Master of Legal Studies

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs usually need a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The entry requirement may specify a minimum score of 60% or higher in the previous academic degree.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or 7.0, with no band below 6.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90 with no individual section below 21.
• PTE: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each section.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a range of scholarships specifically tailored to support international students pursuing their academic aspirations. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and assist students in overcoming financial barriers to education.

International Excellence Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the University of Waikato. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable based on academic performance.

International Bursary: The International Bursary aims to support outstanding students by providing a financial contribution toward tuition fees for the first year of study at the university. It is available to eligible international students undertaking full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme: This prestigious scholarship program is designed for exceptional international students who demonstrate leadership potential and excel academically. Recipients receive financial assistance along with additional support for leadership development and networking opportunities.

Pacific Excellence Scholarship: Dedicated to students from Pacific countries, this scholarship recognizes academic achievement and provides financial support to cover a portion of tuition fees for selected undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Waikato offers scholarships tailored to students from specific countries or regions. These scholarships vary in criteria and eligibility, aiming to support students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Research Scholarships: For international students pursuing research degrees (Ph.D. or Master's by Research), the university offers various scholarships to support their research endeavors. These scholarships provide financial assistance, allowing students to focus on their studies and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives at the university.

The Master of Legal Studies program at the University of Waikato equips graduates with a diverse skill set and specialized knowledge that opens doors to various career pathways within the legal domain and beyond.

Legal Practice: Upon completion of the Master of Legal Studies, graduates can pursue careers in legal practice. While this program doesn’t qualify graduates to practice as lawyers without further study or professional certification, it provides a solid foundation and advanced understanding of legal principles. Graduates may explore roles as legal advisors, paralegals, or legal researchers within law firms, corporations, government bodies, or non-profit organizations.

Policy Analysis and Government Roles: Graduates with a Master of Legal Studies can delve into policy analysis and implementation within governmental agencies or non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks equips them to contribute to policy-making, regulatory compliance, and legislative drafting.

Corporate Compliance and Governance: The program prepares individuals for roles related to corporate compliance and governance. They can navigate complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring companies adhere to legal frameworks, ethical standards, and governance principles. Opportunities exist in industries like banking, finance, healthcare, and multinational corporations.

Advocacy and Human Rights: The advanced knowledge of human rights law and advocacy skills gained from this program enable graduates to work in various human rights organizations, advocacy groups, or international agencies. They can contribute to promoting social justice, addressing human rights violations, and advocating for marginalized communities.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Graduates can explore careers in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, or negotiation. Their understanding of legal concepts and conflict resolution skills make them valuable assets in resolving disputes outside traditional court settings.

Further Academic Pursuits: The Master of Legal Studies serves as a stepping stone for those inclined towards further academic pursuits. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies (Ph.D. in Law or related fields) or engage in legal research, contributing to advancements in legal scholarship and academia.