Research enrolment and presentation

Research at a Masters level involves producing an extended piece of original writing. This work should reflect the scope and depth of a competent law review article.

You are expected to read widely on the topic which interests you, select a question which raises significant issues, use literature to inform your findings, discuss their significance and reach a conclusion.

There are several ways to undertake research at the Master’s level, including a thesis or smaller projects like a dissertation or directed study (see tables below). 

Thesis

There are two thesis options available, both of which are full-year courses.

Submission deadlines are determined by the mode of enrolment:

• 12 months for full-time students, and 
• either 18 or 24 months for part-time students, in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees. 

Students may begin their enrolment in either Semester One or Semester Two. A Late Year (December) start may also be possible, subject to supervisor availability. 

Dissertation and directed study

Smaller research projects, such as the dissertation and directed study, are semester-long courses (approximately 17 weeks in duration). These are due on the last day of the semester in which the student is enrolled. Students may begin their enrolment in either Semester One or Semester Two.

*LAWCOMM 792 Dissertation in Taxation also includes a presentation component, which takes place after the dissertation is submitted. 

Students cannot self-enrol in a research course. Enrolment is only possible once you have: 

• been offered a place to study; 
• secured a supervisor; and
• have your research proposal approved - by your supervisor and Associate Dean (Postgraduate Research).

Once your supervisor has agreed to supervise you and has discussed and confirmed your proposal, please get written approval from your supervisor. You will then need to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) Enrolment form by the due date noted in the EOI form. The faculty will seek ADPGR approval on your behalf.

If you have any issues in finding a supervisor, please complete the EOI form and someone from the Postgraduate team will be in touch to discuss.

You need to complete all of the above at least one month before your chosen semester begins. See Important Dates.

Haven’t applied to study yet? Please see Postgraduate Law Research Options.

You should contact a potential supervisor in the first instance to discuss your thesis, dissertation or directed study and to check their availability.  

Process for finding a supervisor: 

• Look for an academic staff member who works in an area aligned with your research interests on Discovery Profiles or the supervisors webpage and contact them directly. 
• Visit the Law School research pages.

It is helpful to prepare a research proposal to send to your potential supervisor so they can consider it. It can be further refined if needed prior to enrolment. 

It is important to remember that compliance with the degree regulations and the quality of your work is ultimately your responsibility. The role of the supervisor is to assist you to achieve the best research results of which you are capable. A co-operative relationship between students and supervisor helps to ensure a rewarding and productive research programme.  

When determining whether a potential supervisor is willing and able to supervise the student, it is important for the two to discuss: 

• the proposed research project; 
• the resources required to carry out the research and their availability;  
• the support that will be available to bring the research to a successful completion;  
•  any IP issues that may arise from the research;  
•  the respective obligations of supervisor and student to avoid possible misunderstandings; and 
• clear goals and the frequency of supervisory meetings.  
  

• All written work should comply with the New Zealand Law Style Guide and be typed with 1.5 spacing. 
• The maximum word limits include all words in the main text, footnotes and endnotes, but appendices, bibliographies, contents and title are excluded. 
• Never use material without giving a proper acknowledgement. 
• You must format and present your research in accordance with university standards.

See the Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Research Components in Sub-Doctoral Qualifications.

The University's policies on plagiarism also apply to postgraduate research. In any submitted work, unacknowledged copying (or plagiarism) is regarded as a form of cheating. 

See Academic Integrity.

• Thesis: Submit via email to pglawresearch@auckland.ac.nz 
• Dissertation or Directed Study: Submit through Canvas  

If you have any questions about your research enrolment, or concerns about your research progress, please contact pglawresearch@auckland.ac.nz