Course details

Summary

The Master of Emerging Technologies Law (METL) focuses on ways in which law is responding to the challenges and opportunities afforded by emerging technologies.

The programme covers the regulation, governance and implications of new technologies in society and provides the opportunity for legal practitioners and other professionals who have completed a four-year degree to investigate an area of law that has growing international relevance and importance.

Law permeates all social activity. It defines relationships, protects rights, imposes obligations and gives structure to governmental and commercial enterprise.

Law graduates are well equipped to analyse complex issues, find solutions to a wide variety of problems and contribute to decision-making at all levels. They are skilled in the precise use of language, both oral and written. They understand the limits of law and its relationship with other social forces.

Many graduates find careers as lawyers in private practice, but others prefer to work in business, government, the public sector or welfare agencies.

Many students study Law in combination with a range of other disciplines including Marketing, Political Studies, the Sciences and Medicine.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study shall consist of three 30-point papers together with a 30-point research dissertation (120 points total):

• LAWS 501 Emerging Technologies and the Law (30 points)
• LAWS 680 Research Dissertation (30 points)

and two of

• LAWS 602 The Genomic Future and the Law (30 points)
• LAWS 603 Commercialization of Emerging Technologies (30 points)
• LAWS 604 Law in the Digital Age (30 points)

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) on the advice of the Dean of Law.
Every applicant must either:

• have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Laws with Honours at a University in New Zealand with an average grade of at least B+ in the optional papers for the degree; or
• have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) on the advice of the Dean of Law.

English Language Requirements: Internet-based TOEFL of 102 or better with a minimum of 24 in each section; or Paper-based TOEFL of 600 or better with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better; or IELTS (Academic) of 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7 in each band.