Graduate Programs in Law

General Information

The Faculty of Law offers programs of graduate study leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Laws (LLM). The Faculty also offers programs of joint study with the Faculty of Business leading to a combined MBA-JD program.

Please note that an LLM degree does not entitle the holder to practice law in Canada.

Entrance Requirements

For the LLM, the Faculty’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate JD or LLB degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

For the PhD, the Faculty’s minimum admission requirements are an LLM degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

• a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based, with at least 25 in each section), or equivalent
• an IELTS (Academic) score with a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 on each band,
• a PTE (Academic) overall minimum score of 68

Applicants are also required to submit the following

• Chronological resume or curriculum vitae
• Three reference forms and letters of recommendation completed and submitted by the referees
• a Statement of Motivation. Please follow the Statement of Motivation Instruction Form.
• a Research Proposal. See Admissions on the Department website for further information.

The deadline for all applications to be submitted is December 1.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance, including graduate research assistantships, may be available to suitably qualified candidates. Such assistance will involve candidates in the performance of certain research duties in the Faculty of Law, although such duties will not impede candidates in the pursuit of their own studies.

The Faculty of Law offers a number of scholarships and awards for PhD and LLM students. Eligible students are considered automatically by the Faculty of Law for these scholarships and awards at the time of admission. A current listing of Faculty of Law scholarships and awards can be found on the Faculty of Law website.

In addition, the University of Alberta offers certain scholarships to candidates of sufficiently high academic merit.

Inquiries regarding programs, courses and financial assistance other than University scholarships should be made to the Graduate Admissions Officer, Faculty of Law.

Graduate Program Requirements

Master’s Programs

• Master of Laws
    

Doctoral Programs

• Doctor of Philosophy (Law)  

Combined Degree Programs

• Master of Business Administration / Juris Doctor Combined Program (Law)
    

Graduate Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the subject heading Law (LAW).