How many different LLM Specializations are off ered by Osgoode Professional Development (OPD)?
We offer more than 15 different Professional LLM specializations. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information on upcoming and current program being offered.
How long are the programs?
The program length will vary depending on the number of credits completed each term. For example, by taking six credits per term (with three terms per year) the LLM can be completed in six terms (two years). By taking more credits per term, the program duration can be compressed.
If I complete the program in less than six terms, will I have to pay
any fees?
Yes, you still have to pay the full tuition for the program. The remaining installment will be added to your online Passport York student financial account.
Are the LLM specializations offered every year?
Currently, LLM specializations are generally not offered on a yearly basis, except for ADR, Business Law and the General LLM. The other LLM specializations generally are usually offered on a two to four year
cycle, depending on the interest in the specialization. The General LLM may be started in any term
(Fall, Winter or Summer).
How many credits are required for an LLM specialization?
Each LLM specialization is unique, however, most programs require completion of 36 credits. Please consult the OPD the specialization webpage, and click on the name of the specialization that you are
interested in to find out how many credits are required and what options are available for completion
of your degree.
Who do I contact to assist me with the admissions process?
Please visit our admissions webpage for more information or contact the Admissions & Client Services Assistant at 416.673.4670, toll free within Canada at 1.888.923.3394, or via email.
Who do I contact to assist me in administrative matters after I am admitted?
Each LLM specialization has a Graduate Program Assistant (GPA), whose role it is to assist you with the administrative aspects of your LLM program throughout your studies until your convocation day. All administrative questions and concerns should be directed to your GPA and they will assist you or put you in contact with someone else who can. Refer to pages 1 and 2 of this handbook for information on how to contact your GPA.
How do I register in my classes?
As a Professional LLM student you do not need to register yourself in your courses. You will complete a registration form and your GPA will enroll you each term in the course required for your program.
When are the registration deadlines?
The registration deadlines are generally as follows:
Fall Term: September 7*
Winter Term: January 3*
Summer Term: May 3*
*Please note that if you are not registered by these deadlines you will be subject to a $200 late fee.
Students are encouraged to register as early as possible to secure a spot in class.
What do I have to do to ensure that I am registered?
To ensure that your GPA registers you for each term, please make sure that you have completed the
registration form and returned it to your GPA before the start of each term. *Please note: you must clear
previous balances from prior terms before you can be registered in a subsequent term. If your balance is
in excess of $1000, your registration abilities will be blocked and you will be subject to the $200 late fee
if your balance is not cleared by the registration deadlines outlined above.
What is the difference between a weekly course and an intensive course?
Most programs are structured with a blend of weekly as well as intensive classes.
Weekly classes are held one evening per week, usually from 7-10pm. The course runs for approximately
12 weeks for a 6-credit course and six weeks for a 3-credit course. Weekly classes are held in Toronto,
and, where available, videoconferenced to other cities.
An intensive class is usually held over three to four days. Efforts are made to ensure students outside
Toronto can attend intensives via videoconference, however, in person attendance may be required for
some intensives. This allows for students (those in Toronto as well as those out of town) to come together
and benefit from group discussion with their colleagues as well as instructors.
Is food provided?
For weekly evening classes in Toronto a light supper is provided since many students are coming to class
directly from work. Refreshments, as well as coffee and tea, will also be available throughout the evening.
For intensive classes, a light breakfast and lunch will be served in Toronto.
* Please note that if you have a religious or medical dietary restriction you may notify your GPA.
How are we assessed academically?
Students are usually required to complete a final paper or a take home exam for their final evaluation. Sometimes instructors evaluate using journals, presentations, class participation, etc.
To whom do I submit my final paper/exam?
Students are required to submit an electronic and hard copy of their final paper to the GPA responsible
for the course (NOT to the instructor). The GPA will then forward the final assignments to the
instructor.
If I am unable to complete my final assessment by the due date, how do I obtain an extension?
If you require an extension for your final evaluation you must contact your instructor immediately,
copying your GPA. Depending on the length of time stated in your request, a petition for course
extension with the Faculty of Graduate Studies may be required. If your instructor grants the extension,
please ensure your GPA is notified.
