Master of Laws LLM

On this page:

Application Procedures LLM entry requirements LLM by Coursework LLM by Dissertation and Coursework LLM by Thesis How to find out more...

Victoria University uses all reasonable skill and care to ensure the information contained on this website is accurate at the time of being made available.  However, matters covered on this website are subject to change due to a continuous process of review and unanticipated circumstances.  The information on this website is updated regularly, but it is possible that some material has been changed but not yet updated.

About the LLM

The Master of Laws (LLM) is a one-year full-time, or up to three-year part-time, programme totalling 120 points. The LLM may be completed by coursework, dissertation and coursework, or by thesis, but in each case original student research is an essential element.

Each LLM is considered individually to ensure it makes up a coherent programme of study. Applications for the LLM by coursework or by dissertation and coursework are due by 10 December for 1st trimester and 5 July for 2nd trimester. Enrolments beginning in the first trimester of a year are preferred – if you enrol at the beginning of the second trimester, there is a limited number of courses available to choose from.

Application Procedures

For application procedure and dates (domestic students) refer to the online enrolment system through http://www.victoria.ac.nz.

International students should contact Victoria International, Victoria University, PO Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand, tel +64 4 463 5350, fax +64 4 463 5056, email victoria-international@vuw.ac.nz or Victoria's International Student webpage at www.victoria.ac.nz/international.

For fees information go to the Fees page.

LLM entry requirements

Entry to the LLM programme normally requires a law degree with at least a B average. Each application is considered individually and recognition can be given to other extensive practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind, such as:

• Other degrees or qualifications;
• Research and writing (for example, published or unpublished articles);
• Special training and/or expertise in a particular area;
• Appropriate work or other experience.

It is important to supply supporting information with your application, together with any appropriate references or reports.

If you are a graduate from a university other than Victoria, please submit a full transcript of your degree results with your application. Law graduates from outside New Zealand, please contact Victoria International.

to top

LLM by Coursework

The LLM by coursework (the most popular option) comprises:

• LAWS 581 Advanced Legal Study (10 points);and
• One 40-point two-trimester 500-level LAWS research-based course; and
• 70 further points from LAWS 501-589

The 500-level LAWS courses offered vary from year to year. Teaching takes the form of seminars, mainly led by students who have prepared a paper for the particular session. Each course is usually completed by a research project of 7,500 words for 20-point courses and 15,000 words for 40-point courses.

Most 20-point one-trimester seminars are identified in the timetable by a 500/400 coding, since they are also open to LLB (Hons) students. LLM students must meet the assessment criteria set down for 500-level students in that course.

The Director of Postgraduate Studies may exempt students from LAWS 581 and allow the substitution of 10 other points from approved LAWS courses.

Both 20-point one-trimester and 40-point two-trimester internships are also offered, involving work with a community, government or private sector organisation, under the joint supervision of a Faculty member and an outside professional. Assessment is based on work product, a journal and performance at fortnightly seminars.

to top

LLM by Dissertation and Coursework

The LLM by dissertation and coursework comprises:

• LAWS 581 Advanced Legal Study (10 points);and
• LAWS 592 Dissertation of 35,000 words (90 points); and
• 20 further points from LAWS 501-589 or from approved 400- or 500-level courses from other University programmes.

The Director of Postgraduate Studies may exempt students from LAWS 581 and allow the substitution of 10 other points from approved LAWS courses.

to top

LLM by Thesis

The LLM by thesis comprises:

• LAWS 581 Advanced Legal Study (10 points)
• LAWS 591 Thesis (120 points)

It is a normal requirement that students enrol in LAWS 581 Advanced Legal Study as a supplementary course.

The thesis has a maximum of 50,000 words. Supervision is available over a wide range of topics.

Applications for the LLM by thesis can be made at any time of the year. Approval to enrol for an LLM by thesis depends on your qualifications, your ability to research and write independently at the required level, the acceptability of the proposed project, the availability of resources, and the ability of the Faculty to provide adequate supervision.

to top

How to find out more...

 To find out more, see the ‘Statutes and Policies’ and ‘Courses of Study’ sections in the University Calendar.

Contact the Faculty’s Postgraduate Administrator, e-mail: law-postgrad-enquiries@vuw.ac.nz
tel +64-4-463 6341, fax +64-4-463 6365.

or

the Director of Postgraduate Studies,
Elisabeth McDonald, email:
elisabeth.mcdonald@vuw.ac.nz
tel +64-4-463 6317, fax +64-4-463 6365.