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- Law Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
- Course Selection (Graduate and Postdoctoral Law Programs)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis) (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Bioethics (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Environment (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits)
- Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law
- Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Air and Space Law
- Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law: Comparative Law
- Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Air and Space Law (15 credits)
- Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Comparative Law (15 credits)
Law
Location
Location
- Faculty of Law
- Graduate Programs in Law
- New Chancellor Day Hall
- 3644 Peel Street, Room 406
- Montreal QC H3A 1W9
- Canada
- Telephone: 514-398-6635
- Email: grad.law [at] mcgill.ca
- Website: mcgill.ca/law/grad-studies
Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) – Darren Rosenblum
About Law
About Law
Graduate students in Law at 鶹AV have one thing in common: a sharp curiosity to explore ideas and projects in an environment that is uniquely comparative and pluralist.
The extensive and impressive history of graduate teaching and supervision at 鶹AV, combined with the innovations in legal pedagogy for which the Faculty of Law is celebrated, create an unrivaled experience for graduate students. Grounded in Montreal, a city that embodies a lively mix of languages, cultures, and communities, the Faculty of Law invites students pursuing their D.C.L. and LL.M. degrees to discover and write within a community of legal scholars that is internationally renowned and engaging.
鶹AV's Faculty of Law is a meeting place for the languages of North America, for the world’s legal traditions, and for students who wish to participate in the graduate life of a truly outstanding, prestigious, and intellectually vibrant Faculty of Law.
The Faculty of Law offers a range of programs at the graduate level. These include the degrees of Master of Laws (LL.M.) with thesis and non-thesis options, Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.), and Graduate Certificates.
Students may choose to pursue either the LL.M. in general Law, Air and Space Law, Bioethics, Comparative Law, or Environment; or the D.C.L. in general Law, Comparative Law, or Air and Space Law. Graduate Certificates may only be completed in Comparative Law or in Air and Space Law.
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Degrees
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis) (45 credits) |
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The LL.M. thesis program is geared toward students who wish to continue their legal education primarily through research, as the program concentrates on the production of a 30,000-word thesis, as well as some graduate-level coursework. |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits) |
The LL.M. thesis program in Air and Space Law is geared toward students who wish to focus on original scholarly research related to the Air and Space Law domain. This program involves a combination of coursework and research credits (a thesis of 30,000 words). The thesis must show familiarity with previous work in the field and demonstrate the student’s capacity for independent analysis, writing skills, and organization. |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Bioethics (45 credits) |
The master’s specialization in Bioethics is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes both the conceptual and practical aspects of Bioethics. Students pursuing the LL.M. in Bioethics are bound by the requirements of the Faculty of Law’s LL.M. program. This program is offered as a thesis option only. |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits) |
In the field of Comparative Law, students are encouraged to think about the nature and value of comparative scholarship both through coursework (particularly the Legal Traditions course, which is required for all students in Comparative Law) and through their master’s thesis. As such, students are encouraged and given opportunities to explore how juridical analyses are enriched through openness to learning from diversity in research methods, theoretical frameworks, legal traditions and doctrines, languages, and disciplinary perspectives. The LL.M. thesis program in Comparative Law requires several graduate-level courses and the production of a 30,000-word thesis.
Note: Availability of this program is subject to relevant courses being offered in a given year.
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Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Environment (45 credits) |
**This program is currently not offered.** The graduate option in Environment is a cross-disciplinary option offered in conjunction with the Bieler School of Environment within the LL.M. (thesis or non-thesis), providing students with an appreciation for the role of science, politics, amnd ethics in informed decision-making in the environment sector. The thesis option requires the production of a 30,000-word thesis.
Note: Availability of this program is subject to relevant courses being offered in a given year.
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Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis) (45 credits) |
The LL.M. non-thesis program is geared toward students who wish to continue their legal education largely through graduate-level coursework. The program requires two terms of coursework as well as a 15,000-word research project. |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits) |
The LL.M. non-thesis program in Air and Space Law is geared toward students who wish to gain a wide exposure to a range of taught courses within, and related to, the Air and Space Law domain. The non-thesis option requires a 15,000-word research project, with the remaining credits earned in courses. |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits) |
In the field of Comparative Law, students are encouraged to think about the nature and value of comparative scholarship both through coursework (particularly the Legal Traditions course, which is required for all students in Comparative Law) and through their master’s research project. As such, students are encouraged and given opportunities to explore how juridical analyses are enriched through openness to learning from diversity in research methods, theoretical frameworks, legal traditions and doctrines, languages, and disciplinary perspectives. The LL.M. non-thesis program requires two terms of graduate-level coursework and another term to produce a 15,000-word research project.
Note: Availability of this program is subject to relevant courses being offered in a given year.
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Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits) |
**This program is currently not offered.** The graduate option in Environment is a cross-disciplinary option offered in conjunction with the Bieler School of Environment within the LL.M. (thesis or non-thesis) providing students with an appreciation for the role of science in informed decision-making in the environment sector, and its influence on political, socio-economic, and ethical judgments. The non-thesis option requires two terms of graduate-level coursework on environment law, as well as a 15,000-word research project.
Note: Availability of this program is subject to relevant courses being offered in a given year.
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Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Degrees
Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law |
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The Doctor of Civil Law program is centred around the doctoral thesis, which develops a substantive and original contribution to legal research and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty member. Many doctoral candidates intend on pursuing an academic career and developing their approach to pedagogy, research, and writing while at 鶹AV. |
Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Air and Space Law |
The Doctor of Civil Law in Air and Space Law is a research degree ideal for scholars intent on deepening and broadening their critical understanding of the law, as well as their original engagement with it. The program offers a curriculum exploring legal issues that arise from international civil aviation and new technologies in space. It also provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal processes regulating worldwide aerospace activities. |
Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law: Comparative Law |
Doctoral students in Comparative Law are encouraged to think about the nature and value of comparative scholarship both through coursework (particularly the Legal Traditions course, which is recommended for DCL students in Comparative Law) and through their doctoral thesis. As such, students are encouraged and given opportunities to explore how juridical analyses are enriched through openness to learning with diverse research methods, theoretical frameworks, legal traditions and doctrines, languages, and disciplinary perspectives. |
Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Air and Space Law (15 credits) |
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The Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law is a course-based program designed for students with a strong professional orientation. This certificate is particularly appropriate for jurists and other professionals who wish to pursue graduate-level legal studies in aviation, air and space law, government regulations, conventions, and treaties dealing with these areas. |
Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Comparative Law (15 credits) |
The Graduate Certificate in Comparative Law provides advanced training to candidates who do not wish to undertake the master's degree. The Graduate Certificate is particularly appropriate for judges, law professors, and legal practitioners from countries undergoing substantial legal reform (such as post-Communist or developing countries) who wish to pursue advanced studies in areas such as civil, commercial, or human rights law. |
Law Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Law Admission Requirements and Application Procedures
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants must submit their application through 鶹AV's online application system at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/submit-your-application. For detailed information on the application process, please visit the Faculty website.
Language Requirement
Language Requirement
Graduate-level courses are generally offered in English, and an adequate level of proficiency in English must be demonstrated for admission. In order to understand all course materials, the ability to speak and read French is an asset. At 鶹AV's Faculty of Law, all students may choose to write essays, examinations, and theses in English or French. In areas such as the study of private law in the civilian tradition or comparative private law, a reading knowledge of French is essential.
For graduate applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized Canadian or American (English or French) institution or from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, documented proof of English proficiency is required prior to admission. For a list of acceptable test scores and minimum requirements, visit mcgill.ca/law/grad-studies/admissions-guide/eligibility.
LL.M. Programs
LL.M. Programs
Candidates for admission to the master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Law (such as LL.B. or J.D.), with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent). This standing does not guarantee admission; the Graduate 鶹AV Committee weighs the entire dossier, including the applicant's reference letters and the quality of the research proposal.
LL.M. Interdisciplinary Options
LL.M. Interdisciplinary Options
- Environment Option: This option is available to students who apply for admission to the LL.M. Thesis or Non-Thesis program at the Faculty of Law. For further information, see Environment > Graduate > Browse Academic Units & Programs > Environment or visit mcgill.ca/environment/envroption.
- Bioethics Option: This option is available to students who apply for admission to the LL.M. Thesis program at the Faculty of Law. For further information, see Medicine > Graduate > Browse Academic Units & Programs > Bioethics or visit mcgill.ca/biomedicalethicsunit/teaching/masters.
D.C.L. Programs
D.C.L. Programs
Applicants demonstrating outstanding academic ability will be considered for admission to the doctoral program.
In addition to the requirements for admission to the LL.M. programs, D.C.L. applicants must also hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in Law, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent). Admission to the doctoral program is always dependent on the availability of a suitable supervisor.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Graduate Certificate Programs
The requirements for admission to the graduate certificate programs are essentially the same as for the LL.M. programs, except that greater weight may be placed on professional experience. For further information, visit mcgill.ca/law/grad-studies/admissions-guide/eligibility. Graduate certificate programs are available in the following two fields:
- Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law
- Graduate Certificate in Comparative Law
Application Procedures
Application Procedures
鶹AV’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.
