Postgraduate Programmes
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- Master of Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL)
- Master of Planning (MPlan)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Master of Laws (LLM)
The LLM degree requires at least one year of full-time (or the equivalent in part-time) study. It entails the completion of a thesis; there is no coursework requirement. It offers students the opportunity to demonstrate advanced legal scholarship through the writing of a dissertation of significant length. In so doing, the aim is to develop first class research and analytic skills. Graduates of the LLM programme often pursue further graduate legal studies (through the doctoral programme) or seek positions in the academy or policy development. Others also go on to practice in specialized fields of law or commerce.
The first semester of Otago’s under-graduate legal programme commences in the last week of February, while the second semester commences in the second week of July. However, the LLM programme may be commenced at any time of the year.
Requirements
- A thesis of approximately 150 pages (45,000 words) under the supervision of a member of the Faculty
Master of Bioethics and Health Law (MBHL)
The MBHL degree is a one-year full-time interdisciplinary postgraduate programme which involves the writing of a research dissertation under supervision and completing course work in law and bioethics. The degree draws on the resources of both ethical and legal theory, in examining a range of issues relating to the intersection of law, ethics and medicine. It may be awarded with distinction or credit.
Requirements
- A research dissertation under supervision
- Completion of 35 points from a Law and Bioethics schedule
For further information, please refer to the Bioethics Centre
Master of Planning (MPlan)
For information, please refer to the Geography Department.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD involves a minimum of two and a half years’ full-time, or at least four years’ part-time study. It is awarded on the basis of the submission of a thesis which evidences the candidate’s ability to carry out original and independent research which makes a significant contribution to knowledge in their field of Law. It is expected that atleast some of the work in the thesis would be worthy of publication. The depth and breadth of experience of the Faculty allows candidates to focus their research in a wide range of topics. Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in the academy, as well as in government, private practice, non-governmental, and international institutions. The first semester of Otago’s under-graduate legal programme commences in the last week of February, while the second semester commences in the second week of July. However, the PhD programme may be commenced at any time of the year.
Requirements
- A period of residency in Dunedin is preferred, however, this requirement may be waived by agreement on a case-by-case basis
- A thesis of approximately 300-400 pages (90,000 to 100,000 words) which makes a distinct contribution to legal research or scholarship
For information generally about enrolling in the PhD programme, see also the PhD Office in Student Administration.
Faculty and Areas of Supervision
The academic staff at the Faculty of Law conduct research in a wide variety of areas.
