The Degree of PhD (Law) [Graduate]

Entrance Requirements

Applicants for this program must normally hold the degree of LLM or its equivalent from this or another university, of sufficient standard to satisfy the Graduate Studies Committee of the Faculty of Law, as well as the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, that they will be capable of undertaking and profiting by the program. On an exceptional basis, students enrolled in the Faculty’s LLM program may apply to the Graduate Studies Committee, Faculty of Law, to bypass the LLM requirement and enrol as a candidate for the PhD degree

Program Requirements

The program will normally include a minimum of ★9, normally consisting of the Graduate Seminar (LAW 696 ) and two other courses, often including a graduate-level Research Paper course (see Graduate Courses ). However, candidates may take graduate courses in other Faculties, instead of, or in addition to these courses, with the approval of the candidate’s supervisor and the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law, after consideration of the candidate’s needs and experience and the availability of courses. As well, candidates must write a detailed dissertation description and outline on a dissertation topic selected in consultation with the candidate’s supervisory committee and with the approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law. This is followed by an oral candidacy examination concerning the dissertation description and outline. A candidate is normally required to complete all course work before taking the oral candidacy exam. After the candidate passes the oral candidacy exam, the candidate will then submit a dissertation approximately 250 to 350 pages (62,500) in length, inclusive of footnotes or endnotes, and make an oral defence of the dissertation.

Residency

The residence period will ordinarily be one academic year (i.e., Fall and Winter terms), assuming an LLM upon entry from a university other than the University of Alberta. Candidates who hold a University of Alberta LLM may secure a waiver of residency, upon recommendation of the supervisory committee and approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to previous education and experience of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of two calendar years of full-time study is normally required, and candidates must complete requirements within six years. Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances.