Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Laws Honours (LLB(Hons)) Programme

The Bachelor of Laws Honours (LLB(Hons)) programme at the University of Auckland is a prestigious academic programme designed for high-achieving students. The programme operates alongside the LLB degree, with students completing the LLB(Hons) requirements concurrently with their LLB.

Eligibility and Application

To be considered for selection into the LLB(Hons) programme, students must have completed all LLB Part I and II courses and have a minimum LawHons GPA of 6.00. Transfer students are only eligible to apply for LLB(Hons) upon completion of LAW 141 with a minimum grade requirement of C+, LAW 297 or 298 (pre-2026), alongside LLB Part II courses and any outstanding non-law courses.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the LLB(Hons) programme include:

• Completion of all LLB Part I and II courses
• A minimum LawHons GPA of 6.00
• Submission of an application for LLB(Hons) online through the 'Apply Now' function

Programme Structure

The LLB(Hons) programme includes a full-year 20-point Honours Seminar Course and a 40-point Dissertation in addition to the LLB degree requirements. This is an extra semester of study.

Honours Seminar Course

The Honours seminar is a full-year, 20-point course requiring enrolment in both the A and B components (i.e., both Semester One and Two). The course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of a specific area of law.

Dissertation

The LAWHONS 789 dissertation is worth 40 points and is 15,000 words in length, including footnotes. The dissertation requires students to find the answer to a research question and to write this answer up in a way where the findings are presented, their significance is discussed, and a conclusion is reached.

Maintaining a Place in the Honours Programme

Students must maintain a minimum LawHons GPA of 6.00 (B+) to graduate with LLB(Hons). The LawHons GPA is calculated using the points value of the course and the grade achieved, with all completed law courses (Part I-IV) factored into the calculation.

Withdrawal from the Honours Programme

If a student wishes to withdraw from the LLB(Hons) programme, they must email the Law School to facilitate the change from the Honours Programme back to the LLB. If a student withdraws from LLB(Hons) after completing their honours seminar, the seminar course will be counted as a 20-point law elective.

Related Information

For more information on the LLB(Hons) programme, including entry requirements, programme structure, and maintaining a place in the programme, students can refer to the University's website or contact the Law School directly.