University of the South Pacific
School of Law
Vanuatu
Master of
Laws
LLM
specialising in Pacific
Legal Studies
A degree offered in co-operation with
The University of Waikato
Te Whare Wänanga
o Waikato
MASTER OF LAWS (LLM)
The LLM is a specialist degree designed to explore Pacific legal thought and practice. It thus reflects the University of the South Pacific's geographical location. It aims to provide students with the skills to participate actively in the development of Pacific jurisprudence, and to enhance global understanding of Pacific legal systems.
The School of Law has a close working relationship with the Law School of the University of Waikato, New Zealand. As the course requirements suggest, the degree has been developed in close co-operation with Waikato.
ENTRY CRITERIA
Candidates for the LLM must have completed the LLB degree, or a combined degree in the School of Law, or an equivalent qualification.
Admission to the LLM will normally require a grade point average of 3.5 achieved across all courses passed towards the Bachelor’s degree or a pass in LA 326 Research Project with a result of B+ or better or have completed an LLB (Hons.) or its equivalent from another University. In some cases the Post Graduate Studies Committee will take into account other factors, such as extensive research or professional experience.
The subject of the thesis and dissertation must be developed and defined in close consultation with relevant staff in the School. The research area is subject to the approval of the LLM Convenor who is responsible for appointing a supervisor or supervisors. If more that one supervisor is appointed, one will be designated as the Chief Supervisor.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
The LLM by course work and dissertation comprises the equivalent of four courses, and requires students to undertake the following :
LA 400 - Advanced Pacific Legal Studies - the ‘core’ course
Plus - A dissertation (equivalent to one paper) on a topic, to be approved
by the LLM Convenor, relating to the law of the Pacific.
At least one course from the following list:
LA 401 - South Pacific Advanced Constitutional Law (awaiting formal approval)
LA 402 - Advanced South Pacific Dispute Resolution (awaiting formal approval)
LA 407 - Pacific Land Tenure
LA 424 - European Community Law relating to the Pacific
LA 425 - Law of the Sea
LA 426 - Advanced Pacific Commercial Transactions (awaiting formal approval)
LA 422 - Customary Law
It should be noted that other electives will be made available by the School of Law, University of Waikato. Many of the USP courses will be made available for delivery through the Internet and hence are appropriate for part-time study.
All students, other than those who have passed LA326 Research Project or specially exempted, are required to participate in the Graduate Goals and Methods Programme.
FEES
Fees are subject to change and more precise information is available from the Bursary.
Fees are made up of two components – tuition fees and miscellaneous charges. The tuition cost for 2000 will be as follows :
LLM by thesis only
Regional students:
Full time VT 186,300 pa ( $F 2662 pa)
Part time VT 93,150pa ($F1331 pa)
Absent VT 9315 pa (F$ 133 pa)
Third Country Award students:
Full time : VT574,000 pa (F$8200 pa)
Part time : VT287,000 pa (F$4100pa)Absent VT2870 pa (F$410
International students:
Full time VT 746,200 pa (F$10,660 pa)
Part Time VT 373100 pa ($F5330 pa)
Absent VT37310 pa (F$533 pa)
LLM by course work and dissertation, per course of study:
Regional Students VT 47,000 ( or FJ $665)
Third Country
Award Students VT 143,500 ( or FJ $2050)International students VT 187,000 ( or FJ $2665)
Regional students are those who are citizens of one of the twelve USP countries.
ADMISSIONS AND ENROLMENTS
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The requirements for admission to the degree are stated above. Applications for admission are considered by the Post Graduate Studies Committee of the School of Law |
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If English is not the first language or was not the language of instruction in the first degree, it is required that students have a TOEFL score of 600 or an IELTS score of 6.5 |
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Applicants are due by 26 November in the preceding year of study. |
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Classes begin early February but the GSM programme will begin in late January. |
Enrolment for Semester 2 must be completed by 30th June.
RESPONSE FORM I am interested in the LLM Name …………… Address………… ……………………… ……………………… ……………………… Phone …………… Fax ………………… Email ……………… Educational Qualifications ………… …………………………………………………… …………………………………………………… …………………………………………………… Please send me:
Print out and mail of fax to : The LLM Convenor, School of Law, University of the South Pacific, P.M.B. 072, Port Vila, Vanuatu Telephone: (678) 23520 Email: malifa_t@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj or hughes_r@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj |
FACILITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Each graduate student is provided with access to computing facilities on campus. Full time students will be provided with office space on campus.
LAW LIBRARY
The library has become a modern fully equipped research library capable of supporting a wide range of graduate studies in law. The collection of Pacific Law is also becoming richer.
INQUIRIES
Mr. Leulua’iali’i Tasi Malifa
School of Law, University of the South Pacific
Private Mail Bag 072
Port Vila
VANUATU
Email: malifa_t@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj
Professor Robert Hughes
Head, Law School
School of Law, University of the South Pacific
Private Mail Bag 072
Port Vila
VANUATU
Email: hughes_r@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj
Jennifer Corrin Care
Assistant to the Head of School
School of Law, University of the South Pacific
Private Mail Bag 072
Port Vila
VANUATU
Email: corrin_j@vanuatu.usp.ac.fj