phd in law canada

• Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)
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The PhD in Law is designed to provide advanced training for outstanding graduate students who have already obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) degree or its equivalent. The PhD is a research-intensive degree that prepares graduates for opportunities in law teaching, legal research, policy development, public and governmental service, and the practice of law.

The degree requirements include course work, comprehensive exams, a dissertation proposal and defence, a dissertation, and an oral dissertation exam. Working closely with a supervising faculty member, a student in the PhD program is expected to produce a book-length piece of original legal scholarship and of publishable quality.

The PhD provides an opportunity for focused study in a chosen field of law. It does not, of itself, qualify a holder for entry to the legal profession in British Columbia or any other certification for legal practice.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

I first attended UBC for my Master in Laws (LLM) and then decided to stay for my PhD. In my PhD, I wanted the opportunity to work and contribute to the Centre for Feminist Legal Studies (CFLS) at the law school. The Vancouver campus was also a huge draw. Having traveled for school before, I wanted to entrench myself in the city a bit more and continue some of the community work I had started.

Maira Hassan

Quick Facts

Program Enquiries

Admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 100

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

Prior degree, course and other requirements

Prior degree requirements.

Completion of either an LLB or JD and a Masters degree.

Document Requirements

Additionally to the required documents please submit: C.V. or resume Dissertation Proposal: PhD degrees in the Allard School of Law at UBC are dissertation-based degrees involving original research. Dissertation (PhD) proposals form an important part of the admissions process and help to guide the assignment of supervisors and supervisory committees. A proposal should outline a research project that could reasonably lead to a dissertation that makes an original scholarly contribution in the chosen field of legal study. The PhD dissertation proposal is approximately 10 pages (2,500 words), excluding bibliography. Clarity of expression is important. Please upload your thesis proposal under "Writing Sample". List of possible thesis supervisors: All applicants must submit a list indicating your first and second choice for a thesis supervisor, this list should be uploaded to your application form. There is no need to secure a thesis supervisor nor is it is necessary to contact potential thesis supervisors prior to submission of an application as many faculty members prefer that applications are referred by the Graduate Committee for their review.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Research Information

Research facilities.

Allard Hall, the home of the Peter A. Allard School of Law, was opened in 2011. The latest technology connects the Faculty with campuses, courthouses and offices around the world, and a new, state-of-the-art UBC Law Library serves as a vital academic hub for students and the legal community. Natural light, contemporary classroom designs, expanded student service spaces, a student forum space at the centre of the building, and new research spaces are all part of the new facility. The Law Library has a research collection of approximately 225,000 volumes.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 1 student received Teaching Assistantships valued at $1,054.
• 2 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 2 students was $6,313.
• 10 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 10 students was $4,505.
• 20 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 20 students was $20,705.
• 8 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 8 students was $20,750.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

24 students graduated between 2005 and 2013: 1 is in a non-salaried situation; for 1 we have no data (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016). For the remaining 22 graduates:

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, alumni on success.

Craig Bateman

Job Title Copy editor, legal researcher, and writing consultant

Employer Self employed

Robert Russo

Job Title Lecturer

Employer Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times.

• Research Supervisors

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Affolder, Natasha (International Environmental Law, Biodiversity Law, Law and Sustainability)
• Ahmad, Hassan (transnational tort law; interaction of domestic jurisdiction and liability principles with international law; business and human rights law; Law and political economy)
• Aloni, Erez (Law and legal practice; Law; Contracts; family law; law and sexuality)
• Arbel, Efrat (Law and legal practice; Law; Constitutional law; Gender and Law; Legal and Critical Theory; Prison Law and Policy; Refugee Law; Tort Law)
• Bakan, Joel Conrad (Constitutional Law, Legal Theory, Socio-Legal Studies)
• Benedet, Janine (Law and legal practice; Penal Law; Labor Standards and Laws; Human Rights and Liberties, Collective Rights; prostitution and pornography; sexual abuse of girls; sexual harassment in employment and education; sexual violence against women)
• Beswick, Samuel Peter (Private law; Common law; Comparative law; Torts, private obligations and product liability law; Legal theory, jurisprudence and legal interpretation; Law; Law and time; Limitations; Remedies; Tort Law; Restitution and unjust enrichment; Public authority liability)
• Bhandar, Brenna (Law and legal practice; property law)
• Biukovic, Ljiljana (Adaptation of international legal norms by national governments, the impact of regionalism on multilateral trade negotiations and the development of European Union Law,European union Law, International Trade Law, International Dispute Resolution, E-commerce, Comparative Law )
• Cheng, Jie (Comparative Constitutional Law; Chinese Law and Governance; Hong Kong and Macau Basic Laws; Land Property Law; Information Law)
• Christie, Gordon (Legal Theory, and trans-cultural tort law, Aboriginal law, Indigenous legal orders, Indigenous legal theory, Legal Theory and trans-cultural tort law)
• Clifford, Robert (Aboriginal and Indigenous law)
• Cui, Wei (Law and legal practice; Taxation; Law; Social Organization and Political Systems; Chinese administrative law; Chinese legislative system; law and development; Law and political economy; tax and development; tax policy)
• Cunliffe, Emma (Women and the law, evidence, experts, courts and media, open justice, pathology and law, criminal law, SIDS, child homicide )
• Dauvergne, Catherine (Immigration, Immigration Law, Refugee Law, Legal Theory, Globalization)
• Duff, David (Tax Law Tax Policy Environmental Taxation Charities, Tax law and policy, environmental taxation, comparative and international taxation, and distributive justice)
• Etxabe, Julen (Law and society; Literature and critical theory; History and philosophy of law and justice; Law and humanities; Legal Theory and Jurisprudence; Human Rights; Political Theory; Law and literature; Cultural Studies)
• Flynn, Alexandra (Law and society; Municipal Law; Local Governance; property law; Administrative Law; Experiential legal education; Socio-Legal Studies; Law & Cities)
• Ford, Cristie (Law and legal practice; Law; Regulation; Social, Economical and Political Impacts of Innovations; Laws, Standards and Regulation Impacts; Administrative Law; Ideological, Political, Economical and Social Environments of Social Transformations; Financial innovation and fintech; financial regulation; Legal innovation and law tech; regulation & governance theory; securities regulation; the legal profession; Innovation and the law)
• Goldbach, Toby Susan (Law and legal practice; Political Culture, Society and Ideology; Procedural Law; Jurisprudence; Comparative Law; Dispute Resolution; Judicial Politics; law and development)
• Goold, Benjamin (Law and legal practice; Law; Border Studies; Criminal Justice; Human Rights; migration; Privacy; security)
• Gordon, Sara (Law and legal practice; Intersection of psychology and mental health with the criminal justice system; Criminal law and criminal justice; Health law and policy; Legal methodology and interdisciplinary approaches)
• Grant, Isabel (Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Psychiatry and Law)
• Harris, Douglas (Property law (except intellectual property law); Canadian history; property law; condominium law; legal history)
• Hastie, Bethany (Labour & Employment Law, Human Rights, Socio-Legal Studies, Access to Justice)

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Sustainable development : Africa's hidden and not-so-hidden contribution to its law, politics, and history
• Africanization of international investment law : reconciling sustainable development, climate action, and foreign investment in the global south
• Rethinking the Antarctic governance and legal framework through the creation of an international legal framework for mining operations in Antarctica
• Overlapping criminal offences and gendered violence : what is overlap and when is it part of the problem of overcriminalisation?
• Climate discourse polluted : a cumulative effects analysis of the fossil fuel industry’s tactics to influence public discourse
• The financialization of housing in Canada and federally-backed mortgage securitization : public risks, private benefits
• Bishops on the bench : why Constantine legislated Christian bishops into the role of judges

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• LLM - Master of Laws (Common Law) (LLMCL)
• LLM - Master of Laws (LLM)
• LLM in Taxation (LLMT)

Further Information

Specialization, ubc calendar, program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson, KC

I am Indigenous to this Province. I live in Haida Gwaii and on the territory of the Semiahmoo Nation. UBC is ideal for the location, and because it facilitates ongoing connections with my nation and homeland of Haida Gwaii.

Oludolapo Makinde

Haley Hrymak

Many of the academics I admire and look up to are at UBC. UBC is the ideal place for my work given my focus on BC, my supervisors’ skillsets, and my connection to the legal community and anti-violence sector across BC. I am also very thankful for the funding UBC has offered me to complete my...

Melanie McPhail

Growing up in the Vancouver area, I was thrilled at the opportunity of continuing my graduate studies close to home after spending over a decade in Ontario. Additionally, studying at UBC provides me with the opportunity to work with Dr. Cristie Ford, a leading scholar in regulatory governance.

Considering Vancouver as your next home?

This city won’t disappoint. It has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches and all four seasons, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

The PhD program in Law gives qualified students the opportunity to engage in sustained research in an area of interest to them, under the supervision of our diverse, energetic faculty members.

The Faculty of Law includes endowed chairs in natural resources and business law. Our graduate programs in energy and environmental law are world-renowned. We have experts in a wide variety of areas of law, including international environmental law, internet and cybersecurity law, business law, and legal theory and history.

The Faculty of Law is a home of the Journal of Environmental Law and Practice and for our acclaimed law blog, ABlawg .

Completing this program

• Core Courses: Graduate seminar in legal research and methodology, graduate seminar in legal theory, and independent, supervised research.
• Thesis/Dissertation Proposal 
• Written Field of Study Examinations
• Oral Candidacy Examination
• Completion of Original Thesis/Dissertation: Approximately 300 pages in length.

The PhD program is for students passionate about research and writing in a focused area of law, and who may be interested in an academic or research career.

A PhD in law is usually considered a final degree; some graduates go on to post-doctoral research.

Students are required to prepare a thesis/dissertation and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Three core courses.

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time

A supervisor is required; potential supervisors must be listed when applying to the program

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

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Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.

Lyndsay Campbell

Gideon Christian

Lorian Hardcastle

Howard Kislowicz

Emily Laidlaw

Sharon Mascher

Michael Nesbitt

Evaristus Oshionebo

Bryce Tingle

Admission requirements

Minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0 on JD, LLB or equivalent Law degree, plus 3.0 out of 4.0 on Masters of Law of equivalent. Generally, successful applicants will have a GPA of at least 3.7 out of 4.0 in their Masters degrees.

International applicants should visit this website to determine whether or not their GPAs meet program minima.

Minimum education

An LLM or other relevant and appropriate master's degree.

Work samples

Writing sample required.

• Applicants must provide a 10-page statement describing their research interests and propose a dissertation project.
• Writing Sample: Should be approximately 10-30 pages long. It must be your own original writing. It should be reasoned scholarly or professional work that serves to demonstrate to a committee of professors that you have a well-developed capacity for writing, analysis and research. It may be published or unpublished. Be prepared to explain in your application the circumstances under which you wrote it. Do not submit writing that you co-authored with someone else: application files relying on co-authored work will be treated as incomplete. Do not submit any material that is confidential or to which others might have claims of privilege, e.g. confidential or privileged memoranda prepared for clients or employers.
• You will be asked to identify two referees. Ensure that the contact information you provide is accurate. At least one, and preferably both, of your references should be provided by individuals who have worked with you at the Master’s level and is well familiar with your past work and research proposal.
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions that you have attended, including any that you may currently be attending. Information about transcripts is available  HERE

Reference letters

Two academic.

Test scores

Supervision and funding.

Applicants must identify a potential supervisor in their application.  

English language proficiency (ELP)

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 97 (minimum of 25 on the reading and writing components).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.0 (minimum of 6.0 in each section and a reading and writing band minimum of 7.0).
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (minimum score of 70 on writing and reading sections and 60 in all other sections).  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in the Academic Writing and Composition course, a minimum grade of “A-” in the Research Writing and Form course, and a minimum grade of “B+” in all other courses. 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 191.

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements

Dates and Deadlines

For admission September 1:

• Application portal (below) opens September 1.
• Application deadline: December 1.
• Deadline for submission of supporting documents and reference letters: December 15.

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program, the faculty of law.

