The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which candidates undertake a programme of supervised research which critically investigates a topic of substance and significance. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree has a status higher than that of other Masters degrees but lower than that of the PhD degree. It is a research degree designed to recognise an original contribution to knowledge and the comments on the originality and significance of the PhD thesis apply here too. However, it is intended that an MPhil thesis be the product of only one year of full-time research (though in practice candidates invariably take longer) and the original contribution to knowledge will therefore be less than would be expected in a PhD thesis. Law Studying law is empowering as it affects every aspect of our life. Study Law at the University of Waikato - ranked as one of the world's top 250 universities for Law - and you'll be looking into why laws are made, who makes them, how they work and how to change them. Everyone needs to know the law, not just lawyers. The Rule of Law is the cornerstone of the civilised society. It defines rights and obligations and provides structure to institutions of government and commerce. Business people, financial consultants, police officers, forensic scientists, parole officers and people of many other professions will have studied law. Lawyers usually specialise in one or two areas, for example international or cyber law. Use your degree and the practical experiences around it to discover what your passion is, and what kind of law you’d like to practice. Career opportunities Solicitor Barrister Judge Policy Analyst & Advisor Mediator and/or Negotiator Legal Researcher Board Member for Iwi or other organisations