See University Regulations & Resources > Graduate > Graduate 鶹AV and Application Procedures > Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.
Additional Requirements
Additional Requirements
The items below are additional requirements set by the Faculty of Law. For further information, visit mcgill.ca/law/grad-studies/admissions-guide/deadlines-and-documents.
Application Dates and Deadlines
Application Dates and Deadlines
Application opening dates are set by Enrolment Services in consultation with Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), while application deadlines are set by the Faculty of Law and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate 鶹AV departmental website; please consult the list at mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.
Information on application deadlines is available at mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/how-apply/application-steps/application-deadlines.
The application deadline to all graduate programs in Law (LL.M., D.C.L., Graduate Certificates) is December 1. The Faculty of Law will not consider applications received on or after December 2.
The Faculty of Law offers Fall term admission only; the Faculty will not consider applications for Winter or Summer entry. Applications submitted for the Winter and Summer terms will be cancelled without reimbursement of the application fee.
Course Selection (Graduate and Postdoctoral Law Programs)
Course Selection (Graduate and Postdoctoral Law Programs)
It should be noted that not all courses are offered in each year. Students wishing to pursue research topics outside of these particular fields are welcome to do so, subject to the availability of appropriate thesis supervisors.
The graduate-level Law courses are grouped into five inter-related concentrations.
Legal Traditions and Legal Theory
Legal Traditions and Legal Theory
This concentration combines two areas of strength: the coexistence of diverse legal traditions, particularly (but not exclusively) the civil and common law, and the awareness of the importance of theoretical approaches to law as a means of understanding both the internal dynamic of legal phenomena and their relationship to other social phenomena.
Courses offered within this concentration may include: |
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Aboriginal Peoples and the Law (CMPL 500) |
Advanced Criminal Law (PUB2 501) |
Advanced Jurisprudence (CMPL 505) |
Canadian Legal History (CMPL 547) |
Civil Law Perspectives (CMPL 601) |
Common Law Perspectives (CMPL 602) |
Comparative Modern Legal History (CMPL 519) |
Feminist Legal Theory (CMPL 504) |
Human Rights & Cultural Diversity (CMPL 603) |
Jurisprudence (CMPL 501) |
Legal Education Seminar (LAWG 625) |
Legal Theory (CMPL 506) |
Legal Traditions (CMPL 600) |
Linguistic and Literary Approaches to Law (CMPL 507) |
Restitution (PRV4 500) |
Roman Law (CMPL 510) |
Sentencing in Canadian Law (PUB2 504) |
Social Diversity and Law (CMPL 511) |
Talmudic Law (CMPL 513) |
Theoretical Approaches to Law (CMPL 641) |
International Business Law
International Business Law
This field has practical significance in international business relations and also provides opportunities to apply experience derived from multiple legal systems to the development of multi-jurisdictional, “international” commercial rules.
Courses offered within this concentration may include: |
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Airline Business and Law (ASPL 614) |
Comparative Air Law (ASPL 632) |
Comparative Legal Institutions (CMPL 517) |
Copyright and Trademark Theory (BUS2 500) |
Corporate Finance (BUS2 505) |
European Union Law 1 (CMPL 536) |
European Union Law 2 (CMPL 537) |
Government Control of Business (CMPL 574) |
Government Regulation of Space Activities (ASPL 639) |
Intellectual & Industrial Property (BUS2 502) |
International Business Law (CMPL 604) |
International Carriage of Goods by Sea (CMPL 515) |
International Development Law (CMPL 516) |
International Environmental Law and Politics (CMPL 546) |
International Maritime Conventions (CMPL 553) |
International Taxation (CMPL 539) |
Law and Practice of International Trade (CMPL 543) |
Law of Space Applications (ASPL 638) |
Patent Theory and Policy (BUS2 501) |
Private International Air Law (ASPL 636) |
Public International Air Law (ASPL 633) |
Resolution of International Disputes (CMPL 533) |
Securities Regulation (BUS2 504) |
Human Rights and Cultural Diversity
Human Rights and Cultural Diversity
Building on the Faculty's strength in public law, this concentration promotes the comparative study of human rights law. It provides students with opportunities to reflect critically on the emergence and institutionalization of human rights norms in both domestic and international settings and to explore complexities arising from cultural diversity.
