university of auckland phd law

LAW 790 : Dissertation

2022 semester two (1225) (30 points), course prescription, course overview.

A dissertation of approximately 15000 words resulting from original research of the student, having the scope, and depth of research, of a competent law review article. The topic and the research proposal for the dissertation needs the approval of the Associate Dean Postgraduate of the Faculty of Law before enrolment.

A dissertation is an extended piece of writing which presents the answer to a research question, the topic and nature of which is agreed with your supervisor. You are expected to read widely on the topic which interests you, select a question which raises significant issues and use literature to to inform your findings, discuss their significance and reach a conclusion. Your supervisor will provide guidance about the nature of the research and the standard expected, as well as ongoing advice throughout the process, and appropriate feedback. The responsibilities of both the student and the supervisor, along with the exact format of the dissertation are set out for you in the Guide to Theses and Dissertations.

Academic expectations You are expected to demonstrate your ability to:

•      Master sophisticated subject matter.
•      Design a well-structured, relevant and integrated plan of research.
•      Carry out a research project using appropriate methods of investigation and analysis.
•      Identify and critically evaluate the findings and discussions in scholarly literature and other forms of information.
•      Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem solving.
•      Engage in independent thinking, informed by relevant scholarly literature and other research.
•      Argue and reach conclusions that are informed by independent enquiry and other available information.
•      Use language effectively to communicate research findings and supporting argumentation.

Course Requirements

Capabilities developed in this course.

Learning Outcomes

• Undertake a focused, systematic study on a legal topic or issue in answer to a question of their own choosing. (Capability 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 3.1 and 3.2)
• Present the results of that study in a written form suitable for an interested, but not necessarily informed, legal reader. (Capability 1.1, 2.3, 4.1, 5.1 and 5.2)
• Research with a degree of autonomy within a supervisory relationship. (Capability 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2)
• Demonstrate and apply legal research methodology and project management skills. (Capability 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 5.1 and 5.2)
• Demonstrate critical and informed review, analysis, consolidation and synthesis skills to propose a solution to a complex issue. (Capability 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 6.2 and 6.3)

Assessments

Workload Expectations

This is a standard 30-point course.  The guideline for the total workload for this course is 300 hours.

Delivery Mode

Campus experience or online.

This course is offered in two delivery modes:

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled meetings, or through other means of contact, in order to maintain progress and complete components of the dissertation.

Attendance is required at scheduled online meetings, or through other means of contact, in order to maintain progress and complete components of the dissertation. This course runs to the University semester timetable and all the associated completion dates and deadlines will apply.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Other Information

Academic integrity.

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course director, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a Student Academic and Support Adviser as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html .

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html .

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

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Regulations - Law

The degree of juris doctor – jd.

Subject to CUAP approval

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, a student must have completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree in any discipline, except New Zealand Common Law, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher calculated across the entire duration of the degree, or the equivalent as approved by the Dean of Law.

2 In exceptional circumstances the Dean of Law may approve the admission of a student who has not met the requirements in Regulation 1 but who has at least three years of relevant work experience (or equivalent part time) deemed to be the equivalent to a Bachelors degree and has demonstrated the capacity to undertake advanced study, scholarship and research in the courses required for this degree.

Duration and Total Points Value

3 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 360 points

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

c not exceed 405 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

4 A student enrolled for this degree must complete:

a the requirements as listed in the Juris Doctor Schedule

b the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Distinction

5 The Juris Doctor may be awarded with Distinction or Merit in accordance with the University’s General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

6 In exceptional circumstances Senate or its representative may approve a personal programme of study which does not conform to these regulations.

Commencement

7 These regulations will come into force on 1 January 2025.

Requirement:

Compulsory courses (225 points).

