Graduate Certificate in Law 鈥� GCertLaw
Build your legal skills or focus on a new specialisation with the Graduate Certificate in Law (GCertLaw). Study at undergraduate and/or postgraduate-level from a choice of 300- to 500-level LAWS.
Whether you're already a lawyer or paralegal, a graduate from a different background or a legal practitioner from overseas, the GCertLaw has the study options to help you meet your goals.
The 60-point GCertLaw can be completed in one trimester of full-time study. If you're studying part time it must be completed in two years. At least 40 points must be at 300 level or above.
A GCertLaw alone does not allow you to practise as a lawyer. You must have an LLB or equivalent. However, the LAWS courses you pass as part of the GCertLaw may be credited to an LLB at a later stage.
Depending on your background and experience, if you're a graduate of another degree you might benefit from first enrolling in LAWS 121 Introduction to New Zealand Legal System. This course can't be credited to the GCertLaw, but will give you the foundations you need to succeed in studying law. Talk to the Law Faculty staff or the Director of Postgraduate Studies to discuss your options.
If you're a legal practitioner from overseas who needs to meet New Zealand Council of Legal Education requirements, the GCertLaw will help you meet them. 200-level LAWS courses can only be taken under a GCertLaw if they are requested by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education—usually in relation to overseas lawyers looking to practise law in New Zealand.
Campus Information
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand
Intakes
- Feb
- July
- Nov
Application Processing Time in Days: 20
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Wellington Careers and Employment
Get connected with employers and the community and prepare for your future employment. Develop your skills and experiences through our programmes and launch your career with confidence.
CV checks
Get your CV checked at a drop-in session.
Talk to someone
Make an appointment for one-to-one guidance with a careers consultant.
Network with employers
Explore your career possibilities and network with potential employers at our expos and other upcoming events.
Employers
Engage with us to build your organisation’s profile on campus and connect with our talented students and graduates.
Graduate recruitment
We host a number of graduate recruitment events throughout the year, where you can meet potential employers and find out about jobs and internships.
PSW Opportunity
Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree)
- Duration: Equal to length of study (typically up to 3 years)
- Requirement: minimum 30 weeks full time study in NZ
Level 7 (Graduate Diploma)
Eligible for PSWV
Conditions:
- Must also hold a Bachelor’s degree (NZ or overseas)
- Duration: Up to length of study (typically 1 year)
Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma)
- Duration: Equal to length of study, OR
- Up to 3 years in some cases (if part of higher qualification pathway)
Level 9 and 10 (Master’s degree and Doctoral degree)
- Duration: 3 years
- Condition: Must study at least 30 weeks in New Zealand
- Most eligible international students can work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, only if their student visa includes work rights.
- Foundation, pathway and short courses have different rules.
- Not allowed for part time students.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
For entry into a programme at postgraduate level (including a graduate diploma, Honour’s degree, postgraduate diploma, or Master’s degree), as a minimum, you need the equivalent of a Bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree from a recognised institution with at least a B average.
A background in a particular subject area may be required or recommended. Entry is at the programme director’s discretion.
IELTS (Academic)
Overall band of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0
TOEFL (iBT)
A score of 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing
Pearson Test of English (Academic)
A score of 58 with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 50
C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE))
A score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE))
A score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL)
NZCEL Level 5 (Academic)
Victoria University of Wellington English Proficiency Programme (EPP)
A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4
English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment
English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2)
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 06 Month
-
Total Tuition Fee:
19150 NZD
Average Cost of Living: 20000 NZD /year
Application Fee: N/A
Similar Programs
- Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology Practice at Victoria University of Wellington
- Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington
- Postgraduate Certificate in Criminology at Victoria University of Wellington
- Graduate Certificate in Science 鈥� GCertSc at Victoria University of Wellington
- Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy at Victoria University of Wellington
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Victoria University of Wellington