Program Overview

Bachelor of Laws

The Bachelor of Laws degree at AUT is a four-year program that opens the door to a wide range of rewarding careers. AUT law graduates have established successful careers in a range of law firms, immigration consultancies, and commercial establishments.

Program Details

• Programme code: AK1008
• Level: 7
• Points: 480
• Duration: 4 years full-time / part-time available
• Campus: City Campus, South Campus
• Starts: 22 Feb 2027

Fees

• Domestic: $9,411.60 (for 120 points) ($8,190 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
• International: $40,021.60 (for 120 points) ($38,800 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy)
  • Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee.
  • Fees are subject to change year to year.
  • International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition.
  • Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.
  • Fees-free study may be available for domestic students.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• If you have New Zealand qualifications: University Entrance or equivalent
• If you have qualifications from another country: See entry requirements for students from other countries.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) of 6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher; or equivalent

Useful New Zealand School Subjects

• Subjects that develop a very good standard of reading, oral and written English including (but not limited to) Art History, Classical Studies, Drama, English, Geography, Health Education, History, Media Studies, Social Studies, Te Reo Māori or Te Reo Rangatira

What You Study

The Bachelor of Laws develops an understanding of law and the legal system, and gains the skills for a future as a lawyer or a career in various related fields.

Part I Courses

• Full-year courses:
  • LAWS509 Legal Reasoning and Writing (30 points)
  • LAWS510 Tikanga Māori and the Settler State Legal System of Aotearoa New Zealand (30 points)
• Semester 1 courses: Choose two non-law courses
• Semester 2 courses: Choose two non-law courses

Part II Courses

• Full-year courses:
  • LAWS621 Public Law (30 points)
  • LAWS622 Law of Contract (30 points)
  • LAWS623 Law of Torts (30 points)
  • LAWS627 Criminal Law (30 points)

Part III Courses

• Full-year course:
  • LAWS7XX He Raranga: Tikanga Māori Me Ngā Ture o Aotearoa (30 points)*
  • LAWS7XX Law of Property (30 points)*
• Semester 1 courses:
  • LAWS7XX Wills, Trusts and Succession (15 points)*
  • Plus choose one law elective
• Semester 2 courses: Plus choose two law electives

Part IV Courses

• Semester 1 courses:
  • LAWS706 Legal Ethics (15 points)
  • Plus choose three law electives
• Semester 2 courses: Choose four law electives

Career Opportunities

AUT law graduates have established successful careers in a range of law firms, immigration consultancies, and commercial establishments. As a lawyer, you might practice in a wide range of legal areas including corporate law, commercial and intellectual property, family law, environmental law, criminal law, taxation, and general practice.

Becoming a Barrister and Solicitor

Graduates of AUT's Bachelor of Laws are eligible to gain admission as barristers and solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand on completion of their Professional Legal Studies course.

Related Programs

• Double Degrees: Study the Bachelor of Laws and another degree, such as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business, or Bachelor of Communication Studies.
• Postgraduate Study: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
• Certificate and Diploma Study Options: Diploma in Business