LLM Program

The LLM in Law and Society includes two options - one (the Thesis Option) emphasizing the thesis with a reduced coursework component, and the other (the Non-Thesis or Coursework Option) requiring a less demanding major research paper and more extensive coursework. Both options are rigorously interdisciplinary and require full-time registration in the program for a minimum of three terms (twelve months). Please note that, in the admission process, preference is given to applications for the thesis LLM over the non-thesis LLM.

All students are required to enrol in the core Graduate Seminar in Law and Society (Law 501) and the Graduate Seminar in Applied Legal Methodology (Law 502). Students are also required to take at least one graduate course in a non-Law discipline germane to their research. The balance of their course requirements will be made up from Law graduate, non-Law graduate, and upper-level Law undergraduate courses (students will not, however, be permitted to take for graduate credit a course which they have already taken—either here or at another university—for undergraduate credit).

LLM - Thesis Option

Course Requirements

Other Requirements

The minimum residency period for the LLM program is three terms (twelve consecutive months).

Thesis

Students’ theses will be supervised by one Law and one non-Law faculty member (subject to appropriate supervisory resources being available).

The length of the LLM thesis is generally 80-120 pages, excluding the Abstract, notes, bibliography, and appendices.

Oral Examination

There is no oral examination. The LLM thesis is evaluated by an external examiner.

LLM - Non-Thesis Option

Course Requirements

Other Requirements

The minimum residency period for the LLM program is three terms (twelve consecutive months).

Major Research Paper

Students’ major research papers will be supervised by one Law and one non-Law Faculty member (subject to appropriate supervisory resources being available).

PhD Program

The PhD in Law and Society follows the general pattern at the University of Victoria. Students who do not already have an LLM (or equivalent) are initially admitted to the LLM. They may then apply to transfer to the PhD. If successful, they may elect to obtain the LLM before proceeding to the PhD or proceed directly to the PhD without obtaining the LLM. If they choose the latter, they will nevertheless be expected to complete the LLM coursework (at the thesis level) before proceeding to the doctoral dissertation.

Students who already possess an LLM may be admitted directly to the PhD. They are required to complete the two core Graduate Seminars and such other courses (if any) as the Director of Graduate Legal Studies determines, taking into account their academic preparation.

The PhD program requires a minimum of five terms (20 months) of full-time registration.

PhD students will be required to undergo a candidacy exam (essentially a structured defence of their research program and any completed segments of their dissertation) within two years of entering the PhD program. Students must be enrolled in LAW 693 (PhD Candidacy Examination) until they pass the Candidacy Examination and are then permitted to enroll in LAW 699 (PhD Dissertation). PhD students’ dissertations must meet the University’s standards for doctoral dissertations.

Students’ dissertations will be supervised by one Law and one non-Law supervisor with a supervisory committee of three (the co-supervisors and one other faculty member).

Course Requirements

* minimum

Other Requirements

The minimum residency requirement for the PhD program is three terms (12 consecutive months).

Dissertation

The dissertation is expected to be of the highest possible calibre, potentially publishable, and should be 250-350 pages (excluding the Abstract, notes, bibliography, and appendices).

Oral Examination

The PhD dissertation must be defended in an oral examination.