The Postgraduate Certificate in Law is designed for students who already hold an undergraduate qualification and want to deepen their legal knowledge and develop advanced research capabilities. The programme is suitable for:

• Law graduates seeking specialisation
• Professionals wanting legal expertise relevant to their field
• Practising lawyers pursuing Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
• Students considering progression to higher postgraduate legal study

Advanced Legal Knowledge

Students gain specialised understanding of contemporary legal issues and advanced legal theory across selected law disciplines.

Flexible Study Structure

The programme can be completed in as little as six months full-time, with part-time study also available for working professionals.

Pathway to Further Postgraduate Study

In exceptional cases, students who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Law may be considered for admission into the Master of Laws (LLM).

Professional Development Opportunities

Practising lawyers may earn credit toward compulsory Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements through selected postgraduate law courses.

Industry-Relevant and Research-Based Learning

AUT Law School combines academic legal research with practical legal analysis and real-world legal issues.

Supportive Learning Environment

Student discussions frequently highlight AUT’s approachable lecturers and supportive teaching style within the law faculty.

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Students must complete:

• 60 points from approved Master of Laws courses
• LAWS901 Legal Research Methodology (compulsory)

Areas of Study / Disciplines Offered

Students can select courses from specialist legal disciplines including:

• Corporate and Commercial Law
• Criminal Law
• Employment Law
• Environmental and Resource Management Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Property and Development Law
• Regulation and Competition Law
• Taxation Law
• Human Rights Law
• Indigenous Rights and Law
• International Law
• Jurisprudence
• Private Law
• Public Law
• Trusts and Fiduciary Obligations
• Climate Change Law
• Non-adversarial Justice

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers or advancement in:

• Legal Practice
• Corporate Legal Advisory
• Policy and Government Roles
• Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
• Legal Research
• Human Rights Organisations
• Commercial and Business Law
• Taxation and Regulatory Consulting

Programme Highlights

• Flexible six-month postgraduate qualification
• Wide range of specialist law electives
• Advanced legal research training
• Suitable for law and non-law graduates
• Pathway toward Master of Laws study
• Continuing Legal Education opportunities for practising lawyers
• Study at AUT’s centrally located City Campus
• Supportive law school environment

Latest Updates and Important Information

• The programme is currently delivered at AUT City Campus in Auckland.
• Students must complete LAWS901 Legal Research Methodology before or alongside other courses.
• AUT law students frequently mention approachable lecturers and collaborative learning environments in student discussions.
• Study planners are available for upcoming intakes to help students structure their postgraduate law studies.
• The programme supports both full-time and part-time enrolment pathways.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students must obtain a valid New Zealand student visa before beginning studies.

Typical visa requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Tuition fee payment confirmation
• Proof of sufficient living expenses
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof
• Genuine student intent documentation