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Postgraduate Law studies for a global future
Whether you’re a legal professional or exploring law from a new perspective, Auckland Law School can help you shape a successful career in law and beyond. As New Zealand’s largest law school, it has earned a strong international reputation for excellence, ranking 59th globally and first nationally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Located in the heart of Auckland’s legal precinct, near the High Court, the school offers unmatched exposure to the legal world. Its postgraduate programmes are led by leading academics, alongside experienced professionals and visiting scholars. This combination ensures you gain both practical skills and deep knowledge, preparing you to thrive in careers across law, business, politics, and society.
5 reasons to choose Auckland Law School
Lifestyle
Study in one of the world’s most liveable cities, with beaches, culture, and nature at your doorstep.
Post-study work visa
Graduates may be eligible for a three-year post-study work visa.
Career-readiness
Programmes designed to meet global legal standards and open doors in law, business, and government.
Supportive environment
Dedicated international student services, visa guidance, and career workshops.
Global connections
Alumni network spanning law firms, NGOs, corporations, and government agencies worldwide.
Lifestyle
Study in one of the world’s most liveable cities, with beaches, culture, and nature at your doorstep.
Post-study work visa
Graduates may be eligible for a three-year post-study work visa.
Career-readiness
Programmes designed to meet global legal standards and open doors in law, business, and government.
Supportive environment
Dedicated international student services, visa guidance, and career workshops.
Global connections
Alumni network spanning law firms, NGOs, corporations, and government agencies worldwide.
Postgraduate programmes that enhance your future
Master of Laws (LLM)
Designed exclusively for law graduates, this LLM is your gateway to advanced legal mastery and career transformation. Whether you’re aiming to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new legal field, or lay the foundation for an academic career, this flexible programme adapts to your ambitions.
From barrister to foreign policy adviser to financial consultant to research counsel.
The LLM can be completed by coursework, research or a combination of both. Specialisation in one of these six areas -- Corporate and Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, or Public Law – or keep it broad. For deeper learning, you can even join one or two master’s courses (up to 30 points) from another faculty at the University of Auckland.
Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
This programme is designed for professionals and researchers who require legal expertise, not a practising certificate. Whether you're shaping policy, managing risk, leading innovation, or conducting research, this programme gives you the legal literacy to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence.
Master of Taxation Studies (MTaxS)
In a world where tax policy shapes economies and drives business decisions, the Master of Taxation Studies at the University of Auckland equips you with the legal and analytical tools to lead with confidence.
This programme is designed for law or commerce graduates who want to deepen their understanding of the legal frameworks, economic principles, and accounting practices that underpin modern taxation systems.
Whether you’re a legal advisor, financial consultant, policy analyst, or aspiring academic, the MTaxS gives you the expertise to navigate complex tax environments and influence decision-making at the highest levels. Flexible study modes are offered including evening classes and intensive formats making it easier to balance study with other commitments.
Master of Intellectual Property (MIP)
If you want to understand patents, trademarks, and copyright law, this Master of Intellectual Property is designed for you. Open to both law and non-law grads, this 120-point programme is designed to meet the knowledge requirements for registration as a Trans-Tasman patent attorney and Australian trademark attorney, which inherently involves understanding IP law across both jurisdictions.
You will learn how to help businesses and individuals protect, manage, and enforce intellectual property rights. For a shorter study option, Auckland Law School offers a 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property.
PhD in Law
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law is a research intensive degree designed for those who want to make original contributions to legal thought and practice. Whether your focus is corporate, public, human rights or international law, this programme empowers you to explore complex legal questions and influence real-world outcomes.
At Auckland Law School, this learning takes place in a vibrant research environment powered by renowned centres led by top scholars, extensive networks, specialised databases, and the Davis Law Library, the largest law library in New Zealand. The faculty focuses on core subject areas such as Constitutional, Administrative and Public Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International and Comparative Law, and more – and welcomes enquiries from interested research students.
Hear from students and graduates
“I absolutely loved the LLM programme. I was able to deeply research topics I was passionate about, and the flexible structure gave me lots of choice in the way I studied. The small class sizes and lecturer-to-student ratio made for a very supportive learning environment."
Kya Raina Lal from Fiji,
Master of Laws
Senior Associate at Lal Patel Bale Lawyers, Fiji
"So far, my experience as an international student at the University of Auckland has been overwhelmingly positive. The support from my supervisors, support staff, and classmates has been invaluable. The library system is both accessible and powerful, allowing me to efficiently conduct my research."
Byron Xu from China, PhD in Law
Current student
"My postgraduate experience at the University of Auckland Law School was my most memorable and useful academic pursuit. I thrived in the learning environment, learnt legal analysis skills I have been able to apply in my profession, and was able to research new areas, for example, the climate-related disclosure regime in New Zealand.”
Amy Sparks from New Zealand,
Master of Legal Studies
Manager of Sustainable Investment at Morrison, Sydney, Australia
“The MIP programme has given me a clear and tangible pathway toward becoming a registered Trans-Tasman patent attorney. As a trainee working in patents and designs, it’s been incredibly valuable to also learn about the broader spectrum of IP rights, including trademarks and copyright.”
Ethan Harrold from New Zealand, Master of Intellectual Property
Patent Executive at AJ Parks, Auckland
“The Master of Taxation Studies equipped me with practical skills to confidently execute the tax compliance aspect of my role. It helped me engage effectively with external tax advisors, develop the team reporting to me, and contribute to continuous improvement of the tax compliance process. It was instrumental to my professional development and helped me get promoted.”
Jamil Eldar from Azerbaijan, Master of Taxation Studies
Group Head of Finance at Scales Corporation Limited
“I absolutely loved the LLM programme. I was able to deeply research topics I was passionate about, and the flexible structure gave me lots of choice in the way I studied. The small class sizes and lecturer-to-student ratio made for a very supportive learning environment."
Kya Raina Lal from Fiji,
Master of Laws
Senior Associate at Lal Patel Bale Lawyers, Fiji
"So far, my experience as an international student at the University of Auckland has been overwhelmingly positive. The support from my supervisors, support staff, and classmates has been invaluable. The library system is both accessible and powerful, allowing me to efficiently conduct my research."
Byron Xu from China, PhD in Law
Current student
"My postgraduate experience at the University of Auckland Law School was my most memorable and useful academic pursuit. I thrived in the learning environment, learnt legal analysis skills I have been able to apply in my profession, and was able to research new areas, for example, the climate-related disclosure regime in New Zealand.”
Amy Sparks from New Zealand,
Master of Legal Studies
Manager of Sustainable Investment at Morrison, Sydney, Australia
“The MIP programme has given me a clear and tangible pathway toward becoming a registered Trans-Tasman patent attorney. As a trainee working in patents and designs, it’s been incredibly valuable to also learn about the broader spectrum of IP rights, including trademarks and copyright.”
Ethan Harrold from New Zealand, Master of Intellectual Property
Patent Executive at AJ Parks, Auckland
“The Master of Taxation Studies equipped me with practical skills to confidently execute the tax compliance aspect of my role. It helped me engage effectively with external tax advisors, develop the team reporting to me, and contribute to continuous improvement of the tax compliance process. It was instrumental to my professional development and helped me get promoted.”
Jamil Eldar from Azerbaijan, Master of Taxation Studies
Group Head of Finance at Scales Corporation Limited
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