Law Graduate Programs MFH 2380, 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 403.210.8718

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit their website

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

Course-based LLM

T hesis-based LLM

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The SJD program at the University of Toronto provides an opportunity for outstanding law graduates to pursue original academic research at the highest level. At the University of Toronto, our doctoral students find a rich intellectual environment, unique opportunities to develop as scholars and teachers, and a well-established, funded pathway to an academic career at law schools and other institutions across Canada and internationally. Our graduate program offers an unparalleled student experience: the quality of supervision by our world renowned law school’s faculty , our rich and vibrant peer community , housed in beautiful Falconer Hall, and our excellent job placement rates are among the best in the world. University of Toronto is the leading institution from which law professors across Canada hold their terminal graduate degrees in law.   

In addition to affiliation with our various research groups , University of Toronto offers several collaborative research programs for doctoral students in important and topical branches of legal studies. 

Eligible candidates generally hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) and a Master of Laws (LLM) from recognized universities with an excellent academic record (at least a University of Toronto B+ standing or equivalent) and have demonstrated, through substantive writing, their ability to engage in and generate high-level quality research and writing. Candidates who have achieved a minimum A- average in their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD) may be considered for direct entry into the SJD program.

Successful applicants commence this program in September. In special circumstances, an application for commencement of the program in January may be considered.

The Faculty of Law offers internal financial support (covering at minimum tuition and incidental fees plus a $17,500 living stipend) each year for all three years of study to all doctoral students. Details of financial support, and additional fellowships or research assistanceships, will be confirmed in the letter of admission to successful applicants. Financial support in the second and third year is conditional upon the student making satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree and other conditions set out within the Faculty's Awards Policy .

Requirements

Doctoral students must:

• Complete the graduate seminar, Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship. Other coursework requirements are designed on an individual basis. Students entering the SJD program without an LLM must complete eight credit hours of coursework and remain in residence for four academic terms (September to April for two years).
• Complete the area requirement and SJD presentation (see below).
• Write a dissertation of approximately 300 to 400 pages (approximately 90,000 to 100,000 words) which makes a distinct contribution to legal research or scholarship.
• Pass an oral examination on the dissertation.

Area Requirement in the Doctoral Program

Candidates must demonstrate competence in the broader area of their research in their first year of the doctoral program. An Individual Committee (established by the student and approved by the Associate Dean, Graduate Programs) assists in framing that area and developing an appropriate plan, including a reading list, for carrying out the research. The research undertaken by the candidate either culminates in a written exam based on the reading list, or a research project, which may consist either in a draft of a chapter of the thesis or a written overview of the general argument of the thesis, informed by the reading list. Both paths lead to an oral area exam, essentially a thorough discussion with the supervisory committee that is based on written work and a reading list. A candidate must satisfy the area exam requirement by the end of the first year of registration.

SJD Presentation

Each SJD student is required to give a formal presentation in their second year in the program: a presentation of an overview of their work in progress or a draft chapter to an audience of their peers and interested faculty. The SJD presentation is designed to provide students with experience presenting in a formal workshop setting and to gain valuable feedback from a group larger than their committee.

Graduate students choose their other courses from those available in the JD program, which are posted on-line in the summer. Graduate students are expected to choose upper-year and seminar courses. Students are not allowed to select courses from the first year JD program.

Students may also enroll in other graduate courses in other faculties of the university. The selection of courses is subject to the approval of the Associate Dean.

Graduate Faculty

The graduate faculty consists of the full-time faculty of the law school.

Application Information

• Degree Requirements: SJD
• Degree Requirements: Direct-Entry SJD
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Lindsey Carson, SJD graduate

"While it was difficult to leave my legal practice at a leading U.S. firm, my experiences in the SJD program at U of T have confirmed that I absolutely made the right decision.  I have never been in another academic environment in which the faculty show such a genuine interest in and respect for student scholarship."

Find out more about the research interests of our SJD students:

Read SJD Student Profiles

David Sandomierski (SJD 2017)

"The SJD program has expanded my intellectual horizons by exposing me to an eclectic and inspired mix of scholarship from both faculty members and visitors."

Academic Programs

• Degree Requirements: Direct-Entry SJD Students
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Doctoral Program

Intensive, selective and challenging, our doctoral program is ideal for scholars intent on deepening and broadening their critical understanding of the law, as well as their original engagement with it.

Our Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) program serves as a starting point for those planning to pursue careers in academia, think-tanks, government and international organizations, among others. Our students build the teaching supervision, leadership and knowledge that they need to take on any challenge. Whatever their ambitions, our students have great success in achieving them. The DCL program allows for the development of a substantial thesis, which makes an original contribution to legal scholarship.

McGill's Faculty of Law currently hosts approximately 70 doctoral students, who come from all around the world. Each year, we admit roughly 15 new students to this vibrant community.

Our doctoral programs

The Faculty of Law offers three options for students in its doctoral program:

• Doctor of Civil Law - Law
• Doctor of Civil Law - Comparative Law
• Doctor of Civil Law - Air and Space Law

Research affiliations

If their area of research is suitable, DCL candidates may wish to be associated with:

• the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism
• the Paul-André Crépeau Centre for Private and Comparative Law
• the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy
• or one of the Research Chairs at the Faculty of Law.

Doctoral students at McGill’s Faculty of Law are invited to participate in Faculty Seminars and other workshops as a way to underscore their membership in a community of academic scholars.

Related Content

Read our leaflet [.pdf]

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Submit your application for admission to our graduate programs by December 1st.

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Graduate Programs at the Schulich School of Law begin each September . There are NO Winter or Spring term admissions. 

Admission for September 2024 is CLOSED

Applications for September 2025 will open later this summer.

Be sure to apply online for September 2025 by:

• December 1st - with funding consideration
• February 15th - NO Funding consideration

Only applicants who have submitted ALL application documents by the deadline will be considered. You have 2 weeks from the above stated deadlines to submit application documents, though you can connect with the Administrative Coordinator earlier about document submission process.

Additional Scholarship Information

The Schulich School of Law has some scholarship money made available through endowments for graduate students. These funds are awarded by the Graduate Studies Committee. Taking the LLM on a part-time basis renders you ineligible for Schulich-specific financial support.

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Dalhousie University also has a number of awards potentially available to graduate students in law. They are managed through the  Harmonized Scholarship Process  which allows for a current/prospective student to be considered for several FGS-managed scholarships using a single application, including the  Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship ,  Killam Predoctoral Scholarships ,  James Robinson Johnston Graduate Entrance Scholarship for African Canadians ,  African Nova Scotian Graduate Scholarship ,  Indigenous Graduate Scholarship ,   Vitamin Scholarship  and the  Abdul Majid Bader Graduate Scholarship .

All required application material must be submitted via the Online Scholarship Platform by December 15th , to be in line with the funded admission deadline.

For more information and to apply, please visit the  Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

Please note that obtaining an LLM or PhD from Dalhousie does not qualify students who do not have an LLB or JD from a Canadian university to practice law in Canada. International students who are interested in practising law in Canada should contact the  National Committee on Accreditation.

Our LLM is NOT compatible with the NCA requirements and can not be used as a method to achieve the required credentials to practice law in Nova Scotia/Canada.

Pursue a masters degree perfectly matched to your needs (LLM)

Our Master of Laws (LLM) degree, established in 1951, is diverse and deep. It can deliver the development you're looking for, whether your focus is intellectual property, broadcasting, tax, privacy, conflict prevention, the use of expert evidence, free trade, drug testing, the discipline of physicians or something else entirely.

LLM admission requirements

Candidates should have obtained high standing in an undergraduate or first law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent) passed with at least a 3.5 GPA. In exceptional circumstances we will accept for the coursework option candidates whose previous degree(s) are not in law but in cognate fields. The ability to conduct independent research and work easily in the English language is a prerequisite for admission.

Candidates from outside Canada whose native language is other than English will be required to pass an English language proficiency test (TOEFL, 600/250/100) (IELTS 7.5 or higher).

In an application package there should be TWO letters of reference, preferably from academic specialists in law who are familiar with your work and your scholarly capabilities.

For a full checklist, please visit our How to Apply webpage.

LLM program options

We offer two options for the LLM program . The first is a combination of a thesis plus three courses. The second is a program of six courses, all of which require substantial written research papers.

You may choose to do either of these options on a full-time (usually one year) or a part-time (usually two or more years) basis. Please note that taking the LLM on a part-time basis renders you ineligible for some potential financial support ( find out more about funding ).

Thesis option

Students usually complete the program's three courses during the first and second terms (September to April) of the academic year before undertaking a supervised thesis for the remainder of the year (May to August).

Coursework option

The coursework LLM option includes six courses (including directed research courses) that each conclude with a substantial written paper. This version of our LLM normally runs from September to May and is particularly appropriate for part-time students.

Before deciding on the thesis or coursework option , candidates who are contemplating future doctoral studies should note that some doctoral programs require the completion of a Master of Laws degree which includes a thesis. It should also be noted that some funding sources are only available to thesis stream students.

Both thesis and coursework LLM students are required to take the Graduate Seminar on Legal Education and Legal Scholarship ( LAWS 3010/3020 ).

LLM degree requirements

The Graduate Seminar on Legal Education and Legal Scholarship ( LAWS 3010/3020 ) is a required class for LLM students and is open to, and may be required for PhD students. This seminar is given in the Fall term and early part of the Winter term and requires from the student a comprehensive class presentation based on a substantial written paper.

Some students who have not had previous exposure to jurisprudence may be advised to take a jurisprudence course in addition.

If the degree is taken by thesis , a candidate is also required to:

(a) complete at least two one-term classes from the course offerings of the Schulich School of Law (the choice of classes to be determined by the Law Graduate Studies Committee); and (b) present a well-researched substantial thesis of scholarly quality produced under the supervision of a member (or members) of the law faculty.  Such a thesis would normally be 125-150 typescript pages in length (double-spaced).

Three copies of the thesis must be submitted to the supervisor on or before the dates established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The thesis requirements and regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies must be met. More information is available in the Graduate Handbook.  

If the degree is taken by coursework without a thesis , candidates are also required to take five one-term classes from the advanced coursework offerings of the Schulich School of Law considered to be suitable as graduate classes and seminars by the Law Graduate Studies Committee. Of those five classes, at least three must be designated as "major paper courses" by the Schulich School of Law, or be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee as having a substantial written component. At the discretion of the Graduate Studies Committee, a candidate may be required to submit to an oral examination by the committee or its nominees in the field of any written paper presented by the candidate. The Graduate Studies Committee may approve the substitution of not more than two seminars or graduate level classes in a discipline other than law, which may be highly relevant to the candidate's thesis topic or area of specialization, provided that any such substituted course or seminar has, in the opinion of the Committee, equivalence to the law classes being substituted.

In all courses, graduate students must receive a minimum mark of "B-" in order to pass.  No more than 3 courses  in which a student receives a B- grade will count towards the degree requirements.

Length of program

The degree may be taken on the basis of either one academic year (September 1 to August 31) of full-time studies at Dalhousie, or two academic years of part-time studies at Dalhousie, after registration for the LLM degree.

General requirements

A student is required to comply with the directions of the supervisor and the decisions of the Graduate Studies Committee, as well as the rules and regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

In exceptional circumstances, the Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law may at any time require any candidate for the degree to show cause, in such manner as it may determine, why such candidate should be permitted to continue his or her candidacy.

Take a deep doctoral dive into your area of interest (PhD) 

We offer an advanced graduate program in law leading to the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Law) to a small number of highly qualified candidates.

PhD admission requirements

Applicants for admission to the PhD program must have demonstrated superior academic ability during their previous legal education. Normally it will be necessary to have:

(i) attained at least the equivalent of a Dalhousie A- (3.7 GPA) average at the JD level; and (ii) completed a Master's degree in law.

Preference will be given to applicants with established credentials in published scholarship of a professional calibre. This will often be reflected on tan applicant's CV .

The ability to conduct independent research and work easily in the English language is a prerequisite for admission. Candidates from outside Canada whose native language is other than English will be required to pass an English language proficiency test (TOEFL, 600/250/100) (IELTS 7.5 or higher).

A candidate may, at the discretion of the thesis committee, be required to pass a special examination designed to demonstrate the examinee's proficiency in a foreign language, statistical method, computer analysis, or other skill deemed to be important for successful completion of the candidate's thesis in the chosen area.

