Program Requirements

Program requirements for completion of the thesis-based LLM degree:

a) Compulsory courses: Law 703: Graduate Seminar in Legal Research and Methodology  and Law 705: Graduate Seminar in Legal Theory.

b) Elective courses: An additional two (2) graduate level, half courses in the areas of natural resources, energy or environmental law or a related area. One or both courses may be Directed Research courses. One course may be a graduate level course from another University of Calgary Faculty. All elective courses require the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

c) Thesis: Students must complete a substantial research thesis in the area of natural resources, energy or environmental law. The thesis will be approximately 100 to 125 pages (30,000 - 38,000 words) in length, exclusive of the bibliography and prepared under the supervision of a faculty member or other suitable person appointed by the Graduate Program Director. The thesis must be orally defended in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies’ requirements. The thesis should demonstrate the student’s familiarity with the work published on the subject of the thesis and the student’s ability for independent analysis. The student should aim for an original contribution of publishable quality.

d) Residence: Two terms in residence is required, normally consecutive terms and normally from September to April.

e) Timing: The minimum time for completion is 12 months and the maximum is 36 months from the date of initial registration. Students need at least 15 to 18 months from initial registration to complete and defend their thesis. 

Program requirements for completion of the course-based LLM degree:

a) Compulsory course: Law 703: Graduate Seminar in Legal Research and Methodology. Part-time course-based LLM students must complete the one compulsory course during their first 12 months in the program. If a course-based LLM student elects to take Law 705: Graduate Seminar in Legal Theory, that student must complete the Graduate Seminar in Legal Research & Methodology first. The requirement that both thesis- and course-based students take the Seminar in Legal Research and Methodology will facilitate interaction between the students and the creation of a community of scholars.

b) Elective courses:  An additional five (5) half courses, at least two (2) with research paper evaluations, in the areas of natural resources, energy or environmental law or a related area. One of those courses may be Law 705: Graduate Seminar in Legal Theory. Up to two courses may be Directed Research courses. No more than two courses may be graduate level courses from another University of Calgary Faculty. All elective courses require the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

c) A major research paper: Students must complete a major research paper, approximately 50 to 60 pages (15,000 – 18,000 words) in length, prepared under the supervision of a Faculty member or other suitable person appointed by the Graduate Program Director. The paper must reflect extensive research on a topic and it must propose a solution to a problem or present a critical evaluation of an area of the law. The paper will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis by the supervisor and one other person appointed by the Graduate Program Director. In the event of disagreement between the supervisor and the other appointee, the Graduate Program Director shall determine whether the paper is a Pass or Fail after reading the paper and then consulting with the supervisor and other appointee. For further details please see the Major Paper Requirements.

d) Residence: Because the course-based LLM may be taken on a part-time basis, no period of residency is required.

e) Timing: Students must complete the course-based LLM degree within a maximum of 60 months from the date of initial registration. Students completing the course-based LLM on a full-time basis are expected to complete the degree within one calendar year of initial registration. 

 

Program requirements for the Post-baccalaureate Certificate:

a) Elective courses: Four (4) half courses in the areas of natural resources, energy or environmental law or a related area, including at least one with a research paper evaluation and including at least two at the graduate level. All courses require the approval of the Graduate Coordinator.

b) Residence: Because the Post-baccalaureate Certificate program is intended to be taken on a part-time basis, no period of residency is required.

c) Timing: Students must complete the Post-baccalaureate Certificate requirements within three (3) years from the date of initial registration.