University of Auckland

What you'll study

The MLS provides a structured programme of legal subjects that build a practical and conceptual understanding of law in institutional and commercial settings. Core topics typically cover foundations of legal method and reasoning, public law, and principles of private law such as contract and tort as they apply to professional practice.

• Legal Methods and Research: introduction to legal reasoning, statutory interpretation and research techniques that support evidence-based decision making.
• Public Law and Administrative Law: the constitutional and administrative frameworks that shape public decision making and judicial review.
• Commercial and Regulatory Topics: applied study of contract principles, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and competition regulation relevant to businesses and agencies.
• Specialist Electives: options frequently include employment and discrimination law, health law, environmental and resource management law, intellectual property, family law, tax-related topics, and international human rights.
• Research Project or Dissertation: many students complete a supervised research project or dissertation that applies legal analysis to a sector-specific problem; alternative coursework-only pathways are also available.

The programme is offered with flexible delivery patterns to accommodate full-time and part-time study, and students can often tailor their elective choices to match professional interests and career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent tertiary qualification. The MLS is structured for non-law graduates, so prior legal qualifications are not essential, though relevant professional experience can strengthen an application. Academic transcripts and a statement of purpose outlining reasons for study and how the programme fits career objectives are typically requested.

For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English language qualification or equivalent evidence of proficiency is required. Specific entry pathways or prerequisites for particular elective papers may apply, and applicants should consult the Faculty of Law for detailed admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MLS use legal knowledge to enhance performance and progression in a wide range of roles where law intersects with professional practice. Typical career pathways include:

• Policy analyst or adviser in central or local government, regulatory agencies and public sector bodies.
• Compliance and risk management roles within financial services, utilities, health and corporate sectors.
• Human resources and employment relations professionals dealing with workplace law and dispute resolution.
• Advisory and management roles in NGOs, iwi organisations and community services where regulatory and rights-based issues arise.
• Research, consulting and specialist advisory positions that require applied legal literacy, such as environmental law advisers, health-system analysts or intellectual property managers.

While the MLS provides strong legal capability, it is not a qualifying law degree for admission to the bar; those seeking to become practising lawyers should consider a qualifying law degree or professional legal studies pathway.

Why study at University of Auckland

The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Law is a leading provider of legal education in New Zealand, combining strong research expertise with connections across government, business and the profession. Students benefit from experienced academic staff who publish in a range of domestic and international legal fields, and from opportunities to engage with visiting practitioners and policy makers.

Studying in Auckland provides access to a dynamic commercial and regulatory environment, offering practical relevance for applied legal study. The Faculty supports flexible study patterns to accommodate working professionals, and provides research supervision, academic support services and career development resources to help students translate legal learning into impact in their chosen sectors.