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Ph.D.

In collaboration with Faculties across campus, the Centre for Law, Technology and Society offers a unique doctoral experience to explore the evolving relationships between law, technology and society in an interdisciplinary setting, contribute to advancing knowledge and shape technology policy in Canada and beyond.

The Centre for Law, Technology and Society offers dedicated support and activities for doctoral studentsinterrogating technology law, ethics and policy questions, bringing together in an interdisciplinary setting the next generation of thought leaders from the Faculties of Law, Arts, Social Sciences and Engineering. 

Students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in technology law, ethics and policy can join our community by enrolling, under the supervision of one of our Faculty members, in the following doctoral programs:

  • Ph.D. in Law (see below)

All of our Faculty Members are authorized to supervise doctoral candidates. Feel free to contact them directly to discuss supervision availability prior to submitting your application.  When contacting a potential supervisor, it is strongly recommended to include: the specific program you are applying to, which academic year you wish to begin the program, confirmation that you meet the eligibility requirements, a short description of your proposed area of focus and why you'd like to work with that supervisor, your CV, and, if possible, a writing sample. 

Ph.D. in Law

While there is no official “law and technology” concentration for the Ph.D. in law, the Centre for Law, Technology and Society offers dedicated support and activities for doctoral students supervised by its Faculty members.

Students can pursue their doctoral journey in French and in English, with courses and supervision available in both common law and civil law. In addition, most of the Centre’s Faculty members that are affiliated with the Faculty of Law are experts in one or more foreign jurisdictions, as well as international law and comparative studies. 

Requirements 

Students must follow two courses:  

Students must also complete two examinations:  

  • a Comprehensive Examination  
  • a Thesis Proposal Examination  

After having successfully completed the above requirements, students must write a Ph.D. Thesis (90,000 to 120,000 words) and defend it before an examining board.  

The Faculty of Law only accepts students enrolled on a full-time basis.  

While students should complete all program requirements within 4 years, the maximum time permitted is 6 years.

Admissions 

All applications to the Ph.D. in Law are processed through the Faculty of Law’s Office of Graduate Studies. 

Applicants should further note that the Admissions Committee for Law and Technology evaluates research proposals in light of the strength and availability of its Faculty members, as well as library and other resources in the relevant field.

Given the structure of the doctoral program, admission in September is recommended. The application deadline for September admission is February 1 of the same calendar year for which admission is sought.  

For more information

More detailed information about the program and the admission process is available on the website of the Faculty of Law, Graduate Studies.  

You may also contact : 

Elizabeth Judge

Elizabeth Judge

Coordinator, Graduate Studies in Law and Technology (English Track)

Mistrale Goudreau

Mistrale Goudreau

Coordinator, Graduate Studies in Law and Technology (French Track)