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.
Your Law journey starts here
Discover why the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law stands out – world-class teaching, a tight-knit community, and the opportunity to learn the skills needed for a successful legal career in Aotearoa and beyond.
How you will learn
In your first year, you’ll enrol in LAWS 101 and four to six non-Law papers.
LAWS 101 sets you up with the fundamentals of legal knowledge. For this paper, you’ll attend three lectures per week and then you’ll embed your knowledge and practice your skills in a weekly small group tutorial.
If you get into second-year Law, you’ll study four full-year Law papers and nothing else for that year. This intense year of legal study locks in your legal analysis skills and your relationships with your lecturers, tutors and fellow students.
In the third and fourth years, you can choose to study legal topics that interest you and start to specialise if you wish.
Along the way, there will be opportunities to learn practical legal skills such as courtroom advocacy and strategy.
By the time you graduate you will have the skills and the confidence to pursue any career you chose.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
You don’t need specific subjects to study Law, but strong language and analytical skills are a big advantage. Interests in social justice, business, and current events also help. Activities like debating, kapa haka, or volunteering can build the communication, cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills valued in legal study and practice.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
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)
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasBusiness, accounting and finance
Study business and prepare yourself for a career in the fast-paced corporate world – or even launch your own start-up
Government, politics and law
Gain skills and knowledge for decision-making, social issues, politics, and laws that impact Aotearoa and the world
Māori, Pacific and indigenous studies
Explore Māori, Pacific, and indigenous languages, heritage, and values to contribute positively to these communities
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 Law School 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.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | LAWS 101 The Legal System | 36 |
| 108 points from any degree * | 108 | |
| 2nd year | LAWS 201 Criminal Law | 30 |
| LAWS 202 Law of Contract | 30 | |
| LAWS 203 Property Law | 30 | |
| LAWS 204 Public Law | 30 | |
| LAWS 298 Legal Writing | 0 | |
|
(Prior to 2026) 3rd and 4th years | LAWS 301 Law of Torts | 30 |
| LAWS 302 Jurisprudence | 30 | |
| 210 further LAWS points (30 points of which may be from any other subject at 200-level or higher) | 210 | |
| LAWS 398 Legal Research Skills | 0 | |
| LAWS 498 Research and Writing | 0 | |
| LAWS 499 Advocacy Skills | 0 | |
|
(2026 Onward) 3rd and 4th years | LAWS 301 Law of Torts | 30 |
| LAWS 302 Jurisprudence | 30 | |
| 180 further LAWS points (comprising a minimum of 60 points at 300-level and a minimum of 90 points at 400-level) | 180 | |
| LAWS 398 Legal Research Skills | 0 | |
| LAWS 498 Research and Writing | 0 | |
| LAWS 499 Advocacy Skills | 0 | |
| * LAWS 101 and at least 72 non-LAWS points are normally taken in the first year; any further papers to make a total of 108 non-LAWS points must be taken in the third or fourth year. |
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | LAWS 101 The Legal System | 36 |
| 108 points from any degree * | 108 | |
| 2nd year | LAWS 201 Criminal Law | 30 |
| LAWS 202 Law of Contract | 30 | |
| LAWS 203 Property Law | 30 | |
| LAWS 204 Public Law | 30 | |
| LAWS 298 Legal Writing | 0 | |
| 3rd and 4th years | LAWS 301 Law of Torts | 30 |
| LAWS 302 Jurisprudence | 30 | |
| 210 further LAWS points (30 points of which may be from any other subject at 200-level or higher) | 210 | |
| LAWS 398 Legal Research Skills | 0 | |
| LAWS 498 Research and Writing | 0 | |
| LAWS 499 Advocacy Skills | 0 | |
| Honours Requirements | LAWS 380 (taken in the third year)LAWS 490 (taken in the fourth year) | 0 |
| LAWS 490 | 60 | |
| * LAWS 101 and at least 72 non-LAWS points are normally taken in the first year; any further papers to make a total of 108 non-LAWS points must be taken in the third or fourth year. |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
LAWS papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS101 | 2026, 2027 | The Legal System | 36 points | Full Year |
| LAWS201 | 2026, 2027 | Criminal Law | 30 points | Full Year |
| LAWS202 | 2026, 2027 | Law of Contract | 30 points | Full Year |
| LAWS203 | 2026, 2027 | Property Law | 30 points | Full Year |
| LAWS204 | 2026, 2027 | Public Law | 30 points | Full Year |
| LAWS298 | 2026, 2027 | Legal Writing | 0 points | Full Year |
| LAWS301 | 2026, 2027 | Law of Torts | 30 points | Full Year |
| LAWS302 | 2026 | Jurisprudence | 30 points | Full Year |
| LAWS303 | 2027 | Jurisprudence | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS304 | 2027 | Te Mātauraka Ture o te Māori/Māori Laws and Philosophy | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS321 | 2026, 2027 | Law of Evidence | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS322 | 2026, 2027 | Family Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS323 | 2026, 2027 | Labour Law | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS324 | 2026, 2027 | Company Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS325 | 2026, 2027 | Taxation | 15 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| LAWS326 | 2026, 2027 | Māori Land Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS327 | 2026, 2027 | Wills and Trusts | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS328 | 2026, 2027 | Treaty of Waitangi | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS329 | 2026, 2027 | Intellectual Property | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS330 | 2026, 2027 | Legal Ethics | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS331 | 2026, 2027 | Resource Management Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS332 | 2026, 2027 | Criminal Justice | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS333 | 2026, 2027 | Public International Law | 15 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| LAWS334 | 2026, 2027 | Environmental Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| LAWS358 | 2026 | Global Governance and Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS380 | 2026, 2027 | Preliminary Honours Research Papers | 0 points | Full Year |
| LAWS398 | 2026, 2027 | Legal Research Skills | 0 points | Full Year |
