The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at AUT is a professionally recognised undergraduate law degree that prepares students for legal practice and a wide range of law-related careers in New Zealand and internationally. The programme combines theoretical legal knowledge with practical legal training, critical thinking, ethical practice, and communication skills. Graduates are eligible to pursue admission as barristers and solicitors in New Zealand after completing additional professional legal training requirements.

Practical and Interactive Legal Education

AUT’s law programme emphasises practical learning through:

• Interactive lectures
• Case-study workshops
• Legal reasoning exercises
• Problem-solving activities
• Ethical and professional responsibility training

Students develop strong advocacy, research, and communication skills highly valued in the legal profession.

Career-Focused Law Degree

Graduates have successfully established careers in:

• Law firms
• Commercial organisations
• Government agencies
• Immigration consultancies
• Corporate legal departments

AUT law graduates work with leading New Zealand law firms and multinational organisations.

Flexible Study Pathways

Students can:

• Study full-time or part-time
• Combine law with another degree through double-degree options
• Progress to postgraduate law studies including LLB (Honours) and Master of Laws programmes

Industry and Professional Recognition

The programme satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a barrister and solicitor in New Zealand, subject to completion of professional legal studies and other regulatory requirements.

Strong Student Support

Student discussions and reviews often highlight AUT’s supportive teaching style and practical learning approach compared with more theory-heavy institutions.

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

The Bachelor of Laws is divided into four parts.

Part I

Students study introductory law courses and non-law electives.

Core Courses

• Legal Reasoning and Writing
• Legal System
• Personal Property

Part II

Core legal foundation subjects include:

• Public Law
• Law of Contract
• Law of Torts
• Criminal Law
• Trusts
• Real Property

Part III

Advanced legal subjects include:

• Criminal Law
• Advanced Private Law
• Company Law
• Public International Law
• Tikanga M?ori and New Zealand Law
• Property Law
• Wills, Trusts and Succession
• Law electives

Part IV

Final-year study includes:

• Legal Ethics
• Advanced law electives

Students can select electives aligned with career interests such as:

• Corporate Law
• Family Law
• Environmental Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Taxation Law
• Commercial Law
• Criminal Law

Disciplines and Specialisations Covered

The programme includes legal education in:

• Corporate Law
• Commercial Law
• Criminal Law
• Public Law
• Property Law
• Family Law
• Environmental Law
• International Law
• Taxation Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers as:

• Barrister
• Solicitor
• Corporate Lawyer
• Immigration Consultant
• Legal Advisor
• Policy Advisor
• In-house Counsel
• Patent Attorney
• Compliance Officer
• Government Legal Officer
• Taxation Practitioner

Becoming a Lawyer in New Zealand

After completing the LLB, graduates wishing to practise law in New Zealand must:

1. Complete a Professional Legal Studies Course
2. Obtain certification from the New Zealand Council of Legal Education
3. Obtain a certificate of character from the Law Society
4. Be admitted to the High Court of New Zealand
5. Hold a practising certificate issued by the Law Society

Professional legal training providers currently include:

• The Institute of Professional Legal Studies
• The College of Law New Zealand

Programme Highlights

• Professionally recognised law degree
• Practical and interactive legal training
• Strong focus on ethics and advocacy
• Flexible full-time and part-time study
• Double-degree opportunities available
• Pathway to legal practice in New Zealand
• Career-focused teaching approach
• Study in Auckland, New Zealand’s legal and commercial hub

Latest Updates and Important Information

• AUT offers the Bachelor of Laws at both City and South Campuses.
• Students progressing into Part II generally require at least a B average in compulsory first-year law papers.
• AUT continues updating curriculum content including Tikanga M?ori and New Zealand legal frameworks.
• Study planners for 2026 and later intakes are available through AUT Law School.
• Student discussions online frequently highlight AUT’s applied and supportive teaching style.

Visa Requirements for International Students

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

Typical requirements include:

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