In applying for admission, an applicant must submit a preliminary Thesis Proposal (maximum approximately 3,000 words). The Proposal should outline the proposed research, address existing literature in the area and methodological and theoretical approaches which will be employed. The Proposal should be sufficient to enable the Graduate Studies Committee to assess the suitability of the topic for development of the doctoral thesis, as well as the availability of supervisory resources and the capability of the applicant to undertake the project.

PhD residency requirement

Applicants must spend at least one full academic year (12 months) in full-time residence at Dalhousie after registration for the PhD program. The Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law reserves the right in certain cases to require the completion of a second year of residency. It is to be noted, however, that consistent with other doctoral programs at Dalhousie University, PhD candidates must pay fees at the full-time rate for two years regardless of whether they have been required to spend a second year in residence at Dalhousie.

PhD pre-thesis requirements

Candidates for the PhD degree may be required by the Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law, on the recommendation of their thesis committee, to carry out advanced course work in the area of their thesis, or in a cognate area of a more general field of law, or in a discipline other than law, which is deemed to be highly relevant to their thesis topic. 

All requirements must be completed with no grade below B- . A student who fails to meet this requirement is automatically dropped from the program, but may apply for readmission.

PhD thesis requirements

The primary requirement for the PhD degree is the completion of a substantial thesis which should not only display original scholarship of a high standard, but also represent a significant contribution to the literature of the chosen subject. Normally, a PhD thesis should be between 350 and 500 typescript pages in length (double-spaced).

In applying for admission, an applicant is required to satisfy the Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law that the suggested topic is suitable for development as a doctoral thesis.

After an applicant has been accepted, a thesis committee consisting of a supervisor and two advisors will be appointed by the Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law. All candidates are required to comply with the decisions of their thesis committees.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires that the completed PhD thesis be submitted to the Graduate Studies Committee within six years of the date of original registration in the program. Submission of the thesis must follow the rules and regulations laid down by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Each PhD candidate is required to defend the completed thesis in an oral examination . This defence shall be conducted in accordance with the Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations for Oral Examination of a Doctoral Candidate.

PhD teaching activities

The Graduate Studies Committee of the Schulich School of Law may give permission to a PhD candidate to engage in teaching activities during the period of residency, if such activities are deemed to fall within the field of the candidate's thesis topic. Under no circumstances shall any full-time PhD candidate be permitted to spend more than six hours per week in teaching activities and related preparations.

Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University Weldon Law Building 6061 University Avenue  PO Box 15000 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada  B3H 4R2 t:  902.494.3495   e:  [email protected]

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Osgoode’s PhD in law is a full-time advanced degree requiring research-intensive study and in principally aimed at students pursuing an academic career. It is designed to be completed in three to four years.

Prerequisites

An LLM is generally a precondition of admission to the PhD. Students without an LLM should apply initially to the Research LLM; after their first year of study they can apply to advance to the PhD.

Degree Requirements

Graduate seminar i: legal research (gs law 6610), graduate seminar ii: advanced legal research methodologies (gs law 6611).

• Study groups
• One elective course
• Extended dissertation proposal

Dissertation

• Final oral examination

The Graduate Seminar is the core course for the Graduate Program in Law. Designed to complement other courses, the seminar provides a venue for developing critical assessments of the law and facilitating students’ progress on their own research, papers and dissertation proposals. The seminar also creates an intellectual community and introduces students to Osgoode research resources.

This seminar offers a review of quantitative and qualitative methods employed in legal research. Specific sessions focus on interviewing, ethnographic methods, surveys and other quantitative methods, data collection and analysis, archival and document collection and analysis. The seminar is designed for PhD students and is completed in the winter term.

Study Groups

Students participating in study groups read and discuss a number of articles with their groups each week. The groups are not structured as courses but as venues for reflection and discourse. For doctoral students, study groups are equivalent to the comprehensive examinations required by other graduate programs.

Participation in a study group is required (for credit) in the first or second year of PhD studies, and then one year thereafter (non-credit) provided PhD students are registered full-time. Students can choose among five options, depending on their research interests and course availability:

• Regulation and Governance
• Law and Economic Relations
• Theoretical Perspectives in Legal Research
• Law and Social Justice
• Law in a Global Context

Elective Courses

PhD students can fulfil their elective course requirement through:

• a variety of graduate courses in law
• integrated courses with the JD program
• independent study
• courses in other programs

Research Outline, Ethical Review and University Guidelines

In the second term of their first year, each student must submit to the Program office a brief outline of their proposed research that has been reviewed and approved by the members of their supervisory committee. The work must be original, containing a new argument supported by research carried out by the student.

A declaration of the ethical issues around the underlying research must be made early in the student’s first year. Projects involving interactions of any kind (for example, through interviews, questionnaires, consultations or observations) require an ethics review.

Dissertations must be prepared in accordance with the Faculty of Graduate Studies thesis and dissertation guidelines .

Extended Dissertation Proposal

PhD students must submit an extended dissertation proposal (50 –70 pages) by the end of their sixth term. Students must defend their proposal in an oral exam before an examining committee (which must be done by the end seventh term).

The dissertation is a piece of original research that reflects a substantial contribution to existing legal literature. Expected to be between 300-350 pages, it should have the usual scholarly apparatus, footnotes and a bibliography prepared in accordance with the McGill Guide to Legal Citations. The dissertation should be of sufficiently high quality to warrant publication by an academic publisher or through a comparable venue.

With the permission of their supervisor and in consultation with the Graduate Program Director, PhD candidates may submit a Portfolio Dissertation in lieu of a conventional thesis. The Portfolio Dissertation must be composed of three to five articles (depending on the length and ambition of the articles) developed during the candidate’s graduate studies, published or accepted for publication, and combined with an introduction and conclusion.

Final Oral Examination

Students must succeed in an oral defence of their dissertation before an examination committee.

Time to Completion

PhD students are expected to complete all requirements within 18 terms (six years).

Residency Requirement

Students must be located such that they are able to progress on all program requirements requiring geographical availability on campus.

More Detail:

Faculty research advisors, related topics:, funding and fees, intellectual life, meet our current doctoral students, meet our phds.

Jake Okechukwu Effoduh

“This school propelled me to unearth the power of legal research in ways that have helped me uncover new insights, challenge existing paradigms and contribute to this ever-evolving landscape of scholarship.”

Deanne Sowter

“Attending Osgoode Hall Law School for my JD and PhD were two of the best decisions of my life, giving me the opportunities and skills to engage in important research supported by a thriving academic community.”

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Doctorate in Philosophy Law

Reflecting Canada’s bilingual and trijuridical legal system (civil law, common law, aboriginal law), as well as its location in Canada’s Capital, the Faculty of Law offers graduate programs leading to a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in Law.

The graduate studies in law are a joint endeavour of the Common Law and Civil Law Sections. We welcome law graduates from both legal systems and from countries around the world. Courses are offered in English or in French, and occasionally in both languages. Students may readily complete their graduate studies while learning something of Canada's other legal and linguistic traditions.

The programs are offered in English and in French, and sometimes in a combination of both. In accordance with University of Ottawa Policy, examinations, assignments and the research paper or thesis may be written in either English or French. The programs are governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. 

Doctoral Program

The aim of the doctoral program is to develop autonomous academics and lawyers who are highly qualified to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their particular discipline through theoretical, practical and empirical research in various fields of law. The program focuses on the development and mastery of a research approach, of social and critical legal reasoning for the purpose of making original contributions in the field of law.

The doctoral program comprises the following elements: a legal research methodology and theory course, an elective course, a comprehensive examination, a thesis proposal examination, the writing of a thesis and its defence before an examining board.

Please see the Graduate Studies in Law website for further information.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

The applicant must:

• Have a master of laws degree (LLM) awarded by an accredited Canadian university, obtained with a minimum average of 75% (B+), calculated as per the standards established for graduate studies or an equivalent degree in law from a foreign university meeting the same standards, as well as demonstrated legal research and writing abilities;
• Have sufficient knowledge of French or English. Foreign applicants whose first language is neither English nor French will be required to provide proof of proficiency in one or other language as specified in section A of the General Regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD Program

With the approval of the Director of the Vice Dean or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law, a master’s student may exceptionally be admitted into the doctoral program without having completed all the requirements of the master’s program. To take advantage of this option, the student must (a) complete at least three courses in the master’s program with a minimum average of 80% (A-), and (b) obtain the approval of the Director of the Program or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law. The student must also meet all the other requirements for admission to the doctoral program.

Financial Support

Internal Scholarships

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in conjunction with the Faculty of Law provides a number of admission scholarships per year to LLM and PhD students. Please note that students do not need to apply for these scholarships. Recommendations are made to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the admissions committee in law.

Several other scholarships are available to LLM and PhD students thanks to generous donors. These scholarships require a separate application. Further details are available through the Graduate Studies in Law website .

External Scholarships

For a comprehensive list of scholarships and awards offered by outside agencies, and details regarding application, please visit the following website: www.grad.uottawa.ca or contact:

Awards Office Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies University of Ottawa 115 Séraphin Marion Room 107 Ottawa ON K1N 6N5

Applicants are encouraged to seek scholarships and financial assistance from other sources in Canada and abroad if applicable.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

• DCL 8330  (1st term): The course will examine epistemology and methodology issues arising in the field of legal research;
• Elective Course (2nd term): The student enrolled in an optional course chosen from the bank of graduate courses offered at the Faculty of Law or another faculty at the University of Ottawa. The chosen course must be related to the thesis proposal and be approved by the Director of the Doctoral Program or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law;
• DCL 9998  (1st term to 4th or 5th term): Directed readings, chosen in consultation with the Thesis Advisory Committee, allowing the student to acquire the theoretical foundations in his or her field of research. The student must complete a written examination followed by an oral examination, during which he or she will be assessed on his or her knowledge of the readings.
• DCL 9997  (5th or 6th term): The student presents, in writing and orally, his or her thesis proposal. The student must submit a research proposal, a detailed plan and a comprehensive bibliography;
• THD 9999  (from the 6th term onwards): The doctoral thesis is usually 90,000 to 120,000 words in length, excluding the tables, bibliography and appendices. It must be sufficiently well written to merit publication. The thesis must be approved by a jury of four members proposed by the Faculty of Law.

For information regarding the thesis, consult Section G of the "General Regulations" in effect for graduate studies and the guide "Preparing a Thesis or a Research Paper", which can both be accessed through the graduate studies ' website.

Additional Requirements

The Director of the Doctoral Program or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law may impose additional requirements in order to allow students to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in the program. For example, a legal research and writing course may be required of students whose first language is neither English nor French, or optional courses considered essential for the purpose of the thesis proposal may be added.

Minimum Standards

The passing grade in all courses is C+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units), the thesis proposal, the comprehensive exam, or whose research progress is deemed unsatisfactory are required to withdraw.

Duration of Program

The requirement of the program should be fulfilled within four years (12 terms). The maximum timeframe is six years (18 terms) from the first term of registration in the program, or seven years in the case of an accelerated transition from master's to doctorate.

Thesis Advisory Committee

During the first term of the program, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for the candidate. The Committee’s membership will be determined by the specific interests of the candidate. It will be composed of the supervisor and 2-3 additional professors. At least one member of the thesis committee, in addition to the supervisor, must be form the Faculty of Law. The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis defense.

A meeting between the student and the Thesis Advisory Committee will take place at least once per term. The thesis examining board may include members who are not part of the TAC.

Courses in other Faculties

With the approval of the Director of the Program or the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies in Law, a candidate may be allowed to take a limited number of courses in other faculties.

Research Fields & Facilities

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.

uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Development in Research (SADRs):

• Canada and the World
• Molecular and Environmental Sciences

With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities. 

Research at the Faculty of Law

Civil Law Section

La Section de droit civil organise un cycle annuel de conférences sur la recherche en droit. Ce cycle regroupe la très grande partie, sinon l’ensemble, des évènements de recherche dans un même calendrier et un même créneau horaire.

Ces conférences permettent notamment aux conférenciers de présenter leurs travaux de recherche en cours, de discuter d’un article à paraître ou d’un projet à venir ou encore de discuter de questions théoriques, épistémologiques ou méthodologiques liées à la recherche en droit.

Ce cycle de conférences permet également de discuter d’enjeux contemporains dans un domaine spécifique du droit ainsi que de présenter des approches théoriques ou méthodologiques innovatrices ou multidisciplinaires.

