overview

Master of Laws

Introduction

The Master of Laws degree offers a choice of over 40 topics for specialised research. LLM (by thesis) students develop in-depth expertise in a particular field of legal specialisation, with individual supervision from one of our academic experts in Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law.

Entry Requirements

• You must have a Bachelor of Laws degree (or equivalent) with at least a B+ Grade Point Average to enrol.
• If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

• The Master of Laws may be undertaken by thesis only (LAWS690 LLM Thesis).
• The LLM takes 12 years full-time, or 24 years part-time.
• You can begin studies at the start of any month.

Subjects and Courses

• LAWS690 LLM Thesis: Your thesis should be a significant piece of research of 35,000 to 50,000 words in an area of your choosing.

Fees

Domestic Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $8,462 (120 points)
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $8,970 (120 points)

International Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $42,200 (120 points)
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $43,850 (120 points)
• 2027 tuition fee estimate: $45,800 (120 points)

Student Services Levy (SSL)

• 2025 SSL: $9.72 per point ($1,166.40 per 120 points)
• 2026 SSL: $10.30 per point ($1,236.00 per 120 points)

Further Study

• UC also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law.

Career Opportunities

• Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, such as 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.