How will I receive my grades?
Instructors are generally given about four weeks to complete marking (however, this will vary depending
on how many courses the instructor is teaching and how many students are in a class – please note that
we attempt to ensure timely return of grades, but sometimes instructors are unavoidably delayed). Once
the assessments have been marked the instructor will send the graded assignments to your GPA. Your
GPA will then report your grade to the Office of the Registrar and your grade will be posted on your
file online.
Grades are available for viewing online via Passport York.
What do I do if I am unable to register in a course for a term?
As a Professional LLM student you must maintain continuous registration to remain in the program.
However, we recognize that the part time nature of the program is meant to accommodate students
who are unable to take courses full time due to work as well as family commitments. Therefore, if you
are unable to enroll in course for a term, you can petition for a leave of absence or withdrawal from the
program. Certain requirements must be met and necessary paperwork must be completed. Please contact
your GPA, prior to the start of the term and they will assist you with processing your leave request/
petition.
What are the different types of Leave of absence?
There are various types of leaves that you can take; however there are requirements that you must meet.
It is your responsibility as a student to ensure that you contact your GPA after the leave of absence, so
that you are registered for the next term and maintain continuous registration.
- Elective Leave of Absence (eLOA):
Each student is allowed to take one eLOA, which is for ONE term only during your 2 year program.
The eLOA means that you do not have to petition or provide reason for why you wish to take a leave for
the term, appropriate paperwork does need to be completed.
To take an eLOA you must obtain a permission form from your GPA and sign and return it before the registration deadline. In addition, you need to have been enrolled for at least two consecutive terms prior to elective leave and you may not have any incomplete grades and pay the appropriate fee for this status. Please contact your GPA for further details.
- Petitioned LOA
If you do not meet the requirements to take an eLOA or you have already taken your eLOA and need
another term off , you have the option to petition for a Leave of Absence.
Students with outstanding grades or owing funds to York University will not be granted a eLOA or
petitioned LOA status. Students do not have access to electronic resources or library services while they
are on leave.
Please contact your GPA prior to the registration deadline and obtain a petition form. You must fill out
the form and provide a letter of circumstance for why you are requesting the leave of absence.
Please contact your GPA for further details. There is a fee for maintaining the status (see below).
- Maternity/Paternity Leave
Maternity/Paternity leaves are similar to the eLOA. Contact your GPA for the petition form and ensure
that you return the signed form to them PRIOR to the registration deadline.
- Withdrawal
Students may be withdrawn from the program both voluntarily and involuntarily. A notation will appear on future transcripts.
Voluntary withdrawal from the program, may happen for various reasons (i.e. work or family commitments). If you feel you will not be able to register for classes for two terms or more, you have
the option to withdraw from the program in good standing. In this case, you must obtain a program withdrawal form from GPA, sign it and return it prior to the registration deadline. When you decide
you would like to rejoin the program you may then petition for reinstatement.
Involuntary withdrawal occurs when the university withdraws you for failure to maintain academic standards, failure to maintain continuous registration or failure to complete the degree requirements within the specified time limit.
Students wishing to resume their studies will have to prepare and submit a petition for reinstatement, which will include a statement indicating that the circumstances which led to their withdrawal are no longer an issue in terms of their ability to complete the program.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies may set a deadline completion date for some students.
Is there a fee for a Leave of Absence?
Yes, you are required to pay an inactive registration fee of approximately $185 (fee subject to change) in order to maintain your place in the program. Library privileges will be suspended during your absence.
How will I know if/when my Leave of Absence/Petition has been granted?
Once you submit your petition has been processed, your GPA will inform you of the decision. The petition will then be kept in your student file.
What do I do after my Leave of Absence has expired?
It is your responsibility to contact your GPA once your leave of absence has expired, prior to the start of
the term in which you need to register, to ensure that you are registered for the upcoming term.
If you have withdrawn from the program, either voluntarily or involuntarily, you must contact your GPA to arrange for reinstatement. Please contact your GPA prior to the term in which you wish to resume your studies.