Selon les thèmes et les conférenciers choisis, les conférences attirent un public de professeurs de l’Université d’Ottawa (Faculté de droit et autres facultés), étudiants aux études supérieures et au premier cycle et à l’occasion, des membres externes de l’Université. (In French only.)

Common Law Section

Faculty research is a core activity of the Common Law Section. Faculty members are involved individually and through a variety of networks in a wide range of research activities. Each year, Common Law Section professors write dozens of journal articles and books, some attracting national and international recognition. Faculty members present their work at conferences around the globe and engage in community outreach as well as a variety of other forms of research dissemination.

Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Law

Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory on the Rights of the Child ,  Human Rights Research and Education Centre ,  Centre for Law, Technology and Society , Centre for legal translation and documentation and  JuriGlobe .

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on  Uniweb . 

Human Rights Research and Education Centre ,  Centre for Law, Technology and Society ,  Centre for Trade Policy and Law , CGA Tax Research Centre and EDGE - Emerging Dynamic Global Economies Network.

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members  and their research fields on  Uniweb . 

Not all of the courses listed are given each year. The course is offered in the language in which it is described.

DCL 5106 Indigenous Legal Theory: Worldview, Language and Legal Concepts (3 units)

Students will explore indigenous legal concepts as they are constructed within a particular Indigenous language and worldview. The specific language and people will vary depending on the instructor.

Course Component: Lecture

DCL 5107 Critical Approaches to Health Law, Policy and Ethics (3 units)

Examination of specific topics of current importance in the area of Health Law.

DCL 5111 Applied Learning: Seminar of legal presentations (3 units)

Overview of the seminar topics. Student presentation of a legal issue. Writing essay on the same topic.

Course Component: Seminar

DCL 5120 Advanced Human Rights (3 units)

DCL 5121 Studies in Human Rights I (3 units)

DCL 5122 Studies in Human Rights II (3 units)

DCL 5123 Studies in Human Rights III (3 units)

DCL 5127 Constitutional Equality Law and Theory (3 units)

Examination of different models of equality rights and of rights adjudication that shape Canadian constitutional jurisprudence with the goal of developing a critical understanding of the social, political and legal possibilities, risks and limitations of attempting to advance equality claims through constitutional rights litigation.

DCL 5131 Children's Rights: An Interdisciplinary Approach (3 units)

Study of specific questions related to various aspects of the life of a child, as well as the different realities of children: the child as a person and his/her identity, filial relations and family life, the child in the community, marginalized children, education and participation. A multidisciplinary perspective built around the United Nations' Convention of the Rights of the Child, which allows the student to delve deeper into the issue of children's rights by bringing together points of view from law, social sciences, education and health.

DCL 5135 Contemporary Issues in Law (3 units)

This seminar will focus on a general overarching theme (i.e. equality, security, rights, access to justice, public interest lawyering, etc.) that will be discussed in relation to different areas of law.

DCL 5143 Indigenous Law Clinic (3 units)

The goal of the Clinic is to help create Indigenous law research materials for Indigenous communities, academic institutions and practitioners. In partnership with Indigenous communities and working under supervision, students will be placed in an Indigenous community to investigate questions pertaining to Indigenous law and the sui generis nature of Aboriginal law. The Clinic aims to promote a more in-depth understanding of Indigenous legal orders by providing hands-on experience to build on students' classroom learning. There will be a lecture component designed to enhance the hands-on clinic experience. Grading for the internship will be on an S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory) basis.

DCL 5200 Special Topics in Legislative Studies (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Legislative Studies.

DCL 5201 Special Topics in Humanitarian and Security Law (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Humanitarian and Security Law.

DCL 5202 Special Topics in Trade and Foreign Investment (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Trade and Foreign Investment.

DCL 5203 Special Topics in Law and Social Justice (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Law and Social Justice

DCL 5204 Special Topics in Law and Technology (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Law and Technology.

DCL 5205 Special Topics in Health Law, Policy and Ethic (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Health Law, Policy and Ethic.

DCL 5206 Special Topics in Global Sustainability and Environmental Law (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Global Sustainability and Environmental Law.

DCL 5301 Legal Research Methodology (3 units)

Review of basic legal research techniques, legal resource materials and legal citation.

DCL 5302 Philosophy of Law (3 units)

Examination of topics, theories, writers in philosophy of law. May include comparative or critical materials.

DCL 5303 Studies in Legal Theory I (3 units)

Survey of current theories of law. May be organized around a particular problem or writer or perspective. May include interdisciplinary materials.

DCL 5304 Studies in Legal Theory II (3 units)

Exploration of a particular theme or problem from a theoretical point of view, e.g. legal education, professional responsibility, law and sociology. May include interdisciplinary materials.

DCL 5305 Feminist Analysis of Law (3 units)

Exploration of feminist perspectives, theories and themes, and the application of these to particular problems or issues. Development of techniques for analyzing social meaning of law.

DCL 5307 Introduction to Civil Law (3 units)

Survey of basic concepts of Civil Law, including codification, law of the person, obligations, property. Exploration of legal reasoning in civilian context.

Reserved for students who do not have a LL.L

DCL 5308 Comparative Law (3 units)

Exploration of issues, legal institutions, legal rules in context of different jurisdictions. May include theory of comparative law.

DCL 5309 Legal Theory Seminar (3 units)

Examination of current legal issues in their legal, historical and social context.

DCL 5310 Normative Theory and Policy Implementation (3 units)

Review of the conceptual foundations and nature of legislation, including its role as an instrument for implementing policy and the role of other such instruments and how they operate together.

DCL 5316 Advanced Intellectual Property (4 units)

DCL 5321 Introduction to Legal Drafting and the Profession of Notary (3 units)

Introduction to preventive legal drafting (legal opinions, notarized writings and non-litigious proceedings). Introduction to the profession of notary throughout the world. Duties and organization of the profession. Ethical obligations. Writing samples and interpretation analysis.

DCL 5322 Legislative Research and Drafting Methodology (3 units)

Review of basic legal and policy research techniques and legislative and legal drafting techniques.

DCL 5323 Selected Topics in Legislative Drafting (3 units)

This seminar deals with legislative drafting processes, legal framework for legislation, format and presentation of legislation, common types of legislative provisions, legislative drafting conventions, drafting bilingual and bijural legislation, amendment, revision and consolidation of legislation.

Prerequisite : DCL 5322 .

DCL 5324 Legislative and Regulatory Processes and Legal Constraint (3 units)

The processes of enacting statutes and regulations in Canada and their legal implications. Legal constraints on their enactment, including the concept of ultra vires and judicial review.

DCL 5326 Studies in Indigenous Legal Issues (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in Aboriginal or Indigenous law. Topics may include the unique legal position of the Indian, Metis and Inuit peoples in Canadian law; the land claims process and agreements; aboriginal and treaty rights; legal pluralism; administrative arrangements and other related issues.

DCL 5327 Comparative Indigenous Rights /Legal Regimes (3 units)

Critical issues affecting indigenous people arising within Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and other countries in which the similarities and differences in domestic law, indigenous legal orders and sui generis or hybrid law are explored in detail from a comparative perspective of legal pluralism.

DCL 5336 Legal Research Seminar (3 units)

This seminar explores alternative teaching styles for legal education.

Students will be presenting their research projects.

DCL 5337 Critical Legal Theories (3 units)

This course examines contemporary approaches to and debates in critical legal theory, law and society, feminist jurisprudence, critical race theory, and post-colonial theory, including critiques of essentialist theory and models of interdisciplinary analysis.

DCL 5338 Action Research Methodology in Law (3 units)

This course addresses issues of research ethics, accountability and partiality. It is also an introduction to research tools and methods of particular importance to studies related to social justice research and law.

DCL 5340 Sustainability and Law (3 units)

This course provides theoretical perspectives on alternative approaches to environmental policy, emphasizing ethical and economic perspectives.

DCL 5341 Comparative Environmental Law (3 units)

This course offers comparative analysis of legal approaches to environmental law from civil, common, Islamic, socialist, and aboriginal law perspectives.

DCL 5342 Global Environmental Governance (3 units)

This course examines the responsabilities and operation of a number of organizations with significant environmental responsabilities operating at the global level. The development of international environmental law and the implementation of international development goals will also be studied.

DCL 5343 Environmental Law Internship (3 units)

Internship with a governmental or non-governmental organization or research institution in order to enhance the student's practical experience in applied research or environmental law practice.

Course Component: Work Term

DCL 5344 Selected Topics in Public Policy (3 units)

Exploration of a particular theme or problem in an area of public policy.

DCL 5345 Law and Public Policy (3 units)

Study of the different stages of the policy process (emergence, development, implementation and evaluation). Presentation of the limits of the sequential approach and overview of the main theoretical approaches to public policy, such as neo-institutionalism, post-positivism, political economy.

DCL 5501 Méthodologie de la recherche juridique (3 crédits)

Révision des techniques de recherche, des sources du droit et des méthodes d'analyse.

Volet : Séminaire

DCL 5502 Philosophie du droit (3 crédits)

Définition du droit et de la philosophie du droit; les buts du droit; les concepts juridiques; le raisonnement du droit; le language du droit; les philosophies et les théories du droit.

Volet : Cours magistral

DCL 5503 Théories contemporaines du droit (3 crédits)

Introduction à l'étude des différentes théories contemporaines du droit, telles que la théorie marxiste, l'analyse économique, l'approche féministe, le positivisme, le droit naturel, etc.

DCL 5504 Sociologie du droit (3 crédits)

Rapports entre le droit, l'État et la société. Fonctions sociales du droit et de la justice. Formation du droit et influence du contexte social.

DCL 5505 Analyse féministe du droit (3 crédits)

Statut juridique, droits et obligations des femmes dans les domaines de la santé, de la famille, du travail, de la criminalité, de la fiscalité, du commerce, etc. Analyse critique du droit à partir d'une perspective féministe. Étude des différentes théories féministes du droit.

DCL 5506 Théorie juridique autochtone : Vision du monde, langage et concepts juridiques (3 crédits)

Les étudiants exploreront les concepts juridiques autochtones tels qu'ils sont construits à l'intérieur de la langue et la vision du monde d'un peuple autochtone particulier. Le peuple et la langue spécifique varieront selon le professeur.

DCL 5507 Réflexions critiques à propos du droit, des politiques et de l'éthique de la santé (3 crédits)

Étude de sujets spécifiques d'actualité dans le domaine du droit de la santé.

DCL 5508 Droit comparé (3 crédits)

Définition et méthode du droit comparé. Étude sommaire des grands systèmes de droit comtemporains, et comparaison de leurs fondements. Étude de certaines institutions juridiques dans le contexte de ces divers systèmes.

DCL 5509 Problèmes théoriques choisis de droit public (3 crédits)

Étude critique, d'ordre fondamental ou méthodologique, de notions, de mécanismes ou d'institutions de droit public.

DCL 5510 Problèmes théoriques choisis de droit privé (3 crédits)

Étude critique, d'ordre fondamental ou méthodologique, de notions, de mécanismes ou d'institutions de droit privé.

DCL 5511 Apprentissage appliqué : Séminaire d'exposé juridique (3 crédits)

Survol des thématiques du séminaire. Présentation d'un exposé juridique. Rédaction d'une dissertation sur le même thème que l'exposé.

DCL 5521 Initiation à la rédaction d'actes et à la profession notariale (3 crédits)

Introduction à la profession notariale et su droit préventif (le rôle, les devoirs et la responsabilité du notaire, les actes notariés, leur communication et leur conservation). Règles et technique de rédactions d’une opinion juridique, d’un Acte notarié et d’un acte de procédure non contentieuse. Introduction à la rédaction préventive et aux modes privés de prévention et de règlement des différends) exercices d’analyse, d’interprétation et de rédaction des actes concernés.

DCL 5522 Stage de droit notarial (3 crédits)

Travail en pratique privée ou au gouvernement sous la supervision d’un maître de stage. Rapport de stage et travaux pratiques supervisés par un membre de la Faculté de droit.