Courses offered within this concentration may include: |
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Aboriginal Peoples and the Law (CMPL 500) |
Advanced Criminal Law (PUB2 501) |
Children and the Law (PRV2 500) |
Civil Liberties (CMPL 573) |
Discrimination and the Law (CMPL 575) |
Feminist Legal Theory (CMPL 504) |
Human Rights & Cultural Diversity (CMPL 603) |
International Criminal Law (PUB2 502) |
International Humanitarian Law (CMPL 565) |
International Law of Human Rights (CMPL 571) |
Law and Psychiatry (PUB2 500) |
Social Diversity and Law (CMPL 511) |
Regulation, Technology and Society
Regulation, Technology and Society
This concentration focuses on the comparative and interdisciplinary study of legal regulation in areas of rapid technological change. It encourages critical reflection on notions of the public interest and its protection in areas as diverse as the biomedical sciences, the environment, the growth of computer networks, and the commercial exploitation of space.
Courses offered within this concentration may include: |
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Communications Law (CMPL 577) |
Comparative Medical Law (CMPL 551) |
Computers and the Law (CMPL 578) |
Environment and the Law (CMPL 580) |
Government Control of Business (CMPL 574) |
Intellectual & Industrial Property (BUS2 502) |
International Environmental Law and Politics (CMPL 546) |
Land Use Planning (PRV4 545) |
Law and Health Care (CMPL 642) |
Law and Psychiatry (PUB2 500) |
Medical Liability (CMPL 522) |
Policies, Politics and Legislative Process (CMPL 518) |
Regulation Technology/Society (CMPL 605) |
Trade Regulation (CMPL 521) |
Air and Space Law
Air and Space Law
This field explores legal issues that arise from international civil aviation and new technologies in space. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal processes regulating worldwide aerospace activities.
Courses offered within this concentration may include: |
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Government Regulation of Air Transport (ASPL 613) |
Airline Business and Law (ASPL 614) |
Comparative Air Law (ASPL 632) |
Public International Air Law (ASPL 633) |
Private International Air Law (ASPL 636) |
Space Law: General Principles (ASPL 637) |
Law of Space Applications (ASPL 638) |
Government Regulation of Space Activities (ASPL 639) |
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis) (45 credits)
The 45-credit LL.M. program, thesis option, is a research-intensive graduate program focused on developing research interests into a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. Graduate level courses on theoretical and methodological approaches to legal writing complement the research work and thesis completion process, and courses in specific areas...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis) (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Bioethics (45 credits)
The 45-credit LL.M. program, thesis option, in Bioethics is a research-intensive, interdisciplinary, graduate program focused on developing research interests into a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. Graduate-level courses on theoretical and methodological approaches to legal writing complement the research work and thesis completion process...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Bioethics (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Environment (45 credits)
**This program is currently not offered.** ...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Environment (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)
The 45-credit LL.M. non-thesis option complements previous legal education through specialized graduate-level coursework and in-depth research. It enhances expertise in selected areas of legal scholarship and offers an opportunity to write a supervised, substantial, and publishable paper in an area of interest. ...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis) (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits)
**This program is currently not offered.** ...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Environment (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits)
The 45-credit LL.M. program, thesis option, in Air and Space Law is a research-intensive graduate program focused on developing research interests into a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. Graduate-level courses on theoretical and methodological approaches to legal writing complement the research work and thesis completion process, and...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits)
The 45-credit LL.M. program, non-thesis option, in Air and Space Law complements previous legal education through specialized graduate-level coursework and in-depth research. It enhances expertise in selected areas of legal scholarship and includes a supervised substantial paper in an area of interest. ...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Air and Space Law (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits)
** Availability of this program is subject to relevant courses being offered in a given year. ** ...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits).
Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits)
** Availability of this program is subject to relevant courses being offered in a given year. ** ...
For more information, see Master of Laws (LL.M.) Law (Non-Thesis): Comparative Law (45 credits).
Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law
The Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) program allows the development of substantive and original contributions to legal research and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty member. ...
For more information, see Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law.
Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Air and Space Law
The Institute of Air & Space Law offers a D.C.L. program in Air and Space Law, which allows the development of substantive and original contributions to legal research and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty member. ...
For more information, see Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Air and Space Law.
Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law: Comparative Law
The Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) program allows the development of substantive and original contributions to legal research and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty member. ...
For more information, see Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) Law: Comparative Law.
Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Air and Space Law (15 credits)
The Graduate Certificate in Air and Space Law offered through the Institute of Air and Space Law is a coursework program, appropriate for students with a strong professional orientation. ...
For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Air and Space Law (15 credits).
Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Comparative Law (15 credits)
The Graduate Certificate in Comparative Law is offered through the Institute of Comparative Law and provides advanced legal training over one term of full-time studies or two terms of part-time studies to candidates who wish to pursue graduate legal education for career-related purposes. ...
For more information, see Graduate Certificate (Gr. Cert.) Comparative Law (15 credits).