What is the MRP?
The MRP is an option for all LLM students. An MRP is a Major Research Paper. It is a requirement for
students in the ADR specialization.
The MRP is NOT a thesis, and therefore the normal University rules relating to thesis requirements do not apply to the MRP. You may write the Major Research Paper on a topic related to any course in your offering, provided adequate supervisory resources are available.
When should I start working on my MRP?
You can begin thinking about the MRP almost as soon as you start the program. Keep a notebook and
jot down ideas as they come up in class (areas of law that are unsettled, that are unjust, or out-of-step with other countries are good starting points).
Do I have to pay if I take extra terms to complete my MRP?
Yes. Your tuition covers up to six (6) terms. You are charged the full one-term fee of approximately
$930.00 for any additional terms.
Who should I contact to supervise me in writing the MRP?
Students are required to secure a supervisor for their MRP on their own. The supervisor for your MRP
will normally be the main instructor in the course most closely related to the topic area of the paper, although it may also be possible to have an outside supervisor. The permission of the Director of the
specialization is required if you choose a supervisor outside of Osgoode Hall Law School or OPD.
Once you have made your final choice, contact your GPA who will arrange for you to complete a
Confirmation of MRP Topic/Supervisor form.
Please ensure that you complete the Confirmation of MRP Topic form and return it to your GPA as soon as you and your supervisor have confirmed the topic for your MRP. The Confirmation of MRP
Topic form must be submitted prior to working on your MRP.
How is the MRP graded?
Except for the ADR program, the MRP is graded on a pass/fail basis, which is the grade that will appear on your academic record. For students in the ADR program, the MRP is graded in the normal fashion.
I have passed the MRP, what happens next?
Once you have passed the MRP your GPA will conduct a degree audit to ensure that you have completed all the course requirements for your program. You will then be contacted by your GPA with convocation information.
What are the materials required for each course?
Materials are provided to you for each of your courses, in hard copy or electronic format. For the most
part, materials and textbooks will be shipped or available for pick-up at the first class. In some instances,
electronic sources will be provided.
The materials for courses include binders, text books and/or electronic media.
When will the materials for the course be ready?
Materials are usually ready approximately two to three weeks prior to the first class. Sometimes the binders for weekly classes will only include readings for the first few classes. In that case, please ensure you consult the course outline provided in your binder, the GPA or the program website so you can obtain future readings as soon as they are available in order to prepare for class.
Is there a website for my program?
Each LLM specialization has a program website maintained by your GPA. It has been designed as a resource tool to facilitate you throughout the program. The website will be used to post readings and lectures, give you updates, inform you of due dates, outline policies and procedures, provide useful links, and more.
Your GPA will provide you with a username and password.
What library resources are available to me?
OPD students have full access to the Osgoode Law Library and the York Library, for each term of active registration. If you have taken a leave of absence or have not registered in a course you will not be granted library access.
Once you have been registered in a class by the GPA, you will be issued a YU card, which is also your Library Card. You may use this at York to access all library facilities and also other libraries at other post-secondary institutions. It is also useful for other items on the York campus.
What is Passport York?
Passport York is York’s primary method of online authentication. All students must create and use
a Passport York username and password to log onto York’s online services and tools. Passport York
determines which services you are able to access.
*It is important that students remember their login information and security question for Passport
York. If you forget this information, please contact your GPA for details on how to reset it.
What can I access using my Passport York username and password?
You can access all your student records as well as money matters and library information.
Students can use Passport York to:
- View grades
- Look up financial statements online
- Download tax forms
- Change address and contact information
- Verify official name
- Update/Add a Social Insurance Number
- Verify library account
- Apply to Graduate
How do I sign up for a Passport York account?
To sign up for a new Passport York account please visit the Passport York website and follow the steps
provided.
How do I view my grades?
Once your grades have been made official by the university, they will be posted on the York University website and can be accessed using your Passport York account.
How do I obtain my transcript?
All transcript requests are made online from the Office of the Registrar.
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