Volet : Stage

DCL 5523 Publicité des droits et propriété (3 crédits)

Règles régissant la publicité des droits (domaines, modalités et effets de la publicité des droits, immatriculation des immeubles, radiation des droits). Initiation aux modes d'accès aux registres et aux documents à distance. Analyse de cas, dossiers pratiques et rédaction d'actes touchant principalement les domaines suivants : modalités du droit de propriété (copropriété et propriété superficiaire); démembrements du droit de propriété (emphytéose, usufruit, usage et servitudes) et publicité des droits.

DCL 5524 Relations familiales (3 crédits)

Analyse de cas, dossiers pratiques et rédaction d'actes touchant principalement les domaines suivants : régimes matrimoniaux; conventions matrimoniales; union civile; union de fait; dissolution et liquidation du régime matrimonial et conséquences fiscales; projets d'accord en matière de séparation et de divorce; droit international privé; adoption; régimes de protection des personnes inaptes ou absentes (tutelle, curatelle, conseiller, mandat d'inaptitude) et administration du bien d'autrui. Initiation à la médiation familiale et aux modes privés de prévention de règlement des différends.

DCL 5525 Négociation et transferts de propriété (3 crédits)

Initiation aux règles de la négociation. Analyse de cas, dossiers pratiques et rédaction d'actes touchant principalement les domaines suivants : avant-contrats; contrats translatifs de propriété (promesse de vente, vente, vente d'un immeuble à usage d'habitation, vente d'entreprise, vente de créance, échange, dation de paiement, donation, etc.); patrimoines d'affectation; reconnaissance judiciaire du droit de propriété; lois fiscales applicables et conséquences fiscales; restrictions ou autorisations résultants de lois particulières (Loi sur la protection du territoire agricole, Loi sur l'acquisition de terres agricoles par des non-résidents, Loi sur les biens culturels, Loi sur la Régie du logement).

DCL 5526 Engagements financiers (3 crédits)

Analyse de cas, dossiers pratiques et rédaction d'actes touchant principalement les domaines suivants : obligations; reconnaissance de dette; sûretés (priorités, hypothèques, garantie bancaire, cautionnement); garanties particulières (vente à tempérament, faculté de rachat, clause résolutoire, fiducie); procédure particulière à la vente du bien d'autrui; ordre de collocation; droit international privé; droit comparé (garanties mobilières de common law) et faillite et insolvabilité.

DCL 5527 Décès et transmission des biens (3 crédits)

Analyse de cas, dossiers pratiques et rédaction d'actes touchant principalement les domaines suivants : testaments; donation à cause de mort; assurance de personnes; substitution et fiducie testamentaire; jugement déclaratif de décès; règlement des successions; conséquences fiscales; devoirs, pouvoirs et responsabilité du liquidateur; administration du bien d'autrui; gestion fiduciaire; planification successorale; droit international privé et droit comparé (testament étranger, biens situés à l'étranger, etc.).

DCL 5528 Examen des titres immobiliers (3 crédits)

Formation portant sur la méthode propre à l'examen des titres immobiliers (recherche et analyse de titre immobiliers et des autres documents pertinents, identification des vices de titres, correctifs appropriés). Exercices pratiques. Rédaction d'actes de correction. Analyse et rédaction des actes d'instruction et de certification d'un titre de propriété.

DCL 5529 Droit des sociétés et baux commerciaux (3 crédits)

Analyse de cas, dossiers pratiques et rédaction d'actes touchant principalement les domaines suivants : constitution, fonctionnement, financement, réorganisation, fusion et liquidation des sociétés par actions; distribution et attribution de bénéfices, surplus, biens ou avantages aux actionnaires; sociétés de personnes; lois fiscales et lois connexes; planifications financières, corporatives et fiscales.

DCL 5530 Droit des entreprises réglementées (3 crédits)

Analyse de cas et dossiers pratiques aux entreprises dans les secteurs de l'énergie, des télécommunications, des approvisionnements publics. Analyse de l'interaction entre le secteur public et le secteur privé. Mécanisme de reddition de comptes. Droit administratif spécialisé des secteurs.

DCL 5531 Les droits de l'enfant - une approche interdisciplinaire (3 crédits)

Étude de questions spécifiques reliées aux principaux aspects des droits de l'enfant : la personne de l'enfant; la vie familiale de l'enfant, la protection de l'enfant et les droits économiques, sociaux et culturels de l'enfant. Adoptant une perspective interdisciplinaire et alliant pratique et théorie, ce cours sera dispensé par un groupe de professeurs rattachés à diverses facultés à l'Université d'Ottawa.

DCL 5532 Droit notarial approfondi I (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie par dossier maître de sujets spécifiques et d'actualité liés au droit notarial.

DCL 5533 Droit notarial approfondi II (3 crédits)

DCL 5535 Enjeux contemporains en droit (3 crédits)

Ce séminaire mettra l'accent sur un thème général et transversal (par ex. l'égalité, la sécurité, les droits, l'accès à la justice, les questions d'intérêt public, etc.) dont on discutera par rapport à divers domaines du droit.

DCL 5543 Clinique en droit autochtone (3 crédits)

L'objectif de la Clinique est de créer des ressources complémentaires de recherche pour les communautés autochtones, les institutions académiques et les praticiens. En partenariat avec des communautés autochtones et travaillant sous supervision, l'étudiant(e) sera placé(e) dans une communauté autochtone afin d'étudier des questions relatives au droit autochtone et à compléter des analyses terrain, si nécessaire. La Clinique vise à promouvoir une meilleure compréhension des ordres juridiques autochtones en offrant des occasions de mise en pratique et d'approfondissement du savoir théorique. Des séminaires sont aussi offerts dans ce cours pour compléter le volet pratique. Notation : L'évaluation du stage se fera sur la base S (satisfaisant) / NS (non satisfaisant).

DCL 5600 Thèmes choisis en études législatives (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes en études législatives.

DCL 5601 Thèmes choisis en droit humanitaire et droit de la sécurité internationale (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes  en droit humanitaire et droit de la sécurité internationale.

DCL 5602 Thèmes choisis en droit du commerce international et investissements étrangers (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes  en droit du commerce international et investissements étrangers.

DCL 5603 Thèmes choisis en droit et justice sociale (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes  en droit et justice sociale.

DCL 5605 Thèmes choisis en droit, politiques et éthiques de la santé (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes  en droit, politiques et éthiques de la santé.

DCL 5606 Thèmes choisis en droit de l'environnement et du développement durable (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes  en droit de l'environnement et du développement durable.

DCL 5610 Interprétation des lois (3 crédits)

Révision et analyse critiques des principes et méthodes de l'interprétation juridique. Examen d’enjeux théoriques et développement des habilités d’analyse et de conception d’arguments interprétatifs.

DCL 5611 La filière législative (3 crédits)

DCL 5613 Rédaction I (6 crédits)

DCL 5614 Rédaction II (6 crédits)

DCL 5616 Régulation et règlementation (3 crédits)

DCL 5710 Théorie normative et la mise en oeuvre des orientations (3 crédits)

Examen des fondements théoriques et de la nature de la législation. Étude de son rôle d’instrument pour la mise en oeuvre de politiques. Examen du rôle des autres instruments d’action gouvernementale et de leurs interactions avec la législation.

DCL 5721 Perspectives féministes du droit (3 crédits)

DCL 5722 Méthodologie de la recherche et de la rédaction juridiques (3 crédits)

Révision des techniques de recherche pour le développement de politiques et le repérage des sources du droit; révision des méthodes de rédaction législatives, juridiques, et de thèses et mémoires.

DCL 5723 Thèmes choisis en rédaction législative (3 crédits)

Ce séminaire traite du cadre constitutionnel et juridique, des conventions législatives, des principes et modèles de légistique, de la rédaction plurijuridique ou linguistique et de la modification, révision et codification des lois.

Préalable : DCL 5722 .

DCL 5724 Filère législative et contraintes juridiques (3 crédits)

Les processus de sanction des lois et d’édiction des règlements au Canada et leurs conséquences juridiques. Les contraintes légales sur l’adoption des lois, incluant le concept d’ultra vires et la révision judiciaire.

DCL 5726 Thèmes choisis de droit autochtones (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une question ou d'un sujet lié à un émergeant ou champ de recherche en droit autochtone. Les sujets peuvent inclure la position unique des Premières nations, des Inuit ou des Métis en droit canadien; les revendications ou accords territoriaux; les droits des autochtones des traités; le pluralisme juridique; les dispositions administratives.

DCL 5727 Régimes juridiques autochtones comparés (3 crédits)

Exploration des questions essentielles qui afffectent les peuples autochtones au Canada, aux États-Unis, en Australie, en Nouvelle-Zélande, et d'autres pays. Exploration détaillée des ressemblances et différences entre les régimes étatiques internes, les ordres juridiques autochtones et le droit hybride ou sui generis dans une perspective comparée de pluralisme juridique.

DCL 5730 Aspects internationaux des droits de la personne (3 crédits)

DCL 5731 Problèmes choisis de droit de la personne I (3 crédits)

DCL 5732 Problèmes choisis de droit de la personne II (3 crédits)

DCL 5733 Problèmes choisis de droit de la personne III (3 crédits)

DCL 5734 Perspectives autochtones du droit (3 crédits)

DCL 5735 Problèmes choisis de droits de la personne IV (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de problèmes d'actualité dans le domaine des droits de la personne.

DCL 5736 Séminaire de recherche juridique (3 crédits)

Ce séminaire explore les différentes méthodes d'enseignement du droit.

Les étudiants présenteront leurs projets de recherche.

DCL 5737 Théories critiques du droit (3 crédits)

Ce cours examine des approches contemporaines aux diverses analyses critiques de droit telles que le droit et la société, l'analyse féministe du droit, l'analyse ethnique du droit, l'analyse post-coloniale du droit ainsi que les théories essentialistes et les modes d'analyse interdisciplinaires.

DCL 5738 Méthodologie de la recherche-action dans le domaine juridique (3 crédits)

Ce cours traite de questions d'éthique en recherche, des responsabilités des chercheurs et de la partialité. Il offre également une initiation aux outils et méthodes de recherche ayant une importance particulière en justice sociale et en droit.

DCL 5740 La durabilité et le droit (3 crédits)

Ce cours examine d'un point de vue théorique les perspectives éthiques et économiques de diverses approches relatives au développement de la politique environnementale.

DCL 5741 Droit de l'environnement comparé (3 crédits)

Ce cours favorise une étude comparée des approches du droit civil, de la common law, du droit islamique, du droit socialiste et du droit autochtone en matière d'environnement.

DCL 5742 Environnement et gouvernance mondiale (3 crédits)

Ce cours examine les responsabilités et le fonctionnement de diverses organisations internationales ayant un mandat lié à l'environnement au niveau mondial. Le développement du droit international de l'environnement et la mise en oeuvre des objectifs internationaux en la matière seront également étudiés.

DCL 5743 Stage en droit de l'environnement (3 crédits)

Stage en milieu gouvernemental ou non-gouvernemental avec un institut de recherche dans le but d'offrir à l'étudiant une expérience pratique en recherche appliquée ou en pratique du droit de l'environnement.

DCL 5744 Thèmes choisis en politiques publiques (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d’une problématique ou d’un sujet lié à un domaine de politique publique.

DCL 5745 Droit et politiques publiques (3 crédits)

Étude des différentes phases de l’analyse des politiques publiques (émergence, élaboration, mise en oeuvre et évaluation). Présentation de failles de l’approche séquentielle et survol des principales approches théoriques des politiques publiques – telles que néo-institutionnalisme, post-positivisme, économie politique.

DCL 5821 Stage en milieu professionnel (12 crédits)

Stage en milieu de travail auprès d'un notaire. Pendant le stage, le stagiaire doit réaliser quotidiennement des activités liées à l'exercice de la profession. Rapport écrit à soumettre. Évaluation conjointe par le maître de stage et le superviseur universitaire des stages en droit notarial. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

Préalable : réussite de tous les autres cours du programme.

DCL 6120 Advanced International Law (3 units)

DCL 6121 Studies in International Law I (3 units)

DCL 6122 Studies in International Law II (3 units)

DCL 6123 International Human Rights (3 units)

DCL 6124 International Business Transactions (3 units)

DCL 6125 International Trade Regulation (3 units)

DCL 6126 International Humanitarian Law: Contemporary Challenges (3 units)

The philosophy, principles and practical application of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in both historic and contemporary contexts.

