Program overview
The course-based LLM program is designed for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of a particular area of law, whether for professional or academic reasons. Students take courses and complete a major research paper on a topic of their choice. The course-based LLM will also appeal to internationally-trained lawyers who seek an introduction to the Canadian legal system. The program can be completed on either a full-time or a part-time basis. A specialization in Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law (NREEL) is available.
The Faculty of Law has a wide range of research expertise. We have long been leaders in natural resources, energy and environmental law. Other areas of particular research strength include business and tax law, private law, administrative law and regulation, criminal law, Indigenous people and law, international law, human rights law, legal history and theory, and the law pertaining to privacy, security and technology. The Faculty of Law is a home of the Journal of Environmental Law and Practice and for our acclaimed law blog, ABlawg.
Our LLM program was included in the LLM Guide's top 10 energy law programs worldwide (2019). Our program earns this recognition for strengths in examining the relationship between society and the environment, in defining the interests we claim in the world around us, and in shaping the consequences of using those resources. The faculty has endowed chairs in natural resources law, in business law, and in business regulation. Our substantial law library complemented by the internationally-renowned Canadian Institute of Resources Law, which hosts symposia and publishes research on natural resources and energy law.
LLM students are eligible to become members of the University of Calgary’s Graduate College.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Graduate Seminar in Legal Research and Methodology and a Major Research Paper course.
- Paper: Students must complete a major research paper.
- Additional Courses: Topics may include natural resources, energy or environmental law or a related area or discipline.
Specializations
- Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law
Outcomes
Private practice, in-house counsel, government, regulatory bodies and non-governmental organizations in the specialty area. This program is also an efficient springboard to doctoral programs in Law. For more information, email lawgpd@ucalgary.ca.
Course-based program
Two core courses and five electives
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Five years maximum
Supervisor
No supervisor is required
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Ordinarily, a JD, LLB or equivalent degree in law.
Work samples
None
Documents
- A brief statement of their proposed thesis or major paper.
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
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.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (no less than 70 on reading and writing sections).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in writing courses.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
Canadians and Permanent Residents:
- January 15- application deadline to be eligible to apply for the Graduate Awards Competition
- February 15- deadline for submission of supporting documents (for Jan. 15 application deadline)
- April 30- application and supporting documents deadline for students NOT applying for the Graduate Awards Competition
International Applicants:
- January 15- application deadline
- February 15- deadline for submission of supporting documents
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
The Faculty of Law
Law Graduate Programs
MFH 2380, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.210.8718
Contact the Graduate Program Administrator
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
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