Level 8: JUR 701–713

Level 9: JUR 791

Elective Courses

135 points of which at least 15 points must be a Level 9 course from LAWCOMM 702–797, LAWENVIR 702–785, LAWGENRL 702–785, LAWPUBL 705–785 or other 700 level courses approved by the Dean of Law

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Doctor of Philosophy - Law

• The University of Auckland

At THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

Qualification

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About the course

The PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree and the highest level of degree you can achieve. PhD students are critical, curious, creative thinkers who undertake original research over at least 3 years. The University of Auckland PhD is a globally recognised postgraduate research degree, available in over 100 different subjects. Candidates will undertake independent and original research, supervised by academic experts and research leaders. During your doctoral studies, you will have opportunities to expand and develop your personal, professional and academic skills. Our doctoral candidates present their work at local and international conferences, and are encouraged to network and collaborate with a wide range of experts in their research field. All of our doctoral policies and guidelines governing PhD study, including the PhD statute, are available in Doctoral policies and guidelines. If you are looking for PhD study in a subject not listed here, it may be available under a different title. The PhD is a thesis-only research degree programme, usually requiring full-time study for three to four years or part-time study for six to eight years. The degree is undertaken under supervision and candidates must complete a sustained course of advanced legal research resulting in the production of a substantial original thesis.If you have New Zealand postgraduate qualifications, you will need to have completed an LLB(Hons), a postgraduate bachelors (honours) degree in law or a Master of Laws with first class or second class (division 1) honours.

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Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. to get an accurate price.

Duration: 3 Year (s)

Fees: NZD 7660

How to apply

Entry requirements for the university of auckland, application deadline.

The application deadline isn't available Speak to an IDP counsellor for more detailed information

Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might ant to explore pathway options at The University of Auckland . If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

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Socially responsible architecture drives graduate’s vision for change

11 September 2024

Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries , Sustainable impact , Graduation

After shifting from law to architecture, Leith Macfarlane is now designing spaces that strengthen community ties and tackle pressing social issues.

Many people find themselves at a crossroads in their careers, wondering if the path they've chosen truly reflects who they are.

For Leith Macfarlane, that realisation came after years spent working in corporate law, when she discovered her true passion was in a field where she felt she could make a more immediate and meaningful difference.

“It took me many years to figure out that law wasn't my thing. And once my son was born, I knew I wanted to set an example for him by taking a leap into something new and pursuing a more creative path,” says Leith.

With a love for design, Leith made the decision to return to university to study architecture, juggling the demands of motherhood and the challenges of a completely new discipline. On 5 September, after five years of hard work, she graduated with a masters degree in architecture with first class honours.

Over the course of her studies, she earned numerous academic awards, including both Senior and Postgraduate Scholar Awards, the Warren Trust Prize and the Vernon Brown Memorial Award. Leith was also awarded a Gold Pin from the Best Design Awards for her undergraduate design project titled UP .

“Going back to university felt like a second chance. I knew myself better and had a clearer sense of what I valued. It wasn’t easy, but I loved every aspect of it.”

She now channels her passion into socially responsible architecture, designing spaces that strengthen community ties and address pressing social issues.

Her honours dissertation in law, which examined family violence courts, reflects a longstanding interest in social justice that now informs her architectural work.

“I’m drawn to questions of equity and justice, and I think there’s a huge potential for the built environment to play a role in creating a more socially sustainable, just society.”

Her masters’ thesis, To the Lighthouse , introduced the concept of suburban lighthouses that are intended to dot our suburban streets and act as every day community spaces and beacons of hope. They are both a call to care and critique of Aotearoa’s troubling rates of family violence, says Leith.

“Architecture has this incredible ability to make an impact in a tangible way. I think of it as a tool to bring communities together and reflect the values we care about.”

Her commitment to community-based architecture is already being realised. She is currently overseeing her first built project, a community hub in the Pāpāmoa Hills, working in partnership with the Summerhill Charitable Trust.

The project began as a live design studio during her undergraduate studies and was selected by the Trust to develop into a fully-fledged construction endeavour that is expected to be completed in 2025.

“It’s amazing to see something you’ve designed become a reality. I’ve been lucky enough to have my studio tutor, Matt Liggins, guide me through the process. The project has been such a rewarding experience, and I feel extremely fortunate for the opportunity.”

In addition to her architectural practice, Leith has taken on teaching and research roles at Te Pare School of Architecture and Planning. The opportunity to work with students has been another source of fulfilment, as she helps guide the next generation of architects.

“I'm hoping to work with architects who have similar values, while balancing my teaching at the University, which I’m truly passionate about.”

Her advice for those contemplating a career change is to be bold and, if you have the opportunity, take the leap.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding and worth every bit of effort. If you’re considering it and you have the right support, you’ll get so much out of it.”

Media contact

Hussein Moses | Media adviser M: 027 361 1000 E: hussein.moses@auckland.ac.nz

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