University of Auckland

What you'll study

This conjoint programme requires you to complete the core curriculum for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) alongside an advanced science pathway culminating in an honours-level research component. In the law programme you will study foundational subjects such as legal method and reasoning, constitutional and administrative law, contract, tort, property, criminal law and evidence, and you will choose electives from areas like commercial law, international law, environmental law, Māori and comparative law, and human rights.

The advanced science component lets you specialise in a scientific discipline available at the University of Auckland — typical majors include biological sciences, chemistry, biomedical sciences, computer science, mathematics and statistics, environmental science, and physics. You will take advanced taught papers in your chosen field covering theoretical and practical aspects, laboratory or computational training where relevant, and research methods.

The honours element involves a substantial independent research project or thesis supervised by academic staff, combined with advanced coursework. This gives you the opportunity to develop research design and execution skills, critical analysis and scientific communication — abilities that complement legal training, particularly in areas such as intellectual property, biotechnology regulation, environmental litigation and expert evidence.

Entry requirements

Admission to this conjoint degree requires that applicants satisfy the University of Auckland's general undergraduate entry requirements and the specific prerequisites for both the LLB and the advanced science degree. Applicants typically need strong secondary school results or an equivalent qualification; where applicable, meeting New Zealand University Entrance standards is required.

Because the programme combines two degrees, selection is competitive and you must meet any programme- or subject-specific requirements for your chosen science major (for example, prior study in biology, chemistry or mathematics for certain majors). International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to the University’s required standard. Academic performance in prior study is an important factor for admission into the honours component.

Career prospects

Graduates of this conjoint degree are well-placed for careers that require both scientific literacy and legal expertise. Common pathways include:

• legal practice with a specialism in areas such as intellectual property, environmental and resource law, health law or regulatory compliance;
• patent advisory or patent attorney roles (additional professional qualifications usually required);
• roles in government and regulatory agencies, science policy and public sector advisory positions;
• in-house counsel and compliance positions in technology, pharmaceutical, energy or biotechnology companies;
• research careers combining legal scholarship and science, or roles in interdisciplinary consultancy and expert advisory work.

The research skills gained in the honours year also support further academic study at master’s or doctoral level, or specialised professional training.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland offers access to both a law faculty with comprehensive professional legal education and a strong portfolio of science departments with research-active staff and well-equipped facilities. Studying in central Auckland provides proximity to courts, government agencies, industry partners and research institutions, creating opportunities for internships, clinical legal experience, and collaborations across disciplines.

Students benefit from structured supervision for honours research, practical learning opportunities such as mooting and legal clinics, and career services that support transitions into legal admission pathways and science-related professions. The conjoint structure is designed to develop both technical scientific competence and the analytical, advocacy and ethical skills required of modern legal practitioners and advisors.