Course Overview
Looking for a challenging, well paid legal career that only requires one year of tertiary study to get you started?
- Study part-time while you work
- Experienced and accessible tutors
- Regular online tutorials – see and speak with real people!
You'll study this course fully online, examining the New Zealand legal system that'll allow you to assist in the transfer of land ownership, administer deceased estates and prepare and file court documents.
Several of the papers can be cross-credited towards the Diploma in Conveyancing. This qualification is also an ideal foundation for those considering a law degree further down the track.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies (Level 6)
| Locations | Online |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) Study fully online including fortnightly online tutorials at set times via Microsoft Teams. Note: one week prior to starting the programme, you’ll undertake an online introductory module. Part-time study available |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | $4,156 for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Legal Executive
- Personal Assistant
- Office Administration Specialist
- Legal Assistant - Banks, Government Departments, Large Organisations
Topics you'll cover
You'll become familiar with the New Zealand legal system and be qualified to assist in the transfer of ownership of land, administer deceased persons' estates and prepare and file court documents. You can complete between one and eight papers in any year (seven or eight is deemed full-time study). You may study full or part-time and papers are offered online.
Note: There are pre-requisites for some courses. These are identified in the brackets beside the course name. Equivalent courses from the New Zealand Law Society Diploma of Legal Executive studies are also recognised as pre-requisites. Please identify any previous courses of study you think may be eligible for recognition when you apply to enrol.
- JUST5003: New Zealand Legal System - An introduction to the New Zealand constitution, the function of law, types of law, the courts, property, and tort.
- JUST5004: Law Office Practice - Law office procedures and trust accounting.
- JUST5005: Professional Practice - Developing an understanding of professional standards and responsibilities, professional practices and ethical decision-making.
- JUST6006: Contract Law - The elements of a valid contract, rules of contract formation and discharge and remedies available for breach of contract.
- JUST6007: Land Law (JUST5003 and JUST6006) - Procedures for transferring land (conveyancing).
- JUST6008: Business Law (JUST5003 and JUST6006) - Contract, insurance, consumer law, personal securities, commercial leases, buying and selling a business, and company law.
- JUST6009: Estates Law (JUST5003) - Administration of deceased persons’ property (estate).
- JUST6010: Litigation Law (JUST5003 and JUST6006) - Debt collection, bankruptcy, family law procedures, legal aid applications and District and High Court procedures.
New Zealand Law Society exams are not part of this qualification and each course will be assessed internally.
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | $4,156 for domestic students |
|---|---|
| Course related costs | Textbooks may be required, see current textbook list. Note: if you wish to print out course materials you will need to allow for ink and paper costs. |
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
To gain entry into this programme, you must meet the following criteria.
Students younger than 20 years old must have:
- NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2 (including 10 Level 2 numeracy credits) and a minimum of 42 credits (including 10 reading and writing credits) at Level 3, OR
- Evidence of ability to complete academic requirements for the programme.
If you do not meet the academic requirements you may be given special admission if Toi Ohomai staff are satisfied you are capable of successfully completing the requirements.
Special admission may also apply for applicants over 20 years.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
Other Considerations
Information Questionnaire
When you apply to enrol, you will be provided with a short questionnaire. Completing this questionnaire is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and why you think this programme is right for you. It provides us with information to help you to decide the most appropriate courses for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Computer Requirements for Online Study
- Access to a computer and high-speed internet service
- Latest Google Chrome (web browser)
- A headset with microphone, and a webcam
- Microsoft Word - minimum version 97-2003
English language requirements
IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 4 with the Academic Endorsement or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Online | 24 Feb 2025 | |
| Online | Online | 14 Jul 2025 |
Study options
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
- Study fully online including fortnightly online tutorials at set times via Microsoft Teams. Note: one week prior to starting the programme, you’ll undertake an online introductory module.
- Part-time study available
