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.
Course Requirements
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.
Attend an upcoming information session.
Required Courses
GDFC 6201
Canadian Legal Research and Analysis
GDFC 6202
Academic and Applied Legal Writing
GDFC 6203
Introduction to Canadian Public Law
GDFC 6204
Introduction to Canadian Private Law
Program Start and Application Deadlines
The diploma accepts new students once each calendar year, in the Fall term.
Fall 2024
Application Deadlines:
International Applicants are Encouraged to Apply by: February 1, 2024
Final Deadline: May 1, 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.