The coursework-only LLM is usually undertaken on a full-time basis, from September to August. In exceptional cases, with the permission of the Associate Dean, students may apply to complete the program on a part-time basis. Coursework-only LLM students must:
- Remain in residence for two academic terms (September to April),
- Complete 28 credit hours of course work, including the mandatory graduate seminar, Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship (3 credits, fall term), and
- Fulfill a writing requirement by taking a course requiring one or more written assignments of at least 3,500 words (combined).
We also offer an intensive course, Introduction to the Canadian Legal System, in late August for students who are new to Canada and/or common law. We also hold a mandatory, non-credit LLM Writing Workshop, with sessions on legal research and writing throughout the year. Students also participate in the Comparative Legal Systems Seminar, where international LLM students present research about the legal systems in their home countries.
Candidates choose their credits from those available in the JD program. Graduate students usually choose upper-year courses, seminars, and specialized and intensive courses, which often require the preparation of a research paper.
Coursework will be graded on the graduate grading scale. You must obtain a B- or greater in every course and on the thesis.
All course selections are subject to approval by the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies. Students are encouraged to balance their courseload between the terms.
Note: An LLM does not qualify foreign-trained candidates to practise law in Ontario, and LLM students are not permitted to take courses from the first year JD program. For information about requalifying to practice law, please see NCA Options at the Faculty of Law.
