Juris Doctor (JD)
The University of Auckland, Auckland Law School, currently ranked 59th by Subject in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, will be launching a new programme, the first of its kind in New Zealand – the Juris Doctor (JD).
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a premier, comprehensive three-year postgraduate degree that equips students for a diverse array of legal careers.
This postgraduate programme is designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than Law.
| Duration | Start Date and Location | Points | Programme Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time: Three years Part time: Varies |
2027 February City Campus |
360 | Postgraduate Taught - includes compulsory courses, electives and capstone. |
Benefits
The JD offers a rigorous foundation in New Zealand law and prepares students to practise, lead, and innovate across diverse sectors where legal insight is key to navigating complexity and change.
Juris Doctor graduates will be equipped to transition into the legal profession or complement their existing expertise with legal knowledge - opening pathways into law firms, corporate legal teams, government agencies, non-profits, and policy-making.
Entry requirements
IELTS
- IELTS Academic 7 with no band below 6.5
Grade Point
- Applicants with a GPA or GPE of 7.0 and above will gain automatic entry.
- Applicants with a GPA or GPE between 5.0 and 6.9 will need to submit a CV along with information about where they were ranked in their undergraduate degree. You may be invited to an interview as part of the application process.
- We will have a targeted admission programme. Applicants for targeted admission will also need to submit a CV and their rank in their undergraduate degree, and you may be invited to an interview.
Requirements to practice law in New Zealand
Career opportunities
There are diverse career opportunities available in the legal field, including:
In Legal Practice
- Law Firm Associate
- Barristers
- Judicial Roles
In Corporate and In-House Counsel
- Corporate Lawyers
- Legal Advisors
- Government Lawyers
- Policy Analysts