Legal Studies (2024)

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: Enquiries for Legal Studies 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.

    Candidates enrolled in the 180 point MLS must complete at least 120 points of LEGAL coded papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed in List A: Advanced Study for the MLS, and either ALPSS500 or LEGAL507. Candidates may not include LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592 or LEGAL593.

    Candidates enrolled in the 120 point MLS must complete at least 90 points of LEGAL coded papers, including at least 45 points from the papers listed in List A: Advanced Study for the MLS, and either ALPSS500 or LEGAL507. Candidates may not include LEGAL590, LEGAL591, LEGAL592 or LEGAL593.

  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    LEGAL501Advanced Evidence Law30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Evidence Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL504Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Research Methodologies30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This paper will introduce students to core Maori, Pacific and indigenous research methodologies, principles, methods and ethics that will equip students for culturally responsive, meaningful and innovative research with Maori, Pacific and indigenous peoples.
    LEGAL505Critical Issues in the Treaty of Waitangi in Contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand30.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues regarding the Treaty of Waitangi in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL506Legal System and Methods30.024A (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 Writing30.024A (Online), 24B (Online) & 24C (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 Law30.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Family Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL515Advanced Construction Law30.024C (Hamilton) & 24C (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of Construction Law encompassing contracts and dispute resolution for building works, engineering, improvement, renovation, and property maintenance in Aotearoa New Zealand. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL520Intellectual Property Law and Policy30.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Intellectual Property Law and Policy. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL521Advanced Employment Law30.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Employment Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL523Advanced Civil Litigation30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Civil Litigation. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL526Legal Aspects of Cyber Security30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues regarding the legal aspects of Cyber Security. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL535Advanced Environmental Law30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Environmental Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL540Critical Issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues for Pacific Peoples and the Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL569International Law - A Place for Indigenous Rights30.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues regarding Indigenous Rights in International Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL576The Laws of Armed Conflict & International Humanitarian Law30.024G (Hamilton) & 24G (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in the Laws of Armed Conflict and International Humanitarian Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL580Advanced Banking and Finance Law15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Banking and Finance Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL587Advanced Health Law30.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Health Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.

2024 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 4 December 2023 11:32am

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