Overview
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) offers a rigorous legal education that builds strong analytical and communication skills. It qualifies graduates to practise law, but its value goes beyond the practice of law – legal thinking is highly transferable and sought after across business, government, advocacy, and many other sectors.
Over 150 years of world-class legal education
Studying Law at Otago sets you up for a future full of opportunity. Legal analysis is a core skill that employers value across industries – it sharpens your thinking, strengthens your communication, and helps you understand how the world works.
At Otago, you can combine your Law degree with Science, Commerce, or Humanities subjects like Psychology, or Māori Studies, giving you a unique edge in the job market and opening doors to careers in law, policy, business, health, and beyond.
Otago's Faculty of Law offers more than just academic excellence. You’ll be part of a close-knit, supportive community. Our graduates leave not only with a respected qualification, but with the confidence, adaptability, and networks to thrive in whatever path they choose and with lifelong friendships.
Find out more about studying Law at Otago
Law and Arts graduate Sara Lomaloma talks about her experiences of studying Law at Otago.
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Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Admission to the Programme
- Admission to the second year Law course shall be determined by the Law Admissions Committee, which shall be a committee of the Divisional Board of the Humanities Division, though its membership need not be confined to members of the Divisional Board.
- The second year Law course consists of the five 200-level Law papers (LAWS 201, LAWS 202, LAWS 203, LAWS 204 , and LAWS 298). Candidates will normally be required to take all of those papers in the same year.
- Admission to the second year Law course is limited to 200 candidates who are eligible by virtue of citizenship of, or permanent residence in, New Zealand.
- The due date for applications for enrolment in the second year Law course is 1 October of the year preceding admission.
- To be considered for admission to the second year Law course, a candidate must have passed the 100-level Law paper (LAWS 101) and further papers worth at least 72 points prescribed for any other degree.
- The Law Admissions Committee shall select candidates for admission according to the following categories:
- standard entry
- alternative entry.
- Candidates considered for standard entry shall be selected on the basis of their academic record, with particular emphasis placed on the marks obtained in the 100-level Law paper (LAWS 101). However, the Committee may admit a candidate whose academic record would not otherwise qualify him or her for admission if it is satisfied that the candidate's academic results do not reflect his or her true ability.
- Candidates for alternative entry
- shall be considered by virtue of their Māori descent;
- must have achieved a minimum academic standard to be determined by the Law Admissions Committee from year to year;
- may be required to supply supporting documentation and to attend for interview.
- Notwithstanding (c) above, the Law Admissions Committee shall have discretion to offer additional places in the second year Law course to foreign students for whom acceptable arrangements for the payment of tuition fees shall have been made. Such applicants must have achieved a level of attainment to be determined by the Law Admissions Committee from time to time.
- Notwithstanding any of the above provisions, the Law Admissions Committee shall have discretion to admit any applicant who, being eligible under paragraph (c) above, but not having satisfied these regulations in a particular respect, warrants admission to the second year Law course for exceptional reasons.
Structure of the Programme
- Every degree programme shall
- normally be pursued over four years of full-time study, or an equivalent period of part-time study;
- consist of papers worth not less than 534 points;
- include 36 points for the 100-level Law paper (LAWS 101);
- include 180 points for the four 200-level Law papers (LAWS 201, LAWS 202, LAWS 203, LAWS 204 ) and the papers LAWS 301 and LAWS 302;
- include further LAWS papers worth at least 210 points, provided that a student may substitute for up to 30 of those points one or more papers at 200-level or higher worth at least 30 points prescribed for any other degree or diploma;
- include 108 points for papers in other programmes.
- To qualify for the award of the degree of Bachelor of Laws, a candidate must also complete, to the satisfaction of the Dean of Law:
- Every degree programme shall
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study for the degree shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment), provided that the Dean of Law may waive any prerequisite or corequisite generally in a given year for any paper, or in special circumstances waive any prerequisite or corequisite in approving a particular candidate's course of study.
Compensation Passes
The Dean of Law may grant a compensation pass to a full-time student, or a student who is completing the degree, if the Law Examiners so recommend on the basis of the student's work as a whole in the year concerned.
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for the degree of Bachelor of Laws concurrently with another degree, or who has completed one of the two degrees and is proceeding with the other, may cross credit 100- and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 180 points.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Note: Not all 300-level and 400-level Law papers will be available in any one year.
Explore more in Law
Learn where this subject can take you and discover the full range of study options, from undergraduate programmes to postgraduate pathways.
Career opportunities
A Law degree is the essential foundation for a career in law – an intellectually challenging, respected, and rewarding profession. It also builds skills in analysis, communication, and understanding how rules shape society, making it valuable across many industries.
- Combine Law with Science and explore health policy, environmental law, or tech regulation
- Add Commerce for corporate law, financial compliance, or business leadership
- Mix in Arts and pursue politics, journalism, or human rights
Whether you aim to practise law or apply legal thinking elsewhere, studying Law opens doors and sets you on a path to make a meaningful impact.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about studying Law at Otago is the flexibility of the course structure. After second year, students can choose from a wide range of electives, allowing me to tailor the degree to my interests. This has given me the freedom to explore topics like environmental law, which align with my passion for using law to address societal challenges.
Zoe Cameron
Studying for a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
University jargon
Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.
- What’s a degree and how does it work?
- What’s a double degree?
- What’s a combined degree?
- Explore all terminology
Further study
We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.
More information
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