Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Laws Program

The University of Auckland offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program, which is designed for graduates who wish to pursue a career in law. The program is available through two pathways: Pathway 1, which involves starting with LLB Part I and applying for Part II, and Pathway 2, which involves applying directly to Part II with an LSAT score or approved Commercial Law courses.

Pathway 1: Graduate Entry via LLB Part I

This pathway is for graduates who have already completed a degree and now wish to pursue an LLB. The entry requirements for 2026 include:

• LAW 121G Law and Society
• LAW 131 Legal Method
• LAW 141 Legal Foundations
• Waipapa Taumata Rau (WTR) course

Typical enrolment involves taking LAW 121G and a WTR course in Semester One, and if LAW 121G is passed, progressing to LAW 131 and LAW 141 in Semester Two.

Concurrent Enrolment in LLB Part I

Concurrent enrolment in LLB Part I may be considered in Semester Two if the applicant has a minimum GPE of 6.20 from their most recent bachelor's level or higher university study, and approval from a Programme Adviser or Associate Dean.

Pathway 2 Graduate Entry via LSAT or Commercial Law

This pathway is for applicants who have completed any LLB Part I courses or equivalent and are not eligible for Pathway 1. Eligibility options include:

• Sitting the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submitting the score by 1 December
• Completing at least three Stage III or higher Commercial Law courses with a minimum B+

If the application for LLB Part II is successful, the applicant may take Part I and II Law courses concurrently in the first academic year of law studies.

LSAT Conversion Scale

The LSAT conversion scale is as follows:

• 120-130: 1
• 131-149: 2
• 150-152: 3
• 153-155: 4
• 156-158: 5
• 159-162: 6
• 163-167: 7
• 168-171: 8
• 172-180: 9

LawGPE and Admission

Eligibility for LLB Part II is based on LawGPE, which is calculated differently depending on the pathway. Important notes include:

• Only courses from a recognised university are eligible
• Courses graded as 'Pass' or 'Fail' are not eligible for consideration
• Postgraduate courses may count towards the LawGPE, but only bachelor's level courses can be used for non-law credit

Non-Law GPE

The non-law GPE contributes towards the LawGPE for Part II eligibility. If the most recent qualification is a PhD, the applicant is automatically assigned a non-law GPE of 7.00. Completing additional non-law courses may improve the GPA.

Credit vs LawGPE: Important Distinction

Receiving credit and LawGPE calculation are distinct concepts:

• Receiving credit: only bachelor's level courses are eligible for up to 60pts of unspecified non-law credit
• LawGPE calculation: both bachelor's and postgraduate university courses may be used to calculate the LawGPE for admission into LLB Part II

Applying for LLB Part II

All graduates must submit a separate application for LLB Part II. Applications close on 1 December of the year prior to entry, and entry is not guaranteed. Assessment is based on LawGPE, and up to 60pts of unspecified non-law credit may be awarded from bachelor's level study only.

Additional Course Requirements

All graduates must complete any outstanding non-law points required for the degree. For Pathway 2, additional requirements include:

• LAW 121G, LAW 131, and LAW 141
• LAW 297 Legal Research, Writing and Communication
• At least one other Part II course

Overseas Law Graduates

If an applicant has completed an overseas law degree, they should refer to the Overseas Law Graduates page for specific information and requirements.