Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides doctoral-level study specifically focused on law and legal research.
• Combines structured coursework/research preparation with a major independent thesis.
• Allows students to investigate an approved legal topic of substantial significance and make an original contribution to the field.
• Part 1 provides structured research training, seminars, cohort meetings, two research papers of publishable quality and a PhD-level research proposal.
• Part 2 provides intensive supervised doctoral research leading to a thesis of up to 60,000 words.
• Students receive structured supervision through Te Piringa Faculty of Law and the School of Graduate Research.
• The University highlights opportunities to build relationships with national and international research communities.
• The qualification is particularly suited to applicants with an established professional or academic record who want senior-level careers in academia, law or related professions

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The SJD has two major parts.

Part 1 – Research Portfolio, 120 points

Students complete the Research Portfolio paper, identified in the regulations as LEGAL995 / LAWS995. During this stage, students:

• Attend selected research seminars.
• Participate in cohort meetings with supervising academics.
• Produce two research papers of publishable quality in an area of law of their choice.
• Develop a research proposal at approximately PhD proposal level.
• Develop advanced research and scholarly skills before progressing to the doctoral thesis.

Part 2 – Thesis, 240 points

Students undertake approved and supervised doctoral research and prepare a thesis of up to 60,000 words.

The thesis must:

• Critically investigate an approved topic of substance and significance.
• Demonstrate expertise in research and scholarship.
• Demonstrate intellectual independence.
• Make a substantial original contribution to the research area.
• Meet the University's thesis and examination requirements.

The current SJD Thesis paper is:

• LEGAL994 – SJD Thesis
• Level: 900
• Points: 120 per paper occurrence
• Thesis length: up to 60,000 words
• Subject: Law
• Assessment: 100% internal assessment on the current 2026/2027 paper information

Disciplines / Specialisations

The SJD does not have a fixed list of taught majors or formal specialisations.

Instead, candidates develop an individual research programme in an approved area of law. The regulations specifically state that Part 1 research papers demonstrate expertise in an area of law chosen by the candidate.

Potential research areas therefore depend on:

• The applicant's proposed research topic.
• Faculty research expertise.
• Available supervisors.
• Research resources.
• The significance and originality of the proposed research.

Programme Highlights

• Doctoral-level legal qualification.
• 360 points.
• Standard full-time duration of 3 years.
• Structured Part 1 + independent research Part 2 model.
• 120-point Research Portfolio.
• 240-point doctoral thesis component.
• Thesis of up to 60,000 words.
• Research topic individually developed with supervision.
• Two research papers of publishable quality during Part 1.
• PhD-level research proposal preparation.
• Supervision through Te Piringa Faculty of Law and Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research.
• March and July programme starts listed on the qualification page.
• Applications can be initiated throughout the year, subject to supervisor availability and formal approval.
• International doctoral scholarship opportunities are available, including the University of Waikato Doctoral Scholarship.

Career Outcomes

The SJD is designed for advanced professional and academic careers rather than entry-level legal employment.

The University specifically identifies potential senior roles in:

• Academia
• Law
• Related legal professions
• Legal research
• Policy and public-sector research
• Research-intensive professional roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current University programme page continues to list the SJD as 360 points and 3 years, with Hamilton, Tauranga and Online shown as locations.
• The current programme page lists March and July starts.
• The University has changed its doctoral application process: prospective SJD applicants must first identify a suitable supervisor, obtain agreement from at least one University of Waikato supervisor and receive an Invitation to Apply. Without an Invitation to Apply, the application will not be considered.
• The formal SJD regulations require the University to establish that appropriate supervision and research resources are available before approving enrolment.
• After Part 1, progression to Part 2 requires an acceptable research proposal, presentation to a confirmation-of-enrolment panel, ethical approval or confirmation that ethics approval is not required, and recommendations from the relevant supervisor/Faculty leadership.
• Part 2 requires a minimum of two supervisors, normally including a continuing University staff member as chief supervisor. Candidates must submit six-monthly research progress reports.
• The thesis is examined by at least two external examiners, with at least one external examiner required to be from New Zealand. An oral examination may be required following examiner recommendations.
• If a candidate completes Part 1 but does not qualify to proceed to Part 2, the regulations provide possible transfer to the Postgraduate Diploma in Law. Transfer to the LLM, MPhil or PhD is also possible under specified circumstances.
• The current 2027 SJD Thesis paper is listed for Hamilton from 4 January 2027 to 2 January 2028, with Faculty approval required.

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student normally needs a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study the SJD in New Zealand.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, can be paid, or are covered by an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Meeting health requirements.
• Meeting character requirements where applicable.
• Demonstrating genuine intentions to study.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.