- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- Available locations
- City
- Points
- 120
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught options available
Programme overview
The MIP is for law and non-law graduates who wish to gain advanced knowledge of New Zealand and Australian intellectual property law. It comprises a range of specialist courses taught by leading intellectual property law researchers and experienced and expert intellectual property practitioners. The programme will particularly appeal to those seeking registration as a patent attorney with the Trans-Tasman Intellectual Property Attorney Board.
A 60-point Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is available for students seeking shorter qualifications or exit options.
Part-time study is available and recommended for working professionals. Part-time options include 2 years (two courses per semester) or 4 years (one course per semester).
For further information please contact postgradlaw@auckland.ac.nz
Programme structure
The MIP is made up of 120 points undertaken by coursework (Taught Masters). It comprises:
- LAW 700 (0 points) - Legal Research Methodology and Advanced Writing
- At least 90 points from:
- LAWCOMM 772 (15 points) – Intellectual Property and Practice
- LAWCOMM 782 (15 points) – Trade Marks Practice
- LAWCOMM 785 (15 points) – Patent Practice
- LAWCOMM 791 (15 points) – Patent Drafting
- LAWCOMM 793 (15 points) – Patent Law
- LAWCOMM 795 (15 points) – Copyright and Design
- LAWCOMM 796 (15 points) – Trade Marks and Related Rights
- LAWCOMM 797 (15 points) – Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications
- Up to 30 points of other appropriate 700-level courses offered at this University, subject to approval by the Programme Director.
Course offerings can vary year to year. For detailed information on courses available see our Postgraduate taught courses page.
Flexible delivery
Our courses have been timetabled to provide flexibility for your learning. Some of our courses run:
- On an intensive basis over three days
- Over eight weeks from 5pm to 8pm
- Delivered in a blended fashion. That is, a live face to-face stream is the primary and recommended method of learning, but there will also be a concurrent online stream option
Scholarships
Discover the wide range of scholarships available at Auckland Law School for domestic and international students.
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
Admission to the 120 point programme is open to:
- Students with a relevant bachelors degree such as in Engineering, Science or Technology with honours from the University of Auckland (or equivalent), with a minimum GPA of 5.0 across 60 points above Stage III
- Students who have completed a relevant bachelors degree with honours from the University of Auckland (or equivalent) and passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate of Intellectual Property with a GPA of 4.0
- Students with an LLB or LLB(Hons) degree and a relevant bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 in their last year of study
- Students with a relevant bachelors degree, but without honours (Such students may be admitted if they have a GPA of 5.0 and can demonstrate to the Programme Director at least two years of relevant practical professional experience in the field of intellectual property.)
Other pathways to study
The Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is a pathway to the MIP if a student does not meet the entry GPA for the MIP.
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required7.0
No bands less than 6.5
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
Admission to the 120 point programme is open to:
- Students with a relevant bachelors degree such as in Engineering, Science or Technology with honours from the University of Auckland (or equivalent), with a minimum GPA of 5.0 across 60 points above Stage III
- Students who have completed a relevant bachelors degree with honours from the University of Auckland (or equivalent) and passed 60 points in the Postgraduate Certificate of Intellectual Property with a GPA of 4.0
- Students with an LLB or LLB(Hons) degree and a relevant bachelors degree with a GPA of 5.0 in their last year of study
- Students with a relevant bachelors degree, but without honours (Such students may be admitted if they have a GPA of 5.0 and can demonstrate to the Programme Director at least two years of relevant practical professional experience in the field of intellectual property.)
Other pathways to study
The Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is a pathway to the MIP if a student does not meet the entry GPA for the MIP.
How much does a Master of Intellectual Property cost per year?
2025 fees
Fees for 2024 will be set in October 2023. In the meantime, for an indication, please visit our website to view all course fees for 2023.
- Domestic students
- NZ$11,866.80*
- International students
- NZ$46,282*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2024
- 8 December 2023
- Semester Two 2024
- 4 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 2 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 29 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 20 July |
| Ends – 16 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
LAW 700
Legal Research Methodology and Advanced Writing
Compulsory core course
0 pts
LAWCOMM 772
Intellectual Property and Practice – Level 9
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 782
Trade Marks Practice - Level 8
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 785
Patent Practice - Level 8
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 791
Patent Drafting - Level 8
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 793
Patent Law– Level 9
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 795
Copyright and Design - Level 9
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 796
Trade Marks and Related Rights - Level 9
Optional
15 points
LAWCOMM 797
Interpretation and Validity of Patent Specifications - Level 8 Optional
15 points
Where could this programme take you?
The programme comprises courses designed to meet the knowledge requirements for registration as a patent or trade mark attorney. The programme will provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to help individuals and businesses successfully leverage and exploit their intellectual property and resolve intellectual property disputes.
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Key Information for Students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513