DCL 6127 Law and Developing Countries (3 units)

The role of domestic and international law in developing countries including historical, economic and critical (feminist and post-colonial) perspectives on law in the process of development; assessing the impact of law on developments regarding the environment, international trade, democratic and human rights, markets and investment, ethnic conflict, governance and corruption, technology development, and aid to developing countries.

DCL 6128 Law, Politics and Economics in International Affairs (3 units)

The linkages and differences between the disciplines of law, political science and economics as they relate to international affairs, including an in-depth exploration of the underlying assumptions of each discipline and how they interact in international affairs.

DCL 6130 National Security Law (3 units)

This course examines international, Canadian and comparative laws governing efforts to preserve "national security." "National security" has been defined as the protection and preservation of a state's values, institutions and the well-being of its citizens – it is an expansive concept that, in colloquial terms, has a strong association with military preparedness and law enforcement and that sometimes co-exists uncomfortably with the "rule of law.

DCL 6150 International Humanitarian and Security Law Internship (3 units)

Internship with a governmental or non-governmental organization in order to enhance the student's practical experience in international humanitarian and security law issues.

Students will be required to submit a written report relating to the work accomplished during the internship.

DCL 6300 International Investment Law (3 units)

Study of the international law applicable to the promotion and protection of foreign investment. Origins, evolution and sources; treatment and protection principles; settlement of investment disputes.

DCL 6319 Advanced International Economic Law (3 units)

This seminar explores theoretical and systemic issues of international economic law.

DCL 6339 Special Topics in Law (3 units)

In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in law.

DCL 6341 Contracts I (3 units)

DCL 6342 Contracts II (3 units)

Prerequisite : DCL 6341

DCL 6343 Studies in Common Law and International Commerce I (3 units)

Study of topics of current importance in the area of Common Law and international commerce.

DCL 6344 Studies in Common Law and International Commerce II (3 units)

DCL 6345 Internship in Common Law and International Commerce (3 units)

Internship in a common law and international commerce environment. The internship will include readings, observation, and work assignments, allowing students to gain insight into the daily practice and policy issues of lawyers working in this field.

DCL 6350 International Economic Law Case Studies (3 units)

This seminar uses case studies to explore theoretical issues of international economic law in the context of actual disputes.

DCL 6360 Civil Law Sources and Reasoning (3 units)

DCL 6361 The Civilian Concept of Obligations I (3 units)

DCL 6362 The Civilian Concept of Obligations II (3 units)

DCL 6363 The Civilian Concept of Property (3 units)

DCL 6364 Selected Topics in Civil Law (3 units)

DCL 6530 Le droit de la sécurité nationale (3 crédits)

Ce cours examine le droit international, le droit canadien et le droit comparé concernant les stratégies proposées afin de protéger la « sécurité nationale ». La « sécurité nationale » se définit comme la protection des valeurs, des institutions et de la sécurité des citoyens d'un état donné; le concept de sécurité nationale est souvent associé à la protection militaire ou policière. Ce concept et la règle de droit coexistent parfois difficilement.

DCL 6540 Fondements de la common law (3 crédits)

DCL 6541 Contrats I (3 crédits)

DCL 6542 Contrats II (3 crédits)

Préalable : DCL 6541

DCL 6543 Études en common law et commerce international I (3 crédits)

Examen de questions d'actualité dans le domaine de la common law et du commerce international.

DCL 6544 Études en common law et commerce international II (3 crédits)

DCL 6545 Stage en common law et en commerce international (3 crédits)

Stage dans un milieu de travail spécialisé en common law et en commerce international. Le stage comprendra de la recherche, de l'observation et des travaux pratiques, offrant une expérience de la réalité du travail et des questions qui se posent au jour le jour dans ce domaine.

DCL 6550 Stage en droit humanitaire et en droit de la sécurité internationale (3 crédits)

Stage en milieu gouvernemental ou non-gouvernemental dans le but d'offrir à l'étudiant une expérience pratique en droit humanitaire et en droit de la sécurité internationale.

Les étudiants devront soumettre un rapport écrit fondé sur le travail effectué durant le stage, et ils seront notés S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant) par le professeur agissant à titre de directeur de stage sur la base de ce rapport écrit.

DCL 6700 Droit international des investissements étrangers (3 crédits)

Étude du régime juridique international de promotion et de protection des investissements étrangers. Origines, évolution et sources; principes de traitement et de protection; règlement des différends liés aux investissements.

DCL 6712 Droit, médecine et biologie (3 crédits)

Étude approfondi de certains problèmes juridiques posés par les développements scientifiques dans les domaines médical et biologique.

DCL 6719 Droit international économique avancé (3 crédits)

Ce séminaire explore les questions théoriques et systémiques liées au droit international économique.

DCL 6720 Droit international approfondi (3 crédits)

DCL 6728 Droit international privé (3 crédits)

DCL 6730 Aspects internationaux de la propriété intellectuelle (3 crédits)

DCL 6731 Problèmes choisis de droit international I (3 crédits)

DCL 6732 Problèmes choisis de droit international II (3 crédits)

DCL 6733 Droit commercial international (3 crédits)

DCL 6734 Organisation internationale du commerce (3 crédits)

DCL 6735 Problèmes choisis de droit international III (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de problèmes d'actualité en droit international.

DCL 6736 Droit international humanitaire (3 crédits)

Le droit international humanitaire est la branche du droit international public qui régit les conséquences humanitaires de conflits armés. Le cours a pour but de familiariser les étudiants et étudiantes avec les sources du droit international humanitaire, ses principes et ses règles fondamentaux.

DCL 6737 Justices et violences politiques extrêmes : La réponse du droit international (3 crédits)

La multiplication, dans le monde contemporain, de situations de violences politiques extrêmes, oblige le droit et la justice à s'adapter et à trouver de nouvelles réponses à ces types de violations systématiques et radicales. Il s'agira, dans le cadre de ce cours, de réfléchir sur la nature, le rôle, la place, le fonctionnement, les forces et les limites de la justice, ainsi que les attentes qu'elle suscite et les défis qu'il lui faut relever dans des contextes de sortie de périodes de génocides et/ou crimes contre l'humanité.

DCL 6738 Répression pénale internationale (3 crédits)

Les origines de la responsabilité pénale individuelle, les tribunaux pénaux internationaux, mixtes et autres mécanismes alternatifs de justice seront étudiés, notamment le Tribunal pénal international pour l'ex-Yougoslavie, le Tribunal pénal international pour le Rwanda, la Cour spéciale pour la Sierra Leone et la Cour pénale internationale. Le fondement juridique de la création de ces tribunaux, leurs compétences, leurs structures, ainsi que l'apport de la jurisprudence au droit international humanitaire et au droit international des droits de la personne seront examinés.

DCL 6739 Thèmes choisis en droit (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes en droit.

DCL 6939 Thèmes choisis en droit / Special Topic in Law (3 crédits / 3 units)

Étude approfondie d'une problématique ou d'un sujet lié aux tendances émergentes en droit. / In-depth examination of a question or topic linked to emerging trends or research areas in law.

Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture

Préalable : Connaissance active soit de l'anglais, soit du français et connaissance passive de l'autre langue. / Prerequisite: Active knowledge of English or French and passive knowledge of the other language.

DCL 7022 Stage de cléricature / Judicial Clerkship (6 crédits / 6 units)

Volet / Course Component: Stage / Work Term

DCL 7033 Recherche dirigée / Directed Research (3 crédits / 3 units)

Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research

DCL 7066 Mémoire de recherche / Research Paper

DCL 7206 Selected Problems in Human Rights (4 units)

DCL 7300 Technoprudence: Legal Theory in the Information Age (3 units)

Seminar examining the impact that cyberspace and other technologies utilized in the so-called information revolution might have on traditional legal theory and doctrine.

Permission of the Department is required.

DCL 7301 Regulation of Internet Commerce (3 units)

Seminar analyzing the legal challenges posed by the Internet to the traditional commercial law framework. Topics include intellectual property issues, online contracts, digital signatures, taxation, securities regulation, and the provision of online legal services.

DCL 7302 Regulation of Internet Communications (3 units)

Seminar analyzing the legal challenges posed by the Internet to the rights of free speech and privacy. Topics include online obscenity, hate speech, defamation, as well as national and international approaches to data privacy protection.

DCL 7303 Electronic Commerce Practice Workshop (3 units)

Practice-oriented seminar analyzing the legal issues and implications of electronic commerce. Topics include licensing, privacy and acceptable use policies, Web development agreements, and regulatory issues.

DCL 7304 Technology Law Internship (3 units)

Co-operative and clinical work study program in technology law. Student placement at a technology-focused government department or a technology corporation's in-house legal department.

DCL 7305 Studies in Internet Law (3 units)

Selected problems in the emerging intersection of law and technology.

DCL 7306 Legal Perspectives on Cyber Feminism (3 units)

This course analyzes issues relating to the application of feminist principles to the legal regulation of communication technologies. Topics covered include the gendered dynamics of networked capitalist society; women's relationships with communication technologies; technology's potential impact on equality for women; and questions surrounding whether and how to legally regulate communication technologies.

DCL 7307 Digital Music Law (3 units)

This course addresses legal, cultural, economic and technological aspects of digital music around the world. Topics include the music industry; copyright protection; infringement and limitation issues; and new business strategies.

DCL 7308 Rights of Non-Unionized Employees (4 units)

DCL 7310 Technopolicy: Interplay Between Technologies and Existing Legal Rules (3 units)

Seminar examining the application of traditional legal analysis to difficult policy questions arising from the advent of information technologies.

DCL 7311 Studies in Intellectual and Industrial Property (3 units)

Trademarks, registration, the torts of passing off and misappropriation of personality; trade names; copyright, the protection of computer software, arts and entertainment industries; trade secrets, confidential information; patents; industrial designs, related competitive torts. Canadian and international perspectives.

DCL 7312 Competition Law (3 units)

Restrictive trade practices and competition policy.

DCL 7313 Statutory Interpretation (3 units)

Critical review of current rules, principles and methods of statutory interpretation; consideration of theoretical issues; development of skills in analyzing and constructing arguments.

DCL 7314 Law-Making Process (3 units)

The makers and instruments of legislation; history of parliamentary institutions; supremacy of Parliament; bill procedure; parliamentary privelege; judicial review of proceedings in Parliament; legislative privilege; legislative oversight of delegated legislation; reception of English and French laws; growth of indigenous statute law; imperial statutes and Canadian sovereignty; law reform and codification.

DCL 7315 Patent Law (3 units)

Law of patents, both national and international. Procurement, licensing and enforcement of patents.

DCL 7316 Studies in Business Law: Copyright Law (3 units)

Law and policy relating to copyright law.

DCL 7317 Communications Law (3 units)

Examination of the regulatory framework governing communications in Canada. Three industry sectors (telecommunications, broadcasting and cable television) will be examined with particular attention to the legal, policy, administrative and practical constraints which affect their activities.

DCL 7318 Law for Technology (3 units)

This course provides an overview of the legal issues in the digital context and surrounding automated technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics). The objective of the course is to provide students with the necessary tools to understand the social and legal issues surrounding technologies, both in Canada and from an international and comparative perspective (e.g., European Union and United States).

DCL 7319 Technology for Law (3 units)

This course provides a practical introduction to legal technology, and its impact on the profession and the legal system. The objective of the course is to provide basic programming skills to understand, create and evaluate these technological applications.

DCL 7344 Regulatory Instruments (3 units)

DCL 7366 Technology Law Project (6 units)

Technology-based project which will integrate legal content, usually within a piece of software, machine code or a web-based application. The project must incorporate a substantive legal dimension in order to satisfy the research requirement. A project that does not have a built-in substantive legal dimension must be accompanied by a written report outlining the legal significance of the project. Technology law projects will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis by the supervisor and one other person appointed by the Co-Director of Graduate Studies in Law.

Course Component: Research

DCL 7401 Drafting Seminar I (6 units)

DCL 7402 Drafting Seminar II (6 units)

DCL 7500 Techno-Théorie : Théorie du droit à l'ère de l'information (3 crédits)

Séminaire consacré à l'étude des incidences du cyberespace et des autres technologies de la soi-disant révolution de l'information sur la théorie et la doctrine traditionnelles.

