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Doctor of Laws
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The Doctor of Laws (LLD) is a prestigious degree awarded for an original, substantial, and distinguished contribution to legal scholarship. It recognises the candidate as an international authority and requires a higher level of achievement than a PhD.
Why study the Doctor of Laws?
The Doctor of Laws (LLD) is a higher doctorate, ranking above the PhD, awarded to established scholars who have made an original, substantial, and distinguished contribution to the advancement of legal studies. This prestigious degree is almost always awarded for published works, such as a book or articles in international journals, that establish the author as an international authority in a particular area of law.
The LLD is recognised for its prestige within the University, New Zealand's legal community, and the international academic world. The level of achievement required is significantly higher than that of a PhD.
If you have at least 10 years of post-LLB experience as a legal practitioner or academic, this doctorate may be suitable for you. The Waikato Faculty of Law welcomes enquiries from potential candidates with backgrounds in:
- Academic teaching and research in law
- Legal research in the public or private sector
- Private legal practice as a barrister or solicitor
- Legal practice in public sector agencies or private companies
- Business management
- Policy analysis in central or local government
- The diplomatic service
- Community agencies
- Consultancy
- Accountancy firms
Applications must be submitted to the Postgraduate Research Committee. For more information on how to apply for this doctorate degree, please refer to the Regulations for Higher Doctorates.
Degree information
Applicants must be a graduate of the University of Waikato or have significant academic association with the University of Waikato. Alternatively, the candidates for higher degree must have qualified for the award of a degree from another New Zealand university or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent. The submitted work must be related to the current teaching and research expertise of the University of Waikato.
Applications should be directed to the Postgraduate Research Committee. For detailed information on the application process for this doctorate, please consult the Regulations for Higher Doctorates.
International tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for international students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
International tuition costsScholarships
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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.