The Degree of LLM (Law) [Graduate]

Entrance Requirements

Applicants for this program must hold the degree of JD or its equivalent from this or another university, of sufficient standard to satisfy the Graduate Studies Committee of the Faculty of Law that they will be capable of undertaking and profiting by the program.

Program Requirements

There are two programs available to students admitted to the LLM. Either may be subsequently used as a qualification for application to the PhD program. Successful completion of either the thesis-based or course-based LLM program, however, does not guarantee admission to the doctoral program. Students wishing to go on to a PhD program must make formal application.

Students must declare which program they intend to follow at the beginning of their graduate studies. Any students wishing to change their program must seek the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee.

1. Thesis-based LLM: Candidates must successfully defend a thesis of approximately 80 to 100 pages (20,000 to 25,000 words) in length, inclusive of footnotes or endnotes, on a topic selected in consultation with the candidate’s supervisor and with the approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law. In addition, candidates are required to successfully complete at least ★9 normally consisting of the Graduate Seminar (LAW 696 ), and two other courses. Candidates, however, 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.
2. Course-based LLM: Students must take and pass ★24 normally consisting of LAW 696  and ★21 in other courses to be determined in consultation with the student and their Academic Advisor and with the approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law. Students may take graduate courses in other faculties instead of, or in addition to, these courses with the approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law, after consideration of the candidate’s needs and experience and the availability of courses. In at least one of the graduate LAW courses, the student must complete LAW 690 , a major research paper, of approximately 40 to 60 pages (10,000 to 15,000 words) in length, inclusive of footnotes or endnotes, the topic to be approved by the course instructor and the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law.

Residency

All thesis-based candidates must complete at least one academic year (i.e., Fall and Winter Terms) in residence at the University.

Length of Program

The time required to complete the LLM will vary according to the previous education and experience of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of 12 months of study is normally required. Thesis-based candidates must complete requirements within four years. Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Course-based candidates must complete requirements within six years.