Diploma in Law
Our highly practical Diploma in Law sets you up to explore new career opportunities or enhance your current role. The online component of the Diploma will allow you to fit your studies around work and family commitments.
150 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Why study the Diploma in Law?
A qualification in law is an asset for many careers including those not directly related to law. The knowledge and skills developed through our Diploma in Law are relevant in:
- Finance
- Business management
- Human resources
- Education
- Local and central government
- The voluntary sector
- Māori governance
How it works
Typically a Diploma in Law takes two years to complete studying part-time.
The programme is offered through a combination of online lectures and in-class tutorials. Tutorials are an integral part of the programme. They are run in small groups of up to 30 students and are held in Hamilton and Tauranga. Evening options are available.
You will have access to all resources available to Te Piringa Faculty of Law students including the online library, mentoring programme, internship opportunities, competitions and scholarships. You will be supported by experienced tutors and our academic staff.
Credit towards a Bachelor of Laws
Once you successfully complete your Diploma in Law, you will have guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme and your Diploma papers will be credited towards the first and second years of your LLB programme at Waikato.
The LLB degree is offered in Hamilton and Tauranga – see degree structure (below) to read about individual papers.
150 points, 1 year
Hamilton, Tauranga
Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Faculty of Law Admissions Committee. Factors such as academic results, work experience, school and community involvement, and other achievements will be taken into account. Include these in your personal written statement.
With your application please provide:
- a written statement (letter of application) of up to 300 words outlining your work experience (paid or unpaid), community involvement, your previous study and reasons for wishing to undertake the diploma programme
- verified copies of academic records (transcripts) of any previous studies
- a verified copy of your birth certificate or current passport.
If you are under 20 years of age, you'll need to have gained University Entrance including at least 18 points in one literacy-rich subject, or your NCEA Level 3 Certificate endorsed with Merit or Excellence.
Contact our Law Student Administrators to discuss your study options.
If you don't meet the University Entrance requirements, please contact info@waikato.ac.nz as there are other pathways that you can take to study in this field.
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 01 February 2025.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.
Study the Diploma in Law in Tauranga
All DipLaw papers are available in Tauranga, including face-to-face tutorials.
Graduate study options
Graduate or postgraduate study lets you develop advanced knowledge in an area of law that you are passionate about, giving you an edge in the job market.
Typically to be eligible to apply for Master of Laws qualification, you’d need to have gained a Bachelor of Laws qualification.
Undergraduate qualifications in law
Explore our other undergraduate qualifications in law:
If you have already gained a Bachelor degree in a subject other than law, you may be interested in our Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution (GradDipDr).
For more information on these and other options, please contact us at Law Reception.
Practical skills
Throughout this diploma, you’ll gain strong research and analytical skills as well as become an excellent problem-solver.
You’ll learn how to construct legal arguments and form legal opinions. You will create legal documents and learn the principles of forming a contract. You’ll develop your capacity to manage your own learning with our expert guidance provided through practical workshops and tutorials.
As a student of our Diploma in Law programme you can apply for all opportunities available to our students including internship and clerkship opportunities; as well as negotiation, mooting, client interviewing, witness examination and other competitions.
Cultural experience
We have the most diverse and vibrant student body of all law schools in New Zealand. Up to 30 per cent of all our students identify themselves as Māori and nearly 16 per cent come from Pacific background. Nearly 40 per cent of our students are over the age of 25.
The Faculty's three dynamic law student associations: Pacific Law Student Association, Te Whakahiapo (Māori Student Association) and Waikato University Law Student Associations play an important role of fostering great collegial relationships between students and offer plenty of social and learning opportunities.
Our Mentors will provide extra support and guidance in your studies, help you to navigate through the transition period from school or previous employment to university study as well as advise you on other services and opportunities available to you on campus.
Regulations
What our law students are saying
Waikato feels like home to me now – coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made for my academia.Tawhiao McMasterBachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts
