Master of Laws (LLM), Thesis-based
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In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Law requires:
a) course. Students must receive a passing grade in this course to advance in the program.
b) course.
c) At least two additional 600-level courses (6 units) approved by the Graduate Program Director. For students in the specialization in Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, the courses should be in the areas of natural resources, energy or environmental law or in a related area or from a related discipline with the approval of the Graduate Program Director.
d) A substantial research thesis, approximately 100 to 125 pages (30,000-38,000 words) in length, exclusive of the bibliography, prepared under the supervision of a faculty member or other suitable person appointed by the Graduate Program Director. For students in the specialization in Natural resources, Energy and Environmental Law, the thesis must be on a topic in that subject area.
e) Two terms in residence, normally consecutive and normally from September to April. Students usually require at least 15 to 18 months from initial registration for thesis completion and defence.
Advanced Credit
The applicant must make advanced credit requests as part of the admission process. On a case-by-case basis, advanced credit toward an LLM or PhD program may be given for courses completed in a graduate program within the Faculty of Law or another recognized institution. Courses for which advanced credit is being sought must not have been used for any previously completed degree/diploma/certificate credential.
Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)
The Faculty of Law will not permit the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course offered by the Faculty.
Students may choose the CG grade for a course taken extra to load.
The use of the CG grade will not affect students' eligibility for internal awards.
Credit for Undergraduate Courses
Certain JD courses are eligible for credit toward the LLM program.
Time Limit
All requirements for the thesis-based LLM degree must be completed within four years of initial registration. It is expected that full-time students will complete the program in two years.
Supervisory Assignments
Contact the Faculty of Law Graduate Program Director for information.
Thesis Examination
In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations for thesis examinations, the program requires:
Thesis examinations are open.
Scheduling of the Examination
All members of the Supervisory Committee (where applicable), must have reviewed the student’s draft thesis document before an examination can be scheduled.
Composition of the Committee
The Internal Examiner may be internal to the home program.
Financial assistance may be available to qualified students, although funding for course-based LLM students will very rarely be provided. For information on awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar or the Faculty of Law Calendar or website.
Students applying for scholarships must submit their scholarship applications to the Faculty of Law by the deadlines for completed admission applications.