LLM thesis milestones
Your LLM thesis is the main focus of your master’s program. It should be 80–120 pages (not including abstract, notes, bibliography, or appendices) and guided by your supervisory committee.
It’s reviewed by an external academic and should show strong scholarly work.
Finish your courses & refine your proposal
Build on the basic proposal from your LLM application by expanding it with input from your supervisory committee during your first months and coursework.
Apply for Human Research Ethics Board (HREB) approval
If your research involves human participants, you must get HREB approval before starting. Apply early—approval can take up to 6 weeks. Consult your supervisory committee. This is usually done in December or January of your first year.
Research & write
Start your thesis in your third term to finish by December of your second year. Allow 2-3 weeks for each committee review.
Follow these formatting guides:
Use one consistent citation style. Law students typically follow the latest , but other styles are fine if used consistently.
Avoid all forms of academic dishonesty.
Start the thesis examination process
When your thesis is ready and approved by your committee, begin the submission process.
Give your committee enough time to review and approve your drafts. Stay in touch with them about their availability as you near submission.
Your thesis will be reviewed in writing by 1 external examiner—there is no oral defence.
The examiner may suggest corrections. If minor and submitted on time, no extra fees are required. Significant revisions may mean registering and paying for another term.
Final revisions & submission
After your thesis is reviewed and corrected, submit the final version.
Check the thesis submission process and ask the graduate coordinator if you have questions. Strict deadlines apply if you want to avoid extra fees or graduate at a specific convocation.