The Degree of Master of Legal Studies – MLS

1 In order to be admitted to this programme, a student needs to have:

a completed the requirements for:

either

(i) a four-year Bachelors degree from this University, or equivalent qualification as approved by Senate or its representative, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(ii) a Bachelors (Honours) degree from this University, or equivalent qualification as approved by Senate or its representative, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(iii) (a) a Bachelors degree from this University, or equivalent qualification as approved by Senate or its representative

and

(b) a postgraduate qualification equivalent to one year’s advanced study, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points, as approved by Senate or its representative

and

b shown to the satisfaction of the Dean of Faculty of Law the capacity to undertake advanced study and research in the courses proposed to be taken for this degree.

or

c (i) the Degree of Bachelor of Commerce in Commercial Law from this University, or an equivalent qualification as approved by Senate or its representative, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

or

(ii) a Bachelors degree from this University, or an equivalent qualification as approved by Senate or its representative, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, or the equivalent as approved by Senate or its representative

and

d shown to the satisfaction of the Dean of Faculty of Law the capacity to undertake the courses for this degree.

2 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

3 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1c must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Master Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

4 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Legal Studies Schedule.

5 The programme for each student requires the approval of the Dean of Faculty of Law.

6 An exemption from LAW 700 may be granted to a student who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Dean of Faculty of Law advanced skills in legal research methodology.

7 A student may be permitted to substitute up to 30 points from LAW 760, 790, LAWCOMM 701–790, LAWENVIR 701–785, LAWGENRL 701–785, LAWPUBL 701–785 for LAW 701 where the student has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Dean of Faculty of Law advanced knowledge of the New Zealand legal system, its sources, structure and method.

8 With the permission of the Dean of Faculty of Law a student may include up to 30 points from any other 700 level courses offered at this University that are relevant and suitable for inclusion in this degree.

9 Where a student passes courses, which may include a Dissertation or Thesis on a relevant topic, totalling at least 90 points from one of the areas of specialisation listed in the Master of Legal Studies Schedule, this degree will be conferred with an endorsement as to that area of specialisation.

10 A student admitted to this programme must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

11 a A dissertation or thesis, when included in the programme, is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative, on the recommendation of the Dean of Faculty of Law.

b The dissertation or thesis topic needs the approval of the Dean of Faculty of Law prior to enrolment.

c The dissertation or thesis is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

12 A student who is eligible to be admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 and has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Law that are available for this degree may reassign those courses to this degree, provided that the Postgraduate Certificate in Law has not been awarded.

13 This degree may be awarded with Distinction, Honours or Merit as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

14 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme which does not conform to these regulations.

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2024.