The Master’s in Legislative Studies offers law graduates an opportunity to specialize in the art of preparing normative instruments (such as statutes, regulations, guidelines, international agreements, codes of conduct and governmental contracts) and in the development of public policy.

In recent years, the roles of legal and legislative counsel have evolved considerably. Legal norm-creating functions are now exercised by numerous actors ranging from the State to international organizations and including Indigenous governments, municipal bodies, NGOs, professional and industrial associations and various regulatory bodies. The Master’s in Legislative Studies is at the forefront of these emerging realities, aiming to educate the different actors involved in the creation, interpretation and application of normative instruments. It will also provide training for those who work in the development of public policy across all areas of law, whether they be indigenous or environmental law, new technologies or international relations.

This program is unique. Although law programs generally involve the content of legislation and other normative instruments, this Master’s in Legislative Studies focuses on the forms, structures, styles, efficiencies and social impacts of these instruments as a matter of governance. It includes, but is not strictly limited to, legislative drafting; it also includes an examination of the principles and rules underlying the creation of norms and the choice of policy instruments, which are rarely considered in the study of particular areas of law.

We invite you to explore the Program Requirements and Course Descriptions.