Master of Architectural Science (Research)
Victoria University of Wellington, based in New Zealand, offers a comprehensive Master ...
Master of Laws (Research)
Wellington
INTAKE: Jul & Feb
Program Overview
The Master of Laws (LLM) by Thesis program at Victoria University of Wellington is a specialized research-intensive postgraduate program designed for legal professionals and scholars aspiring to pursue in-depth legal research in a specific area of law.
Curriculum: The program's core component revolves around the development and completion of a thesis under the guidance of experienced faculty supervisors. Students undertake extensive research, examining complex legal issues, and producing an original thesis demonstrating scholarly rigor and critical analysis.
Research Focus: This program places paramount emphasis on research, offering students the opportunity to conduct in-depth and specialized research in a chosen legal field. Students delve into complex legal theories, legislative analyses, case law reviews, or policy evaluations, contributing to legal scholarship.
Industry Engagement: While primarily research-focused, the program encourages industry engagement through access to legal networks, seminars, and forums, fostering interactions with legal practitioners, policymakers, and experts within the legal field.
Global Perspective: The Master of Laws by Thesis program promotes a global perspective by encouraging students to explore legal issues within an international context. Students examine comparative law, international treaties, or transnational legal frameworks, enriching their understanding of global legal principles.
Location
Wellington
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
NZD 40400
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 20.
- 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.
Victoria University of Wellington offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options specifically designed to support international students pursuing their academic endeavors. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students in covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in New Zealand.
International Scholarships: The university provides a range of merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students entering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. These scholarships often consider academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Several faculties within the university offer their own scholarships tailored to specific fields of study. These awards recognize excellence in particular disciplines and may support international students pursuing degrees within those faculties.
Research Grants and Fellowships: For postgraduate students engaging in research, Victoria University offers research grants and fellowships to support their projects. These grants can cover research expenses, conference participation, or living stipends during the research period.
Study Abroad and Exchange Scholarships: International students participating in study abroad or exchange programs facilitated by Victoria University can access scholarships to assist with travel expenses, accommodation, and other study-related costs during their exchange period.
Government and External Scholarships: Additionally, international students may be eligible for scholarships offered by the New Zealand government, international organizations, and external funding bodies. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Graduates from Victoria University of Wellington's Master of Laws by Thesis (Research) program possess advanced research skills and specialized legal expertise, paving the way for diverse and influential career pathways within the legal field and academia.
Legal Scholar/Researcher: Many graduates embark on careers as legal scholars or researchers, contributing to legal academia by publishing scholarly articles, conducting legal research, and teaching law in universities or research institutions.
Policy Analyst/Consultant: Professionals often pursue roles as policy analysts or consultants for governmental bodies, NGOs, or think tanks, offering expert insights and recommendations based on specialized legal research.
Judicial Clerk/Law Clerk: Graduates may secure positions as judicial clerks or law clerks, assisting judges or legal practitioners in legal research, writing, and analysis within court systems or law firms.
Legal Adviser/Consultant: Professionals might work as legal advisers or consultants for law firms, corporations, or international organizations, providing specialized legal expertise in niche areas of law.
Ph.D. Candidate/Academic Researcher: Some graduates choose to pursue doctoral studies (Ph.D.) in law, furthering their research and academic pursuits, aiming for careers as legal academics, researchers, or scholars.
Government Legal Officer: Professionals might enter roles within government departments or agencies, contributing specialized legal knowledge to policy development, regulatory compliance, or legislative drafting.
International Legal Consultant: Graduates may specialize in international law, working as consultants for international organizations, diplomatic missions, or NGOs, addressing global legal issues and international treaties.
Legal Entrepreneur/Founder: Professionals could establish legal consulting firms, advocacy groups, or research institutions, applying their expertise to address legal challenges or provide specialized legal services.