| LAWS402 | 2026, 2027 | Climate Law and Policy | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| LAWS403 | 2026, 2027 | Immigration and Refugee Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| LAWS404 | 2026, 2027 | Administrative Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| LAWS405 | 2026, 2027 | Civil Liberties and the Private Sector | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS406 | 2026, 2027 | Civil Justice | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS408 | 2026, 2027 | Lawyers, Clients and the Profession | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS409 | 2026, 2027 | Private International Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS410 | 2026, 2027 | Criminology | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS418 | 2026, 2027 | Crime and Property | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS419 | 2026, 2027 | Securities Market Regulation | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS420 | 2026, 2027 | Law and the Democratic Process | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS421 | 2026, 2027 | International Environmental Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS422 | 2026, 2027 | Bill of Rights - Theory and Practice | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS423 | 2026, 2027 | Information and Data Protection Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS424 | 2026, 2027 | International Criminal Court | 15 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS426 | 2026, 2027 | Insurance Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS428 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Emerging Technologies | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS430 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Criminal Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS431 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Contract and Tort | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS432 | 2026, 2027 | Animals and the Law | 15 points | Summer School |
| LAWS433 | 2026, 2027 | Relationship Property Law | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS435 | 2026, 2027 | Banking Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| LAWS436 | 2026, 2027 | Commercial and Consumer Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS437 | 2026, 2027 | Competition Law | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS438 | 2026, 2027 | Civil Liberties and the Public Sector | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS441 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Taxation | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS443 | 2026, 2027 | International Investment Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS446 | 2026, 2027 | Mediation | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS447 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Medicine | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS448 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Psychiatry | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS449 | 2026, 2027 | Criminal Procedure | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS450 | 2026, 2027 | Law of Restitution | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS452 | 2026, 2027 | Legal Theory | 15 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| LAWS453 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Legislation | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS454 | 2026, 2027 | Negotiation | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS456 | 2026, 2027 | Media Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS457 | 2026, 2027 | Secured Transactions | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS458 | 2026, 2027 | Sentencing | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS460 | 2026, 2027 | Vendor and Purchaser | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS461 | 2026, 2027 | Laws and Indigenous Peoples | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS464 | 2026, 2027 | Advocacy | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS466 | 2026, 2027 | Gender and the Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| LAWS467 | 2026, 2027 | International Human Rights Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS468 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Company Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS469 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Religion | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS471 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 2 | 15 points | Summer School, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS473 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 4 | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS474 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 5 | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS475 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 6 | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS477 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 8 | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| LAWS478 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 9: Remedies in Private and Commercial Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS479 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 10 | 15 points | Summer School, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS480 | 2026, 2027 | Research Paper | 15 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| LAWS481 | 2027 | Special Topic 11 | 15 points | Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS482 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Evidence Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS483 | 2026, 2027 | International Labour Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS484 | 2026, 2027 | Insolvency Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS486 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 15 | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS488 | 2026, 2027 | Accidents and the Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS489 | 2026, 2027 | Law and the Biosciences | 15 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS490 | 2026, 2027 | Final Honours Research Paper | 60 points | Full Year |
| LAWS491 | 2026, 2027 | International Tax law and Policy | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS492 | 2026, 2027 | The Law in the South Pacific | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| LAWS493 | 2027 | Global Governance and Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS496 | 2027 | Public Health Law | 15 points | Summer School |
| LAWS498 | 2026, 2027 | Research and Writing | 0 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer School |
| LAWS499 | 2026, 2027 | Advocacy Skills | 0 points | Semester 2 |
| LAWS512 | 2026, 2027 | Family Law | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS515 | 2026, 2027 | Resource Management Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS521 | 2026, 2027 | International Environmental Law | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS528 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Emerging Technologies | 15 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| LAWS540 | 2026, 2027 | Environmental Law | 15 points | Semester 2, Semester 1 |
| LAWS547 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Medicine | 15 points | Semester 1 |
| LAWS548 | 2026, 2027 | Law and Psychiatry | 15 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| LAWS588 | 2026, 2027 | Accidents and the Law | 15 points | Semester 2 |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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