Master Of Arts - Legal Studies

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Master of Arts in Legal Studies program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree or its equivalent in a relevant field of study.
• The minimum requirement for admission is a B.A. Honours degree with at least high honours standing (B+).
• High-achieving students from various academic disciplines such as sociology, law, criminology, philosophy, political science, and history are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants without a background in law or legal studies may be required to complete one or more relevant undergraduate courses in the Department of Law and Legal Studies.
• Previous professional experience may be considered during the admission process.
• Candidates with specific course deficiencies may need to register for additional courses at Carleton University.

For international students, it is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

The deadlines for submitting applications for the M.A. Legal Studies program are as follows:

• Fall Admission (with consideration for financial assistance): January 15 - This is the deadline for submitting applications and supporting documents for graduate study. Candidates who meet the requirements and are applying for full-time status will be considered for financial assistance.
• Fall Admission (no consideration for financial assistance): July 15 - This is the final deadline for Fall admission; however, applications submitted for this deadline may not be considered for financial assistance.

It is recommended that students apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is reviewed in a timely manner.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Carleton is English. For admission into Carleton’s graduate programs, you will need to demonstrate that your knowledge and use of English are strong enough for graduate studies at an English-language university.

If your first language is not English, you can demonstrate your language proficiency by:

• Presenting one of the official Language Proficiency (ESL) test scores as defined in the table below;
• Showing that you have completed ESLA 1900 or ESLA 1905 at Carleton University with a final grade of B- or higher; or
• Presenting official certification (transcripts) that you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university in any country in which the primary language is English, where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was English, and the language of instruction in their most recently completed undergraduate or graduate degree was English.

Applicants who present their most recent degree and transcripts from a Canadian institution are exempt from language proficiency requirements, unless otherwise required by an individual program.

Note: Letters from your universities stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable.

Minimum Language Proficiency (ESL) test score requirement:

* IELTS One-Skill Retake is accepted

** TOEFL MyBest Scores is accepted

Please note that some graduate programs may require a higher level of understanding of the English language and will have higher ESL requirements. It is your responsibility to review and meet the minimum requirements of the program to which you are applying. The Graduate Studies reserves the right to require further documentation or additional testing if they feel it necessary to demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

Carleton University is committed to ensuring that all students have fair access to English Language testing, including those students who require accommodations to complete the test. All tests accepted by Graduate Studies offer accommodations to students who require it, including but not limited to students with disabilities, and nursing mothers. Please note that arranging accommodations for an ESL test may take up to six weeks.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.