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.

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.

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Zoe Cameron

Studying for a Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)

More information

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