Legal Studies (2023)

Law impacts everyone and every aspect of life and is the cornerstone of a functioning society. As a result, there is a general interest in law and as a social phenomenon law pervades professional life across a wide range of sectors including armed forces, corporate governance, environmental regulation, human resources, indigenous governance, NGOs, police and public service.

Note: Legal Studies will be offered initially in 2021. Enquiries can be made to Te Piringa - Faculty of Law, phone 07 838 4167 or email law.reception@waikato.ac.nz


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  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(LS) and PGDip(LS)

    The PGCert (LS) comprises 60 points, including LEGAL506 and LEGAL507.

    The PGDip (LS) comprises 120 points, including LEGAL506, LEGAL507 and 60 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593.

  • Prescriptions for the MLS

    The MLS comprises either 180 points or 120 points (see qualification regulations):

    a) Including, for candidates who have not completed an LLB degree, LEGAL506 and LEGAL507 and either 120 points or 60 points respectively from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593; or

    b) Including, for candidates who have completed an LLB degree, LEGAL507 and 90 points from any other 500-level LEGAL coded papers excluding LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592, or LEGAL593.

  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    LEGAL501Advanced Evidence Law30.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    An advanced-level examination of the principles of the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases.
    LEGAL505Critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    An advanced-level examination of critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand.
    LEGAL506Legal System and Methods30.023A (Online)
    An advanced-level paper to provide students with a basic understanding of the New Zealand legal system, and an introduction to core legal concepts, case law analysis, and statutory interpretation.
    LEGAL507Academic Legal Research and Writing30.023B (Online)
    This paper will guide students through the principles and process of academic legal research and writing. They will learn how to develop, present and write scholarly work.
    LEGAL508Advanced Family Law30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    An advanced-level examination of the law and social policies involved in the formation and breakdown of family relationships, including, critical analysis of the legislation and case law that underpin family disputes and proceedings in the Family Court and the Senior Courts.
    LEGAL520Intellectual Property Law and Policy30.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper will provide an overview of the principal regimes for the protection of intellectual property, and examine issues in intellectual property law and policy. Students will have an opportunity to undertake a research paper in an area of their choice.
    LEGAL521Advanced Employment Law30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    An advanced-level examination of employment law in Aotearoa New Zealand, including, the formation, operation, and termination of the employment relationship as well as personal grievances, remedies and the employment institutions.
    LEGAL525Critical Issues in Contemporary and International Indigenous Law30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    The purpose of this paper is to focus on the issues that are raised at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, each year, to provide a special insight (at an advanced-level) into the workings of the United Nations on contemporary and topical indigenous issues. An examination of the Declaration on the Rights of Indi...
    LEGAL526Legal Aspects of Cyber Security30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    This paper explores the legal aspects of cyber security and cyber crime, by analysing selected legislation and case law relevant to the area of cyber security. The paper covers the ethical and legal boundaries of rights and liability of security professionals.
    LEGAL527Advanced Issues in Charity Law30.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    Charity law retains its ancient roots, whilst at the same time, striving to reflect its relevance in a contemporary world. This paper enables students to explore advanced issues in national and international charity law, which is a growing area of legal practice and research.
    LEGAL535Advanced Environmental Law30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    An advanced-level examination of the foundations and principles of environmental and resource management law, and the planning, consenting, adjudication and compliance techniques used to implement the law.
    LEGAL540Critical Issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law30.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    An advanced-level examination of critical issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law.
    LEGAL583Advanced Immigration and Refugee Law30.0No occurrences
    An advanced-level examination of immigration and refugee law and policy as applied in Aotearoa New Zealand and international contexts.

2023 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 March 2024 8:11pm

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