Thesis-Intensive LLM
The program requirements below apply to students commencing the program in September 2026.
As a thesis-intensive LLM student, you can write a thesis in any area of law and legal theory.
The thesis stream offer students who envision pursuing an academic career in law the chance deepen their academic research and writing skills. Students in this stream benefits from close supervision by world-leading faculty, a rich and vibrant academic life, and close relationships with fellow LL.M. and S.J.D. students. They have the opportunity to be an active member of the intellectual community at the law school through attendance attendance at the Faculty workshops and seminars.
Thesis LLM Requirements
Students writing a thesis must:
- Be in residence for two academic terms (September to April)
In residence means you will be present to take part in all on-campus classes, events, and workshops. You are not required to live on-campus/in student residence so long as you are able to to travel to campus and attend your academic commitments
- Complete 18 credits of coursework*, including the four mandatory courses:
- LLM Seminar I (Fall, 1 credit): This course will introduce students to the practical aspects of academic research and writing, including how to move from a topic to a research question, structure an argument, and use digital and AI tools effectively and ethically.
- LLM Seminar II (Winter, 1 credit): This course will serve as a workshop in which LLM students will present their work in progress and receive feedback from the instructor and their classmates. The workshop will require students to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in other courses, including LLM Seminar I, and demonstrate progress on their thesis, directed research project, writing requirement, or capstone research project. It will offer students an encouraging and structured environment in which to develop their scholarship and their comfort in speaking about their work and the work of others.
- An approved Research Methods Course (Fall or Winter, 2 to 3 credits): This course will train students to be informed consumers of research and support the development of their own research. Students will be required to choose a research methods course offered at the law school or from a list of approved courses offered at other units.
- An approved course in the foundations of legal thought (Fall or Winter, 2 to 3 credits). The courses selected will introduce students to the major intellectual traditions in legal scholarship.
*Please note that you are expected to enroll in upper-level or seminar courses that are also available to students in the faculty's JD program. LLM students are not permitted to take course offered in the first-year of the JD program.
- Write a 6-credit thesis (17,500 words) under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.
- Be in residence for two academic terms (September to April)
We offer thesis students some flexibility regarding their thesis credits. Students can choose to write a slightly longer thesis for additional credits.
The chart below outlines the permissible deviations, please note that no further deviations are allowed.
If you wish to increase your thesis credits should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator before the Fall semester Add/Drop deadline.
Program Total Credits Word Count Thesis Stream 5 14,500 to 17,000 6 17,500 to 20,000 7 20,500 to 23,000 The required word count provided above are minimums from which you cannot deviate. However, where necessary, you can exceed the contemplated word/page limits by a maximum of 10%.
Please note that 1 footnote = equals 1 word.
Please also note that the limits above do not include bibliographies or acknowledgements (which are in addition to the minimum).The LLM program starts each September. We do not offer a January start.
Students must be in residence in the Fall term (September-December) and Winter term (January-April), while enrolled in courses. Students complete their thesis over the summer term (May-July) and must submit their thesis by July 31st of the relevant academic year.
Our master’s program is offered on a full-time and part-time basis. Part-time students must successfully complete the course requirements (as above) by May 31 of the first academic year of attendance and complete and present a satisfactory thesis by July 31 of the second academic year of attendance.
The LLM does not qualify foreign-trained candidates to practise law in Ontario.
Internationally trained lawyers looking to satisfy the requirements assessed by the NCA can do so in the Global Professional Master of Laws Program.
If you want to learn more about the process of becoming licensed to practice law in Canada as an internationally trained lawyer, please contact the National Committee on Accreditation.