Program Overview

Master of Legal Studies

The Master of Legal Studies degree emphasizes creativity, communication, critical analysis, applied knowledge, and problem-solving in a variety of specialist disciplines.

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time:

• 180 points, 1.5 years
• 120 points, 1 year

Locations

The study locations where the qualification is offered:

• Hamilton
• Tauranga
• Online Papers offered differ by location.

Area of Study

This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under:

• School of Law, Politics and Philosophy

Start Dates

Which trimester this qualification can be started in:

• Trimester A (March)
• Trimester B (July)
• Trimester C (November)

Why Study the Master of Legal Studies?

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.

Career Opportunities

• Policy Analyst & Advisor
  • Mediator and/or Negotiator
  • Legal Researcher
  • Board Member for Iwi or other organisations
  • Local government advocacy
  • Foreign Affairs and Trade Worker
  • Corrections and Probation

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

Available planners:

• MLS degree 180 Points (students entering with a 3-year bachelor’s degree)
• MLS degree 120 Points (students entering with a 4-year bachelor’s degree)

Year 1:

• Choose either: ALPSS500, LEGAL507
  • ALPSS500 Academic & Professional Research & Writing
  • LEGAL507 Academic Legal Research and Writing
• Any 500-Level LEGAL paper (excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593)

Year 2:

• Any 500-Level LEGAL paper (excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593)
• Students can take up to 60 points of non-law papers

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.

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.

Graduate Outcomes

Generally, a Master of Legal Studies graduate should be able to:

• Read and interpret statutes and delegated legislation
• Analyse decided cases and understand the role of legal precedent
• Understand the normative influence of Māori tikanga on New Zealand law
• Appreciate the jurisprudential and theoretical basis that underpins law
• Understand selected areas of law of interest in detail and apply them in practical ways across various sectors and in various policy settings

The Master of Legal Studies programme is not, however, designed as a pathway into legal practice: for that, students would need to pursue a New Zealand LLB programme.

Scholarships and Prizes

Visit the Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

Documents

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Legal Studies.

What Our Students Are Saying

1. Ask yourself, ‘what can I do to help our people?’ That’s where the passion will come from, and from there you will do well.

• Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, Master of Laws

2. Studying law at Waikato assisted me with obtaining a clear pathway to residency, as the law profession is considered a Skilled Profession in New Zealand.

• Rashmi Sapkal, Master of Laws

About the Program

The Master of Legal Studies is a flexible, professionally aligned academic degree that addresses key aspects of human culture, communication, and society, offering explicit pathways into the workforce and career progression or higher degrees. It emphasizes creativity, communication, critical analysis, applied knowledge, and problem-solving in various specialist disciplines, providing graduates with core competencies and skills required for law-related work. Although it does not qualify students to practice as lawyers, it equips them with practical legal knowledge flexible and transferable across a wide range of occupations in the public and private sectors. The program is designed for students with a three or four-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline, with admission criteria including a minimum B GPA. The program structure includes a range of papers, with students able to choose from various legal and non-legal options, and it offers a pathway for career progression or further study. The Master of Legal Studies is a valuable qualification for those seeking to work in law-related fields, policy, advocacy, or research, and it provides a solid foundation for further academic or professional pursuits.