Key information about UPNG’s School of Law

 THE University of Papua New Guinea’s  School of Law has two strands – Law Strand and the Legal Clinical Programmes Strand (LCP). 

The Law Strand is responsible for teaching law courses and programmes while the LCP Strand is responsible for the teaching, development and administration of procedural and applied legal courses and programmes, like the diploma in law (prosecutions) programme. 

Bachelor of laws programme

The programme is spread over four-years and students must complete 36 courses within the time frame – 19 of these courses being compulsory, nine optional law courses and seven enrichment courses, and a student will be awarded a degree if he/she gains a GPA of 2.00. During their final year, students must produce a major research paper up to 20,000 words. Students are encouraged to take up seven non-law courses as part of the enrichment component of their degree programme. 

Entry requirements

Students must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.75 or better with an A in English and no D grade in any other subject taken in high school or matriculation programme. Selections begin with the highest GPA presented and processes downwards until the limited quota of 50 intakes are full. 

Classification of LLB degree

A student who has obtained good grades through his/her study programme will be awarded an honours degree at the completion of his/her LLB studies:

Honours    Percentage Grade   GPA

1st Class            85-100%           4.75

2nd Class         175-84%             3.75-4.74

2nd Class         265-74%             3.45-3.74

Pass                 50-64%               1.75-3.44

(D Average)

Diploma in law (Prosecutions) programme

This targets people in the workforce who are involved in investigations, compliance 

monitoring and enforcement, prosecution and such work that involves the application of law such as police officers, investigators, judicial staff and health inspectors. To gain entry, one must have to be matriculated with a GPA of 2.75 with relevant work experiences in the above stated work environment. Only 20 spaces are available and preference is given to persons with highest GPA and with suitable work experience. It is a two-year programme and candidates must complete 16 courses. 

Master of Laws

This programme is open to persons with honours degree in law or a person who has been admitted to practice law as a barrister and solicitor and who has appropriate degrees or professional qualifications. The programme can be done both by thesis only or part thesis and course work