DCL 7501 Réglementation du cybercommerce (3 crédits)

Séminaire consacré à l'étude des défis juridiques que pose l'Internet en matière du droit commercial traditionnel. Les sujets à l'étude sont la propriété intellectuelle, les contrats en ligne, les signatures numériques, les impôts, la règlementation des valeurs mobilières et la prestation de services juridiques en ligne.

DCL 7502 Réglementation des cybercommunications (3 crédits)

Séminaire consacré à l'étude des défis juridiques que pose l'Internet en matière de liberté d'expression et du droit à la vie privée. Certains sujets à l'étude sont l'obscénité, le discours haineux, la diffamation, les mécanismes pour la protection des renseignements personnels, à l'échelle nationale et à l'échelle internationale.

DCL 7503 Pratique du commerce électronique (3 crédits)

Séminaire pratique pour l'approfondissement de diverses questions et implications juridiques du commerce électronique. Certains sujets à l'étude sont l'attribution de licences, les politiques relatives à la protection des renseignements personnels et à la nétiquette, les ententes pour le développement du Web et les questions de réglementation.

DCL 7504 Stage en droit de la haute technologie (3 crédits)

Stage professionnel auprès d'un ministère gouvernemental ou d'un service du contentieux d'une entreprise se spécialisant en droit de la haute technologie. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant) selon les résultats du rapport écrit et de l'évaluation de l'employeur.

Préalable : au moins un cours dans le domaine de la propriété intellectuelle ou du droit d’Internet.

DCL 7505 Études en droit d'internet (3 crédits)

Études de problèmes d'actualité pour l'approfondissement des interactions croissantes entre le droit et la technologie.

DCL 7506 Droit de la communication dans le cyberespace (3 crédits)

Dans un contexte de droit civil, étude des problèmes juridiques liés à la réglementation du contenu d'Internet et à la protection de la vie privée des Internautes, envisagés dans divers domaines du droit, tels les communications, la pornographie, la criminalité, la protection des renseignements personnels et les libertés publiques.

DCL 7507 Droit international d'internet : L'intégration des différents systèmes juridiques (3 crédits)

Dans un contexte de droit civil, étude des solutions proposées par les différents intervenants du cyberespace, tels les gouvernements, les organismes non-gouvernementaux, l'industrie et les utilisateurs pour la résolution des divers problèmes juridiques, à caractère international, reliés à l'utilisation d'Internet, notamment dans les domaines de droit suivants : la réglementation, la propriété intellectuelle, les noms de domaines, la compétence des tribunaux et la résolution des conflits.

DCL 7508 Problèmes choisis de propriété intellectuelle et industrielle (3 crédits)

Dans un contexte de droit civil, étude approfondie de certains problèmes contemporains en droit de la propriété intellectuelle et industrielle.

DCL 7509 Études approfondies du droit de la concurrence (3 crédits)

Dans un contexte de droit civil, étude des législations en droit de la concurrence; structure administrative; étude des règles portant sur les ententes restreignant la concurrence, les fusions, l'abus de position dominante, les pratiques restrictives, etc.; les aspects internationaux du droit de la concurrence.

DCL 7510 Technorégulation : Interaction entre les technologies et l'état actuel du droit (3 crédits)

Séminaire consacré à l'application des règles traditionnelles de l'analyse juridique aux difficiles questions de politiques soulevées par les nouvelles technologies de l'information.

DCL 7511 Études en propriété intellectuelle et industrielle (3 crédits)

Dans un contexte de common law, études des sujets suivants : marques de commerce; système d'enregistrement; délits de commercialisation trompeuse et d'usurpation d'identité; noms commerciaux; droit d'auteur; protection des logiciels; domaine des arts et de l'industrie du spectacle; droit des secrets commerciaux et des renseignements confidentiels; droit des brevets; dessin industriel et tout délit en matière de concurrence. Perspective canadienne et internationale.

DCL 7566 Projet en droit de la technologie (6 crédits)

Projet à contenu juridique qui peut prendre la forme d'un logiciel, d'un code machine ou d'une application sur l'Internet. Pour satisfaire aux exigences de recherche de la maîtrise, le contenu juridique doit être substantiel; à défaut d'un tel contenu, un rapport écrit décrivant la portée juridique du projet doit accompagner ce dernier. L'évaluation du projet est faite par la personne qui l'a dirigée et une autre personne désignée par la Direction des études supérieures en droit. Cette évaluation est sanctionnée uniquement par la mention P (réussite) ou F (échec).

Volet : Recherche

DCL 7706 Perspectives juridiques sur le cyberféminisme (3 crédits)

Ce cours analyse les questions liées à l'application de principes féministes à la réglementation juridique des technologies de communication. Les sujets abordés incluent les dynamiques liées au genre dans le contexte des technologies de communication et les femmes, l'impact sur l'égalité des femmes et le débat concernant le bien fondé de la réglementation juridique des technologies de la communication et les modalités de mise en oeuvre de cette réglementation.

DCL 7707 Le droit de la musique digitale (3 crédits)

Ce cours s'interesse aux aspects juridiques, culturels, économiques et techniques de la musique numérique dans le monde. Les sujets suivants seront discutés : l'industrie de la musique, les droits d'auteur, la violation du droit d'auteur, la prescription des recours et les nouvelles stratégies commerciales.

DCL 7712 Problèmes choisis de droit et technologie (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie de problèmes contemporains dans le domaine du droit et de la technologie.

DCL 7717 Droit des communications (3 crédits)

Structure de l'industrie des communications au Canada et description de la technologie. Partage des pouvoirs législatifs, organismes de réglementation et contrôle administratif, analyse de la réglementation des entreprises de communications.

DCL 7718 Droit des technologies (3 crédits)

Ce cours donne une vision d'ensemble des enjeux juridiques du monde numérique et des technologies automatisées (intelligence artificielle, chaîne de blocs, robotique, etc.). L'objectif du cours est de fournir aux étudiants les outils nécessaires pour comprendre les enjeux sociaux et juridiques des technologies, tant au Canada que dans une perspective internationale et comparée (par exemple, Union européenne et États-Unis).

DCL 7719 Technologies pour le droit (3 crédits)

Ce cours offre une introduction pratique aux technologies pour le droit et ses impacts sur la profession et le système juridique. L'objectif du cours est de fournir des compétences de programmation de base pour comprendre, créer et évaluer ces applications technologiques.

DCL 7999 Recherche et thèse en maîtrise / Research and Master's Thesis

DCL 8330 Legal Research Methodology and Theory (3 units)

The course will examine epistemology and methodology issues arising in the field of legal research.

DCL 8500 Droit comparé des successions (4 crédits)

DCL 8716 Problèmes choisis en droit comparé (4 crédits)

Volet : Groupe de discussion, Laboratoire, Cours magistral, Recherche, Séminaire, Stage, Théorie et laboratoire, Tutoriel

DCL 8730 Méthodologie et théorie du droit (3 crédits)

Examen des questions épistémologiques et méthodologiques entourant la recherche en droit.

DCL 9997 Projet de thèse / Thesis project

Examen au cours duquel l'étudiant expose, par écrit et oralement, son projet de thèse. L'étudiant doit soumettre une proposition de recherche, un plan détaillé ainsi qu'une bibliographie exhaustive. / The student presents, in writing and orally, his or her thesis proposal. The student must submit a research proposal, a detailed plan and a comprehensive bibliography.

DCL 9998 Examen de synthèse / Comprehensive Exam

Examen au cours duquel l'étudiant est évalué oralement sur ses connaissances des fondements dans son domaine de recherche. / During this examination the student will be assessed orally on his or her knowledge of legal foundations in his or her field of research.

DCL 9999 Thèse de doctorat / PhD Thesis

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

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PhD Program

The Queen’s Law PhD program is a four-year program of advanced scholarly research and writing, culminating in a dissertation. Queen's Senate recently approved the expected length of the PhD program from three to four years.

Our students represent a broad range of research interests, and are encouraged to use a variety of research methods. Doctoral students are a key part of our vibrant intellectual community: some teach courses in the law school and work in collaboration with faculty members on research projects. They are invited to participate in faculty workshops, lectures and seminars, and engage intellectually with other students and faculty.

We welcome applications from students who have excelled in previous legal studies, normally with an undergraduate law degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) and a graduate law degree at the Masters level (LLM or equivalent).

PhD Program Requirements

First year:

• Two mandatory graduate seminars ( Legal Research Methods & Perspectives  and  Advanced Legal Research ). If similar courses have been taken at another institution different course requirements apply. 
• Graduate-level courses relevant to a student’s research topic (for credit or audit), as recommended by the student’s supervisor and in consultation with the supervisory committee.
• A course of directed reading set by the student’s supervisor and supervisory committee.

End of first semester of second year:

• An oral qualifying exam to demonstrate readiness to pursue a dissertation.
• Final dissertation proposal

Second, third, and fourth year:

• Research and write a doctoral dissertation not to exceed 80,000 words in length exclusive of footnotes, endnotes, bibliography, appendices, tabulated data, table of cases and legislation, and tables of contents.
• Defend dissertation before an examination committee

More information

The  School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs  offers a full list of learning outcomes and a pathway to PhD completion on its website.

Practicing Law in Canada

Please note that obtaining an LLM or PhD in Canada does not qualify students who do not have an LLB or JD from a Canadian university to practice law in Canada. International students who are interested in practising law in Canada should contact the  National Committee on Accreditation .

Potential Applicants

If you are a potential applicant please see our Graduate Admissions Process for information and a link to the application portal.

Applicants do not contact potential supervisors prior to applying for admission.  Normally, supervisors are assigned when we admit applicants to our Program. Our application form allows applicants to suggest potential supervisors.  If there is someone you are interested in working with, please add that professor’s name to the application form. On the Research Interests webpage , you can find potential faculty supervisors under the various research areas. Availability of supervisors depends on current supervision numbers and if sabbaticals or leaves occur.

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Western Law is committed to fostering our doctoral candidates’ development as leading legal scholars through the production of high caliber legal research. To that end, our Faculty offers an intellectually stimulating environment for the pursuit of doctoral studies.

One of the primary aims of the program is to prepare promising scholars for careers as legal academics. Graduates of the PhD program will also be well positioned for the workplace in the private practice of law, business, the government or various Canadian and international non-governmental organizations that focus on law and legal policy.

The normal duration of the PhD program for full-time students is four years of continuous enrolment. PhD students are permitted to study part-time only in exceptional individual circumstances.

Please see our Graduate Admissions page for details of admission requirements and how to apply.

Program Requirements

To complete the PhD program, the following is required:

• Law 9001 : Approaches to Legal Scholarship;
• Law 9002 : Guided Study and Research Methodology;
• Three additional elective courses, one of which may be from outside the Faculty of Law, with the permission of the student’s supervisor and with the approval of the Graduate Director and the other program;
• Law 9003 : Graduate Colloquium; and
• Writing and defence of a substantial dissertation of publishable quality.

In addition , the student will be required to be in residence for a minimum of two years and to meet the following program milestones:

• to produce, after three terms and before the end of six terms, at least one draft dissertation chapter (approximately 10,000 words), and to defend it orally before his or her thesis advisory committee. The committee shall consist of the student’s supervisor and one or two additional members of the university faculty, as agreed by the student and the supervisor;
• to present and defend his or her thesis proposal before the advisory committee, after three terms and before the end of six terms, to ensure that his or her studies are making progress. The committee shall consist of the student’s supervisor and one or two additional members of the university faculty, as agreed by the student and the supervisor. The order in which this and the chapter presentation are delivered shall be determined by the student in consultation with his or her supervisor;
• to prepare by the end of four terms an early draft of a Table of Contents and Bibliography;
• to research and write the dissertation in years three and four; and
• to present at least one research talk inside the Faculty of Law in each year after the first year.

For further details about Western Law's PhD milestones, please see our Guidelines for Students and Supervisors .

For general information about the PhD dissertation and defence process, please see the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Thesis page .

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Graduate 3-325-1-0

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• Dissertation or thesis track

Admission requirements

Be sure to select your choices to display the eligibility conditions that apply to you.

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation from respondents (preferably university professors, including the candidate's master's thesis supervisor) who know the candidate personally and who can directly assess their research abilities by referring, ideally, to specific work produced by the candidate that the respondents were able to assess formally or informally.
• A two-page (maximum) submission outlining the candidate's educational and professional goals in applying to the doctoral program, demonstrating their motivation to undertake a large-scale research program and explaining all the circumstances that may have affected their past academic performance.
• A four-page (maximum) submission briefly describing their research project (even in an embryonic state).
• A copy of a major research paper (100 pages minimum, excluding appendices) previously produced by the candidate (e.g., a master's thesis). Please email this document to the PhD technician.

The minimum duration of the program is six full-time sessions. The maximum duration of the program is 15 sessions or 18 sessions if you began your studies as half-time.

Students must be registered as full-time. In some cases, the dean may allow a student to register as half-time (in exceptional cases).

Costs and financial aid

$2,022.23 *

*Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,440.45

Other fees: $581.78

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

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These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023

Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!

Under certain conditions, Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec can follow university study programs offered in French while benefiting from the same tuition fees as residents of Quebec.

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$9,435.98 *

Tuition fees: $8,854.20

As an international student, you have access to exemption scholarships granted by UdeM throughout your university program. Note that for ungraduated programs, you must be enrolled as a full-time student for two sessions and reside in Quebec in the case of exclusively online study programs.

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Law and Society (PhD)

In our PhD program, you’ll study applied legal methodology and conduct original research. You’ll work closely with your supervisor as well as experts in other disciplines, such as political science, Indigenous governance or sociology.

You’ll study for a candidacy exam and work on a doctoral dissertation. You’ll defend the culminating work in an oral defense.

Quick facts

Students in this program will:

• develop a deep and advanced interdisciplinary specialization within the scope of their dissertation project
• apply appropriate discipline and project specific methods
• acquire broader disciplinary knowledge
• gain the ability to understand and evaluate past and emerging research within their research field
• acquire foundational knowledge and experience for an academic or research-intensive career
• gain skills to effectively communicate disciplinary knowledge to legal community and broader public

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All graduate students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:

• you must specify the faculty member(s) you would like to work with, and explain why
• this faculty member does not need to agree to be your supervisor before you apply, but you can reach out to faculty member(s) to seek their interest in principle

To find a potential supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, you may contact them by email.

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Application deadlines, admission requirements, program specific requirements.

Please note that the minimum language requirements for the Faculty of Law admissions are higher than the minimums set by the University of Victoria. 

As part of your application, you must submit:

• A curriculum vitae
• A full dissertation proposal (five-page maximum). You can revise this proposal during your time in the program
• A sample of your research writing, e.g. a completed segment of a master’s thesis or published article
• The names and email addresses of two references. Your references should be professors or another authority familiar with your academic work

Completion requirements

Funding & aid, tuition & fees.

Estimated minimum program cost*

* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator .

Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.

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PhD in Law from...

PhD in Law from Canada: A Complete Guide to Pursue PhD in Law in Canada for International Students

Canada ranks 4th globally when it comes to research opportunities which is why international students often decide to pursue PhD in Law from Canada. Canada is home to some of the finest law schools offering PhD in Law. Not only is a PhD in Law from Canada a highly remunerative career choice but also a well-respected profession with a great scope. The annual salary package for lawyers in Canada is quite good starting from 37,500 CAD and going up to 295,000 CAD and this field is characterized by a balanced demand and supply of labor.

We have prepared a guide including best universities for PhD in Law in Canada, cost of studying, scholarships, eligibility criteria, admission process, future opportunities to help you get started.

Why Study PhD in Law in Canada?

If you are looking for reasons why you should consider getting a PhD in Law from Canada, take a look at the points below:

• World-class education: Canada not only is the top choice among international students beating countries like the US and UK but also home to coveted universities. Remarkably, 12 universities in Canada rank in the QS subject rankings by Subject 2021 for Law and Legal Studies. Out of which 3 universities namely University of Toronto, McGill University and University of British Columbia rank in the top 50 globally while the remaining are placed within the top 300 category.
• Funding opportunities: There are numerous scholarships for international students in Canada which can definitely help you in reducing the costs significantly. Besides program funding you can secure financial support through Research Assistantships (RA).  You can also find fully funded law PhD in Canada which is totally a bonus point if you are looking for affordable education. International students are also allowed to work on or off-campus with a valid study permit.
• Future prospects: Adding an international doctoral degree to your resume, makes you highly employable in Canada as well as other parts of the world. It also leads your way to permanent residency in Canada. The demand for judges and lawyers in Canada between 2019-2026 is expected at 46,000 compared to 46,600 job-seekers which means the demand and supply will be stable implying good future prospects.

Job Opportunities after Studying in Canada for International Students!

Top 6 Universities in Canada for PhD in Law

Law is a popular field of study in Canada, let us take a closer look at the top universities for PhD in Law in Canada:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University 
• University of British Columbia
• University of Ottawa
• York University
• Queen’s University at Kingston

Details about PhD programs at each of these universities is mentioned below:

1. University of Toronto

University of Toronto is the top ranking institution in Canada with a very high research output. It also ranks in the top 50 in QS subject rankings for Law and Legal Studies in 2021. It provides Doctoral of Juridical Science (SJD) with 2 admission rounds - one for general entry and the other for direct entry. The Faculty of Law also provides collaborative graduate programs that allow you to pursue PhD in Law with an interdisciplinary perspective.

2. McGill University

The Faculty of Law at McGill University offers a competitive, challenging and intense Doctor of Civil Law program with 3 specializations. Admission to this program is very selective as the university admits a new batch of only 15 students per year. This program gives you the opportunity to associate with the Centre for Human Rights and Legal Pluralism, the Paul-André Crépeau Centre for Private and Comparative Law, the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy or one of the Research Chairs at the Faculty of Law depending on your research area.

3. University of British Columbia

University of British Columbia, another leading institution in Canada offers PhD in Law through Peter A. Allard School of Law. It is a research-intensive program which will open your doors to work in the public sector, legal research, law teaching, policy development, practice of law and government service.

4. University of Ottawa

University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s top 10 research universities known for its impactful research facilitated by collaboration, innovation and interdisciplinarity. The Faculty of Law at University of Ottawa aims at developing lawyers and academicians who can operate autonomously and prove themselves in the field of law. The maximum limit for completing this program is 5 years from the registration date.

5. York University

The Osgoode Hall Law School at York University is well-known for providing affordable PhD in Law. The program accepts a very limited number of candidates therefore you need to be a competitive applicant and apply early to secure a place. All candidates are expected to complete the requirements of the program within 18 terms i.e. 6 years.

6. Queen’s University at Kingston

The Queen’s University of Kingston provides a 4-year PhD in Law program. Queen’s law programs proudly boast of high employment rates of nearly 95%. The program helps you reach the highest point in your career and understand the challenges of the ever-changing job market.

Universities in Canada for PhD

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for PhD in Law in Canada

Before proceeding with the admission process, let us take a look at the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for earning PhD in Law from Canada:

• Master’s degree
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Canadian study permit
• Additional documents

Let us now talk about these PhD requirements in Canada elaborately:

• Master’s Degree

For seeking admission to PhD in Law in Canada, you must complete an LLB or JD along with a master’s degree in Law from recognised universities. You are expected to have a minimum overall average of B+ i.e. 75% or above in your master’s degree .

• Proof of English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose first language is not English must submit English language test scores for admission. A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 or TOEFL score of 100 is required for admission to PhD in Law in Canada for international students.

• Canadian Study Permit

As international students seeking admission to Law PhD in Canada, you will have to apply for a Canadian study permit. Applications for a study permit can only be submitted after receiving an admission confirmation.

Documents Required for PhD in Law in Canada

Take a look at the list of documents required for applying to PhD in Law in Canada for international students:

• Transcripts from post-secondary education
• English language proficiency tests scores
• GRE scores, if required
• Letters of reference
• Statement of Interest
• Dissertation proposal
• Writing sample
• Preference of thesis supervisor
• Copy of passport
• Proof of sufficient finances

What is the Eligibility, Requirements & Application Process for Masters in Canada?

Compared to the number of applications received, the seats for PhD in Law in Canada is quite limited which is why barely meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Let us now take a look at the admission process for PhD in Law in Canada:

Admission Process for PhD in Law in Canada

PhD in Law in Canada is offered for the September intake. Applications for admission are available around September of the previous year and are accepted up to December 1 at most institutions. The application deadlines for doctoral degrees are mostly not flexible and must be adhered to. Once you have checked the eligibility criteria and application deadlines, the next step is applying for admission. The steps in the application process in Canada are discussed below:

• The application process will start by completing the online application available on the respective university’s website and submitting the necessary application fee.
• An essential step to apply for Phd is connecting with a supervisor, some universities require commitment from a supervisor prior to applying while others assign supervisors in the first year.
• The next step is to gather and upload all necessary documents required for admission.
• Make sure you add your referees carefully as it is an important part of the application and must be received by the specified deadline for your application to be complete.
• After submitting the application, you can track the status of your application and wait until the admission decision. Universities generally send admission decisions via email.
• If you are accepted, make sure you reply to your offer of admission within the prescribed time period and pay the tuition deposit.
• Next, you will have to proceed with the student visa application. You must check the financial support being provided by your institution and apply for funding opportunities accordingly.

Intakes and Deadlines to Study in Canada in 2022!

Cost of Studying PhD in Law in Canada

The cost of studying for a PhD in Law in Canada includes tuition fees, cost of accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, entertainment and personal expenses. On average, the annual tuition fee for PhD in Law in Canada is 6,955 CAD - 15,000 CAD.

The exact cost of living in Canada will depend on various factors such as your location, type of accommodation and preferences. You can assume the average cost of living to be around 10,000 CAD - 12,000 CAD per year i.e. 800 CAD - 1,000 CAD per month. The rent of accommodation makes a major difference in your cost of living. If you choose to live on-campus accommodation, the rent is around 3,000-7,500 CAD while off-campus accommodation costs around 8,000 CAD - 9,000 CAD per year.

Now as you are aware of the investment that is required to study Phd in law in Canada, let us look at the ways in which you can manage your studies within budget. Below mentioned are some of the PhD law scholarships Canada. 

Scholarships for PhD in Law in Canada

There are a lot of PhD in Law scholarships in Canada to ease your financial burden. Besides financial support provided by universities, you can apply for PhD Law scholarships in Canada. Take a look at the table below to learn about the various scholarships and eligibility criteria for the same:

How to Finance your Studies in Canada?

Career Opportunities in Canada After PhD in Law

Law is a high yielding field because of the ever-growing demand for legal services. A PhD in Law boosts your salaries by 23% and prepares you for senior positions in an organization. 

• You can be working at private firms, public sector, educational organizations, large corporations, Government or be self-employed as a lawyer, attorney, counsel, advocate among other positions.
• Employees of the public sector receive higher salaries than those employed in the private sector. 
• The average salary of a person working in the legal field is around 144,000 CAD per year. Notably, legal professionals in Ontario have the highest average salaries of around 160,000 CAD followed by Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta. 

The popular job titles and average salaries for candidates with PhD in Law from Canada are given in the table below:

It is a well-known fact that a higher level of education directly contributes to higher earning potential. Therefore investing in a PhD in Law in Canada is definitely worth it for your future. Law is a skill-based discipline and to work as a professional in this field you need to have strong judgment, knowledge of legal matters, ability to handle clients, grit, problem-solving skills, negotiation skills, etc. If you are looking for streamlined assistance to fulfil your dream of studying in Canada, connect with our Yocket Counsellors today!

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Law in Canada

How long is the PhD in Law in Canada program?

The PhD in Law in Canada can be completed within 3 to 4 years.

What are the top universities for PhD in Law in Canada?

Some of the top universities for PhD in Law in Canada include University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Montreal, University of Ottawa, etc.

How much does it cost Indian students to get a PhD in Law from Canada?

The cost of PhD in Law from Canada for Indian students is between 3,95,000 INR to 8,90,000 INR annually.

Is a PhD in Law in Canada funded?

Yes, most institutions in Canada have a funding standard set for applicants of each department which must be provided to the students as program funding. You can combine this funding package with other external awards.

Is it mandatory to a LLM for admission to PhD in Law in Canada?

Yes, it is mandatory to get a LLM i.e. a Masters of Law before applying for admission to PhD in Law in Canada.

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