A law school experience designed to fit your career.
The part-time Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law, is designed for working professionals who don’t have a formal legal background (students without a JD/LLB degree). Students will leave the program with a deep understanding of Canadian law in the key areas of public and private law. It covers foundational aspects of the Canadian legal landscape, including Canada’s legal history and structure; skills-focused topics, such as legal research and writing; and more specialized topics, through elective courses of your choice. Learn from expert faculty and network with professionals across a variety of industries. Build a solid understanding of the Canadian legal system for your professional and academic goals.
Who should apply?
Professionals in Canada without a law degree who have significant work experience and wish to develop an advanced knowledge of Canadian law for professional purposes.
Information Session
Learn About the Program
Interested in our part-time Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law? In this on demand session, you will learn more about course offerings, degree requirements, what to expect during your studies and the steps to apply.
Additional Sessions for Internationally-Trained Lawyers
Drop in Advising Sessions
Sign up to join a virtual office hours session!
Attendees will have a ten minute 1:1 advising session with one of our Advisors. There are no scheduled appointment times for drop-in hours, attendees will be seen on a first come, first served basis. You should expect to wait in a queue (rather than being seen immediately), so make sure to have a comfortable chair and bring something to do while you wait (just like a real waiting room!) To attend this session, you will need a device that is compatible with Zoom, with a microphone/speakers and camera.
Course Requirements
Required Courses
GDFC 6201 Canadian Legal Research and Analysis – First Term
GDFC 6203 Introduction to Canadian Public Law – First Term
GDFC 6202 Academic and Applied Legal Writing – Second Term
GDFC 6204 Introduction to Canadian Private Law – Third Term
What to Expect
The part-time Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law is designed to be completed in 16 months (four terms). New students are admitted every Fall. Classes are seminar-style, delivered through live video conferencing. Students are required to complete 18 credits of course work, including 12 credits of required courses, followed by 6 credits of elective courses.
Course Planning
Course plans are typically provided for the next two calendar years. Specific course schedules are subject to change without notice until the course enrollment process for an upcoming term begins. Please check course schedules immediately before making your enrollment request to ensure you have the most current schedule information.
This tool is for planning purposes only. Selecting courses using this tool does not enroll you in the course or reserve a space in the course for you.
Program Start and Application Deadlines
The diploma accepts new students once each calendar year, in the Fall term.
Fall 2024 Extended Deadline
Applications Closed
If you would like to be considered for late application, please Contact Us.
Fall 2025
Applications Not Currently Open
Applications will open on October 01, 2024
Tuition and Fees
Part-time students pay in four installments over four terms.
Please note that the tuition/fees displayed here are subject to change, and may vary depending on your entry term.
Domestic
$2,475.00per term for 4 terms
$9,900.00total
$4,911.64per term for 4 terms
$19,646.56total
Students are also subject to supplementary fees including health benefits. Find out more about supplementary fees here.
Admission Requirements
Applicants without a law degree must have an honours bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall “B” (75%) average or (or equivalent) and at least two years of relevant professional experience involving exposure to legal or regulatory issues
Acceptable English language proficiency (see requirements)
How to Apply
Create Your OsgoodePD Applicant Profile
Create an applicant profile in our online application portal. This portal allows us to gather your information, transcripts, and other documents electronically. You will receive an email with directions outlining how to create a new password for your application, along with a link to access the application.
Upload Application Documents
The following documents are required:
- Resume/CV
- Writing Sample
- Contact Information for Two References
- Transcripts
- Official Proof of Language Proficiency (if applicable)
For more information, see our Application Documents to Upload section.
Pay and Submit
Once your application is completed, you will be required to pay a non-refundable $130 CAD application fee.
Wait for Review
Timelines for decisions vary by program, but we will be in touch if we have questions about your application or need more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Have questions? We’re here to help! Click here to get in touch.