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. Full-time students should expect to complete their programs in 12-16 months. 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 lawgrad@ucalgary.ca
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.
- A C.V.
- Writing Sample: Should be approximately 10-30 pages long. It must be your own original writing. It should be reasoned scholarly or professional work that serves to demonstrate to a committee of professors that you have a well-developed capacity for writing, analysis and research. It may be published or unpublished. Do not submit writing that you co-authored with someone else: application files relying on co-authored work will be treated as incomplete. Do not submit any material that is confidential or to which others might have claims of privilege, e.g. confidential or privileged memoranda prepared for clients or employers.
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 (minimum of 6.5 in each section).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (70 in some sections – up to the program, 60 in all other).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in one or two courses (up to the program), “B+” on all other courses.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 191.
- Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 135* (with no sub-score below 115*). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake).
*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements
Deadlines
For Fall 2023 admission:
- December 31, 2022 - application deadline
- January 8, 2023 - deadline for submission of supporting documents and reference letters
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
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Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
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