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University of Waikato

Hamilton , North Island, New Zealand ,New Zealand

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. Students will gain practical legal knowledge that is flexible and transferable to a wide range of occupations, across the public and private sectors.

Campus Information

Hamilton campus

Our main campus is located in the vibrant, multicultural city of Hamilton, with outdoor activities, shopping malls and eateries only a short drive away. On campus, you’ll find a new state-of-the-art Student Centre, sporting facilities, cafes and eateries, car parking, subsidised bus services and more.

Tauranga campus

Our Tauranga campus is located in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD, surrounded by eateries, shopping and accommodation options. The campus itself is a brand-new multi-level building, featuring all the same student services as the Hamilton campus, with the advantage of being in the middle of the city.

Intakes

  • March
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More Information Required
30 Days
GTE/Possible Interview call from Institution
30 Days
Visa Process
10 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

We can help you with career planning, developing your CV and cover letters, interview skills, enhancing your employability skills, volunteering and refining your personal brand. The services can connect you with employers through Career Fairs, employer campus visits and promotion of graduate opportunities.

PSW Opportunity

  • During study, all students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during vacations.
  • After completing Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Qualification, a student will get a three years open post-study work visa.
  • After completing Level 8 Post Graduate courses of 1 year, students get 1 year PSW.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

A recognised bachelors degree with a B/B+ average, and a B/B+ average in a relevant subject if required. Some faculties/schools require an honours degree (to demonstrate research capacity).
Where the above requirements are not met, further study in a lower level programme may be required first.

  • IELTS (Academic)- 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
  • iBT (internet-based) TOEFL- 90 with a score of 21 in writing
  • iBT (home-based) TOEFL- 90 with a score of 21 in writing
  • Pearson PTE Academic- 58 and no PTE communicative skills below 50