Graduate Certificate in Law (GCertLaw)
Law
A course by
Victoria University
Build legal skills or specialise further with the Graduate Certificate in Law (GCertLaw) at Victoria University of Wellington. Complete 60 points of law courses at undergraduate or postgraduate level to expand your legal knowledge and meet personal or professional goals.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
Kelburn or Pipitea or Online, Wellington
Core skills this course teaches
Expand legal knowledge
Broaden understanding of New Zealand law through advanced undergraduate or postgraduate LAWS courses.
Specialise in a chosen legal field
Focus studies on an area of legal practice important for your personal or professional development.
Meet professional requirements
For some overseas-trained lawyers, meet New Zealand Council of Legal Education requirements through targeted courses.
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Certificate in Law (GCertLaw) is a flexible 60-point qualification for those seeking to expand their legal knowledge or specialise in a new area of law. You can study undergraduate or postgraduate law courses (300–500 level), and tailor your learning to personal or career needs. The qualification is suitable for people already working as lawyers or paralegals, law graduates, or legal professionals from overseas who need to meet Council of Legal Education requirements. Completion of the GCertLaw alone does not entitle you to practice law in New Zealand, but may provide credit towards an LLB. The program must be completed in one full-time trimester or up to two years part-time.
Course Content
- A selection of 300- to 500-level LAWS courses
- Develop advanced legal skills or specialise in a new area of law
- Optional recommendation: LAWS 121 Introduction to New Zealand Legal System for non-law graduates (not credited to certificate)
- Pathway for overseas-trained legal professionals to gain NZ legal knowledge (possible study of 200-level courses if mandated by Council of Legal Education)
What you need to know first
Bachelor's degree in Law or equivalent.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Legal
Professional Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Law firm associate roles (not qualifying for practice on its own)
Legal assistant/paralegal work
Enhanced legal specialisation in current role
Pathway to further law study