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Thesis-Intensive LLM

As a thesis-intensive LLM student, you can write a thesis in any area of law or legal theory through our two flexible programs designed to match your research goals.

The short thesis program combines coursework with research, allowing you take several courses while also writing a substantial research thesis under faculty supervision. This option provides for broad exposure to courses of interest to you, while also allowing you to pursue a research project in your chosen area.

The long thesis program is ideal for those seeking an intensive research experience. It is an extremely demanding commitment that is intended only for very specific circumstances. Absent a compelling rationale for the long thesis, students considering a thesis should apply to the short thesis program.

Both thesis streams offer opportunities to develop advanced scholarly research and writing skills essential for future graduate study and more.

Long Thesis LLM

Students writing a long thesis must:
- Complete 8 credits of coursework, including the mandatory graduate seminar Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship (3 credits), and the LLM Seminar: Research (1 credit). Please note that you are expected to enroll in upper-level or seminar courses that are also available to JD program students. LLM students are not permitted to take first-year JD courses.
- Write a 16-credit thesis (approximately 175 pages or 52,000 words) under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.
Students in the long thesis LLM may choose to write a thesis worth between fourteen and sixteen credits. The length of the thesis varies according to the number of credits attributed to the thesis, as set out in the table below. If you wish to reduce your thesis credits you should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator before the Fall semester Add/Drop deadline.
Program Total Credits Word Count Page Number
Long Thesis 14 45,500 155
15 48,750 165
16 52,000 175
The required word count/page number 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 is a one-year full-time graduate degree that commences in September and concludes the following July. Students are required to be in Toronto for three terms: Fall (September – December), Winter (January – April), and Summer (May to August). Students will complete their coursework by the end of April and will submit all research work (directed research projects, writing requirements, and theses) by July 31st.
Students may pursue the program on a part-time basis in limited circumstances.

Short Thesis LLM

Students writing a short thesis must:
- Complete 20 credits of coursework, including the mandatory graduate seminar Alternative Approaches to Legal Scholarship and the LLM Seminar: Research (1 credit). Please note that you are expected to enroll in upper-level or seminar courses that are also available to JD program students. LLM students are not permitted to take first-year JD courses.
- Write a 4-credit thesis (approximately 45 pages or 13,000 words) under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.
Students in the short-thesis LLM may choose to write a thesis worth between four and six credits. The length of the thesis varies according to the number of credits attributed to the thesis, as set out in the table below. 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 Page Number
SHORT THESIS 4 13,000 45
5 16,250 55
6 19,500 65
The required word count/page number 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 is a one-year full-time graduate degree that commences in September and concludes the following July. Students are required to be in Toronto for three terms: Fall (September – December), Winter (January – April), and Summer ( May to August). Students will complete their coursework by the end of April and will submit all research work (directed research projects, writing requirements, and theses) by July 31st.

Students may pursue the program on a part-time basis in limited circumstances.

The LLM does not qualify foreign-trained candidates to practise law in Ontario.

Internationally trained lawyers looking to satisfy the requirements assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (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 and review our explanation of the process by which internationally trained lawyers can become eligible to start the licensing process in Canada.

Program	Total Credits	Word Count	Page Number
Long Thesis	14	45,500	155
	15	48,750	165
	16	52,000	175

Program	Total Credits	Word Count	Page Number
SHORT THESIS	4	13,000	45
	5	16,250	55
	6	19,500	65

Thesis-Intensive LLM

Long Thesis LLM

Degree Requirements

Thesis Credits

Program Length

Short Thesis LLM

Degree Requirements

Thesis Credits

Program Length