The Bachelor of Laws follows a closely prescribed structure, with courses covering a variety of legal systems in Aotearoa New Zealand and the opportunity to take optional courses in specific areas of legal interest.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Compulsory courses
Throughout the four years of the degree, all students complete the following compulsory courses:
Year 1
- LAWS 101 Legal System: Legal Method and Institutions
- LAWS 110 Legal Foundations, Research and Writing
- Five 100-level non-law courses of your choice (excluding ACCT 152, ACCT 252, and CRJU 150)
Year 2
Entry into the second year of the degree is limited to students that have achieved good grades (normally at least a B) in the two compulsory Law courses from first year.
The second year includes four compulsory courses:
- LAWS 203 The Law of Contract
- LAWS 204 The Law of Torts
- LAWS 205 Land Law
- LAWS 206 Public Law
Year 3
During the third year, you will take the following compulsory courses:
- LAWS 202 Criminal Law
- LAWS 301 Equity and Trusts
The remaining five courses in this year are made up of optional 300-level LAWS courses, in topics such as international human rights, environmental law, family law, and many others.
Year 4
The final year of the LLB is made up of another eight optional 300-level LAWS courses.
Students wanting to later be admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor need to include LAWS 398 Legal Ethics as one of their options.
Further study
If you want to establish a point of difference from other Law graduates, but do not want to complete a double degree, you could consider postgraduate study. Postgraduate options include:
- Master of Laws
- Master of Laws (International Law and Politics)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Laws.
For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a School of Law | Te Kura Ture Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see the College of Business and Law | Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture.
For more general information, email [email protected] or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).