Program Overview

Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law

The Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law provides an opportunity to study in-depth the historical and developing trends within the area of indigenous peoples' rights. Students will examine how the United Nations and other international organisations influence the process of Indigenous rights development. They will learn what role the State plays in recognising environmental and economic rights of indigenous peoples.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification: 120 points
• The expected duration of full-time study: 1 year

Locations

• The study location where the qualification is offered: Hamilton

Area of Study

• The Faculty or School under which this qualification can be studied: School of Law, Politics and Philosophy

Start Dates

• The trimesters in which this qualification can be started: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why Study the Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law?

This programme offers the chance to develop skills to contribute to Pacific jurisprudence and enhance global understanding of Pacific legal systems. The knowledge and skills developed through this specialist programme are relevant in roles such as:

• Academic teaching and research
• Treaty settlement
• Māori governance
• Crown Law
• Local and central government
• Education
• Māori economy

Degree Information

Entry Requirements

To be accepted to the Master of Laws programme, students need to have:

• Completed an LLB or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or an equivalent qualification at another university
• Completed an LLB (Hons) at the University of Waikato with at least a 'B' grade point average or a combined Law degree at the University of Waikato or an equivalent qualification at another university
• Satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject at a level that is considered appropriate by the Academic Board

In exceptional circumstances, candidates who do not meet these requirements but have a proven record of academic merit and relevant experience may be accepted into the programme.

Students whose first language is not English are required to provide satisfactory evidence of their English language proficiency. An overall score of 6.5 (with at least 6.0 achieved in the Writing band) in the IELTS or equivalent is required.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees: $8,569 - $10,441 per year
• Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study
• Scholarships: Available, with more information accessible through the Scholarship finder

Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law with Honours

The Honours Degree may be awarded with:

• First Class Honours
• Second Class Honours (first division)
• Second Class Honours (second division)

To be eligible for the award of honours, students would need to complete their Master of Laws qualification within 12 months (if studying full-time) or within 24 months (if studying part-time) and pass all their papers.

Graduate Study Options

Postgraduate qualifications in law include:

• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
• Doctor of Laws (LLD)

Cultural Experience

The Faculty members come from a wide range of nations and cultural backgrounds, creating a truly multicultural environment. This helps foster in students an increased awareness of global issues, exposes them to multiple historical and cultural perspectives, and offers insight into legal systems outside the jurisdiction of the Common Law.

The Faculty's three dynamic law student associations play an important role in fostering great collegial relationships between students and offer plenty of social and learning opportunities. The Mentoring Programme provides extra support and guidance in studies, helping students navigate through the transition period from school or previous employment to university study.

Documents

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Laws in Māori/Pacific and Indigenous Peoples' Law. The Postgraduate Handbook is also available for reference.