Law (LLM)
Further your legal research and knowledge.
Why choose this program?
Build advanced legal expertise with the Master of Laws (LLM) at Dalhousie University's Schulich School of Law. Customize your studies, strengthen your research and writing skills, and prepare for an impactful career in academia, policy, or a wide range of legal fields.
Established in 1951, the LLM at Schulich School of Law offers a flexible, research-focused experience designed around your goals. Study full-time or part-time, choose between thesis or course-based options, and work closely with leading experts in your area of interest.
You’ll be part of a dynamic research community where faculty collaborate across disciplines to tackle real-world legal and policy challenges in Canada and beyond. Through research institutes and specialized programs, you’ll explore innovative approaches to complex issues, connecting academic insight with the evolving world of legal practice.
Careers
LLM graduates from Dalhousie University go on to build impactful careers around the world—as lawyers, academics, policy experts, and leaders across the legal field.
You’ll find alumni working in academia, government, the judiciary, international organizations, NGOs, and corporate sectors, with expertise spanning areas like human rights, environmental law, health law, technology, finance, and intellectual property.
Program options
Non-thesis (professional) option
This course-based master's programs will enable you to acquire five advanced graduate-level law courses, along with the research methods course. Each course includes a major research paper, allowing you to build strong analytical and writing skills across multiple areas of law.
Thesis option
Choose the thesis route if you want to focus on in-depth research. You’ll complete two advanced law courses and a research methods course, then work closely with a faculty supervisor to produce a substantial, original thesis.
Research areas
Explore your interests through specialized areas at Schulich School of Law, including research strengths in Marine & Environmental Law, Law & Technology, and Health Law & Policy. You can also engage with focused areas such as Aboriginal & Indigenous Law, Business Law, and Criminal Justice, guided by leading experts in each field.
All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Admission requirements
You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply.
Apply by December 1 to be considered for funding, or by February 15 for admission without funding.
You’ll have two weeks after the deadline to submit supporting documents. Please note that only applications with all required materials submitted by the final deadline will be considered.
Program-specific requirements
This program requires you to meet the following criteria:
A first degree in law (LLB/JD or equivalent) with high standing, a converted equivalent of a 3.3 GPA (this is generally equivalent to an Upper Second Class Honours result). In exceptional circumstances, the committee may consider candidates from cognate fields with relevant legal knowledge and experience.
If English isn’t an official language in your country, you’ll need to provide proof of proficiency. Competitive scores include IELTS 7.5+ or TOEFL iBT 100+.
For more information about other English language proficiency tests, please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies English language proficiency requirements.
Earning an LLM at Dalhousie University does not automatically qualify you to practice law in Canada if you don’t already hold a Canadian LLB or JD.
If you’re planning to practice in Canada, you can explore your pathway through the National Committee on Accreditation, which outlines the steps and requirements for internationally trained lawyers.
Financial information
Questions about tuition and fees? Contact Student Accounts.
Email student.accounts@dal.ca or phone 902-494-3998.
