Why study this program?
The Faculty of Law offers programs of graduate study leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Master of Laws (LLM). The Faculty also offers programs of joint study with the Faculty of Business leading to a combined MBA-JD program.
Please note that an LLM degree does not entitle the holder to practice law in Canada.
Entrance Requirements
For the LLM, the Faculty’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate JD or LLB degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
For the PhD, the Faculty’s minimum admission requirements are an LLM degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement). Any one of the following is acceptable:
- a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based, with at least 25 in each section), or equivalent
- an IELTS (Academic) score with a minimum overall band score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 on each band,
- a PTE (Academic) overall minimum score of 68
Applicants are also required to submit the following
- Chronological resume or curriculum vitae
- Three reference forms and letters of recommendation completed and submitted by the referees
- a Statement of Motivation. Please follow the Statement of Motivation Instruction Form.
- a Research Proposal. See Admissions on the Department website for further information.
The deadline for all applications to be submitted is December 1.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 9 units in coursework and a thesis
Two 3-unit graduate-level courses
Courses may include:
- graduate courses in other faculties with the approval of their supervisor and the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law, after consideration of the candidate’s needs and experience and the availability of courses
- LAW 695 - Research Paper
- LAW 699 - Graduate Seminar on Specialized Legal Topics (may be taken more than once, provided new subject matter is being offered)
Thesis
- Registration in 900-level THES. After passing the oral candidacy exam, the candidate will submit a dissertation approximately 250 to 350 pages (62,500) in length, inclusive of footnotes or endnotes, and make an oral defence of the dissertation.
PhD Dissertation Proposal
Students must write a detailed dissertation description and outline on a dissertation topic selected in consultation with their supervisory committee and with the approval of the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies.
Candidacy Exam
Students must pass an oral candidacy examination concerning the dissertation description and outline. Students are normally required to complete all course work before taking the oral candidacy examination.
Ethics Requirement
All students must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 (for both master’s and doctoral students) and INT D 720 (for doctoral students) by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.
Professional Development Requirement
Students in the PhD program must satisfy the GPS Professional Development Requirement.
Residence Requirement
The residence period will ordinarily be one academic year (i.e., Fall and Winter terms), assuming an LLM upon entry from a university other than the University of Alberta. Candidates who hold a University of Alberta LLM may secure a waiver of residency, upon recommendation of the supervisory committee and approval of the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies), Faculty of Law.
Length of Program
The time required to complete the PhD will vary according to previous education and experience of the applicant and the nature of the research undertaken; however, a minimum of two calendar years of full-time study is normally required.
The maximum time to complete the PhD program as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is six years.
Courses
Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Law (LAW).
Financial assistance, including graduate research assistantships, may be available to suitably qualified candidates. Such assistance will involve candidates in the performance of certain research duties in the Faculty of Law, although such duties will not impede candidates in the pursuit of their own studies.
The Faculty of Law offers a number of scholarships and awards for PhD and LLM students. Eligible students are considered automatically by the Faculty of Law for these scholarships and awards at the time of admission. A current listing of Faculty of Law scholarships and awards can be found on the Faculty of Law website.
In addition, the University of Alberta offers certain scholarships to candidates of sufficiently high academic merit.
Inquiries regarding programs, courses and financial assistance other than University scholarships should be made to the Graduate Admissions Officer, Faculty of Law.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research site.The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
Please refer to the detailed program information or email law.admissions@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1