law

Doctor of Juridical Science

Doctor of Philosophy/Higher Degrees SJD
law

The Doctor of Juridical Science is a structured programme that incorporates coursework and independent research. Individually tailored, it’ll help you achieve a PhD degree with maximum support.

360 points, 3 years

Hamilton, Tauranga, Online

Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why study the Doctor of Juridical Science?

If you have an established professional or academic record, this degree may suit you. You'll achieve mastery of content, acquire skills and develop attributes appropriate to senior positions in academia, law and related professions.

The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is structured to ensure that you have optimal supervision to contribute to these outcomes. The University of Waikato has developed strong relationships and networks with national and international communities of researchers to ensure that this doctoral programme is relevant and responsive to your needs as well as to the needs of the profession.

Programme structure

Part 1

Part 1 requires you to complete the Research Portfolio paper (LAWS995). You'll attend selected seminars and cohort meetings with your supervising academic staff.

You'll have to produce two research papers of publishable quality demonstrating your expertise in an area of law of your choice. You'll also have to produce a research proposal at the level of a PhD proposal.

Part 1 counts for 120 points and you must gain a pass grade in the Research Portfolio. You'll have 1 year to complete Part 1 if you study full-time (and 2 years if you study part-time).

Part 2

For part 2, you'll complete a major thesis at the doctoral level of a maximum of 60,000 words. You'll be required to undertake approved and supervised research, and present the results lucidly in a thesis of publishable quality, which:

  • Critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance
  • Demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship
  • Displays intellectual independence, and
  • Makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area.

Part 2 counts for 240 points. You'll have 3 years to complete Part 2 if you study full-time and at least 6 years if you are enrolled in part-time studies.

SJD Regulations

For more information, please read the Doctor of Juridical Science programme regulations.

360 points, 3 years

Hamilton, Tauranga, Online

Papers offered differ by location. Find a Paper for full location info.

Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Degree information

Entry Requirements Fees and scholarships

PhD research opportunities

Browse our available PhD or Doctoral opportunities, our research areas and potential supervisors.

Documents

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

School of Graduate Research

School of Graduate Research, The University of Waikato Ground Floor, Student Centre, Gate 1, Knighton Road, Hamilton, New Zealand

Te Piringa Faculty of Law

Ms Anna MacGillivray - Graduate Administrator
N Block, Gate 7, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton
+64 7 838 4466 (Ext: 6734)
Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday