Bachelor of Laws
Law
A course by
University of Waikato
Study a Bachelor of Laws at Waikato and gain world-class legal knowledge, practical experience, and strong career opportunities. Learn from top legal scholars, build professional skills, and take part in internships and real-world legal work.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 4 years
Core skills this course teaches
Master core legal knowledge and skills
Graduates will understand New Zealand legal systems, statutory interpretation, legal reasoning, case law analysis, and legal writing.
Develop practical legal abilities
Practice courtroom skills (mooting, advocacy), negotiation, mediation, client interviewing, and draft legal documents relevant to real-world situations.
Analyse law in multiple contexts
Critically analyse how law operates locally, nationally, and internationally, and its relationship to business, government, iwi, and global issues.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Waikato is a four-year degree providing in-depth understanding of legal systems, legislation, legal reasoning, and professional practice. Students engage with experienced legal academics and practitioners, develop practical skills through internships and work placements, and study the law in local, national, and global contexts. The programme covers a comprehensive curriculum required for legal practice in New Zealand, with flexibility for electives and the option to choose a second major. Accredited by NZCLE and professional bodies, it leads to diverse career opportunities across the legal field, policy, business, and the public sector.
Course Content
- Legal Method A & B (case law analysis, statutory interpretation, legal reasoning, mooting)
- Legal Systems & Societies (structure of government, civil/criminal law, sources of law)
- Public Law
- Jurisprudence (legal theories and ideologies)
- Contracts
- Torts (civil liability, compensation law)
- Criminal Law (Crimes)
- Corporate Entities (company law, corporate personality)
- Land Law
- Dispute Resolution (negotiation, mediation, advocacy, arbitration)
- Equity and Succession (trust law, administration of estates)
- 400-level Legal Papers (e.g. Evidence, Civil Procedure, Family Law, Indigenous Rights, Environmental Law, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, International Law, Legal Ethics, Human Rights Law, Mediation, Transnational Law, Digital Lawyering, Project Management for Lawyers, Banking and Finance Law)
- Internships and work placements
- Legal electives in areas like advocacy, competition law, natural resources, Māori land law, and more
- Exchange and study abroad opportunities
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Legal Services
Government & Policy
Business & Corporate
Future employment opportunities might be
Barrister
Solicitor
Judge