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.

1 year

Hamilton

January 2025

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.

1 year

Hamilton

January 2025

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.

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

School of Law, Politics and Philosophy

Te Piringa Faculty of Law, The University of Waikato, Gate 7, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand