- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2024 Late Year Term – 1 December
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
The purpose of an MLS is to confer legal expertise on students or professionals who do not intend to practice law. An MLS can also be used by PhD students whose disciplines have a legal concentration or to certify professionals who work closely with laws and regulation. The extent, concentration and framework of an MLS degree are dictated by the institution awarding the degree. Prospective students will find MLS degrees offered in a variety of specialisations, including:
- Corporate and Commercial Law
- Environmental Law
- Human Rights Law
- International Law
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- or Public Law.
While MLS degrees do not give graduates the qualifications to practice law, they provide a comprehensive foundation in and understanding of law and regulations. If you are a professional who works closely with laws and regulation or a PhD student who wants a deeper understanding of the laws related to your research, completing an MLS is an excellent way to gain expertise.
We offer flexible study options for both full-time and part-time students, allowing you to balance your studies with work or to accelerate your learning by studying full-time. Entry to the MLS program is available throughout the year, providing the flexibility needed to advance your career.
The MLS permits cross-disciplinary study, allowing you to take one or two masters courses (up to 30 points) from another faculty at the University of Auckland. It also provides skills in legal research methodology for those without advanced skills in this area. With over 30 taught courses to choose from, you can specialise in particular areas or study a broad range of legal subjects.
The MLS can be undertaken through coursework or a combination of coursework and research.
* 1 December start is available for the 120-point research masters programme only, subject to supervisor availability.
Taught (coursework) masters
This programme allows you to study specific areas of law. The programme offers courses that provide detailed analyses of particular areas of law, as well as courses that are more policy-oriented. Each course contains a significant research component, usually in the form of a 12,500-word research essay for 30-point courses. For more detailed information on courses available see our Postgraduate taught courses page.
Combination Taught and Research masters
This programme allows you to study specific areas of law via coursework as well as conduct in-depth study in an area of personal interest to enhance employment opportunities. For more detailed information on research see our Postgraduate research options page.
Postgraduate specialisations
Specialisation is optional but you can choose to have your MLS awarded in one of our six specialisation areas: Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution or Public Law.
You must complete a minimum of 90 points (made up of approved taught courses and a dissertation, thesis or research portfolio) in one of the six specialisations for the degree to be conferred with an endorsement in that particular area.
Watch: Hear from staff and alumni on the Master of Legal Studies programme.
For more information contact the Student Hubs: studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz
Programme structure
The MLS programme offers two study pathways depending on the length of your undergraduate degree. It can be undertaken by coursework or a combination of coursework and research.
1. The 120-point MLS option is available to professionals with a four-year degree
There are two ways to structure this degree
1. Taught masters (MLS 120 by coursework)
120 points of taught courses.
To be completed in two full-time semesters (1 year) or eight part-time semesters (4 years).
OR
2. Combination of taught and research masters (MLS 120 by 90-point thesis)
30 points of taught courses and a 90-point minor thesis (30,000 words).
To be completed in two full-time semesters (1 year) or four part-time semesters (2 years).
2. The 180-point MLS option is available to professionals with a three-year degree
There are two ways to structure this degree:
1. Taught masters (MLS 180 by coursework)
180 points of taught courses.
To be completed in three full-time semesters (1.5 years) or twelve part-time semesters (6 years).
OR
2. Combination of taught and research masters (MLS 180 by 90-point thesis)
90 points of taught courses and a 90-point minor thesis (30,000 words).
To be completed in three full-time semesters (1.5 years) or six part-time semesters (3 years).
Flexible study
We understand that personal, family and work commitments are important factors when deciding whether to study, so we offer options to fit with your lifestyle:
- Full-semester courses taught in the early evening once a week
- Half-semester courses taught for six weeks of the semester in the early evening once a week
- Intensively-taught courses over three to five days (usually incorporating a weekend break, ie Weds, Thurs, Fri, Mon, Tue)
- Independent research programmes.
Scholarships
Discover the wide range of scholarships available at Auckland Law School for domestic and international students.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the Law postgraduate pathway (407KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Three year bachelors degree plus one year postgraduate study or four-year bachelors degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Three year bachelors degree plus one year postgraduate study or four-year bachelors degree
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
A three years bachelors degree
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
A three years bachelors degree
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a four-year bachelors degree or a bachelors degree followed by an additional year of postgraduate study. You will need a GPA of 5.0 from your most recent 120 points.
You must have completed a four-year bachelors degree or a bachelors degree followed by an additional year of postgraduate study. You will need a GPA of 5.0 from your most recent 120 points.
You must have completed a three-year bachelors degree. You will need a GPA of 5.0 from your most recent 120 points.
You must have completed a three-year bachelors degree. You will need a GPA of 5.0 from your most recent 120 points.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the grade requirements for direct entry to the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programme you may apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Law (PGCertLaw) pathway.
Under the PGCertLaw, you must complete at least 60 points (one semester full-time study) of postgraduate law courses, with a B average, to gain admission into the MLS programme.
The 60 points completed under the PGCertLaw may then be re-assigned to the MLS programme.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study or a four-year bachelors degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study or a four-year bachelors degree
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
A three years bachelors degree
-
Study optionResearch 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
A three years bachelors degree
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required7.0
No bands less than 6.5
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or an undergraduate degree followed by an additional year of postgraduate study. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0 from your most recent full-time year of study.
You must have completed a four-year undergraduate degree or an undergraduate degree followed by an additional year of postgraduate study. Your study must have been at a recognised university (or similar institution) and you will need a GPE of 5.0 from your most recent full-time year of study.
You must have completed a three-year bachelors degree. You will need a GPE of 5.0 from your most recent 120 points.
You must have completed a three-year bachelor’s degree. You will need a GPE of 5.0 from your most recent 120 points.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the grade requirements for direct admission into the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) programme you may apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Law (PGCertLaw) pathway.
Under the PGCertLaw, you must complete at least 60 points (one semester full-time study) of postgraduate law courses, with a B average, to gain admission into the MLS programme.
The 60 points completed under the PGCertLaw may then be re-assigned to the MLS programme.
How much does a Master of Legal Studies cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$10,094.40 – $21,432*
- International students
- NZ$46,282 – $57,418*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2025
- 4 July 2025
- Late Year Semester 2025
- 11 November 2025
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November | |
| Late Year Term | Starts – 1 December |
| Ends – 1 March |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November | |
| Late Year Term | Starts – 1 December |
| Ends – 1 March |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
For detailed information on courses see our Postgraduate taught courses page.
Where could this programme take you?
As the MLS is tailored to professionals from non-legal backgrounds who require some knowledge of legal matters, but who do not necessarily want to practise law, there is a wide range of professionals who will benefit. Please note that completion of this degree will not satisfy the entry requirements for admission as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand and is not a substitute for an LLB degree.
Jobs related to this programme
- Accountants and auditors
- Architects and town planners
- Business development managers and compliance managers
- Engineers
- IT professionals
- Police
- Public sector staff
Carl Adams is studying a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) specialising in International Law, part-time.
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