Course details

Summary

Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study.

Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different to your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability.

A graduate diploma is a more in-depth version of a graduate certificate, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one year (two semesters) of full-time study.

To complete the qualifications, students need to gain 120 points at 100 level (first year papers) or above, including at least 80 points at 300 level (third year papers) or above, in the graduate diploma subjects.

Law

Studying law is empowering as it affects every aspect of our life. Study Law at the University of Waikato - ranked as one of the world's top 250 universities for Law - and you'll be looking into why laws are made, who makes them, how they work and how to change them.

Everyone needs to know the law, not just lawyers. The Rule of Law is the cornerstone of the civilised society. It defines rights and obligations and provides structure to institutions of government and commerce. Business people, financial consultants, police officers, forensic scientists, parole officers and people of many other professions will have studied law.

Lawyers usually specialise in one or two areas, for example international or cyber law. Use your degree and the practical experiences around it to discover what your passion is, and what kind of law you’d like to practice.

We have the most diverse and vibrant student body of all law schools in New Zealand. Up to 30 per cent of all our students identify themselves as 毛利 and nearly 16 per cent come from Pacific background. Nearly 40 per cent of our students are over the age of 25.

Career opportunities

• Solicitor
• Barrister
• Judge
• Policy Analyst & Advisor
• Mediator and/or Negotiator
• Legal Researcher
• Board Member for Iwi or other organisations

Entry criteria

To be accepted into the Graduate Diploma in Law programme, you need to have:

• completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Waikato or an equivalent qualification at another university; or
• demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Academic Board that you have adequate training, experience and ability to proceed with the proposed programme.

In exceptional circumstances, candidates who do not meet these requirements, but who have proven record of academic merit and relevant experience may be accepted into the programme.

English language requirements:

IELTS - 6.5 overall (no less than 6.0 in writing); iBT (internet based TOFEL) - 90 with a score of 22 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic- 65 with English language requirements no less than 58 for each communicative skill; From Waikato Pathways College - Successful completion of Level 8 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic (CAAE) programme.