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 Doctor of Laws (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.

English language test	Undergraduate, graduate certificates, and graduate diplomas (all courses except those listed below)
IELTS (Academic)	6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
iBT (internet-based) TOEFL	80 with a score of 21 in writing
iBT (home-based) TOEFL	80 with a score of 21 in writing
Duolingo English Test (DET)	105
C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))	169 and no bands below 162
Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS)	B2 Communicator with 33-37 score per skill
NCUK English for Academic Purposes	Minimum C grade average with no lower than D in all components. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL)	Level 4 (Academic)
Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB))	Minimum score of 54
Pearson PTE Academic	Overall score of 50 with no Band less than 42
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)	II with distinction in all four components
University of Waikato College	Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme