Doctorate in Philosophy Law at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Doctorate in Philosophy Law at the University of Ottawa is designed to cultivate autonomous academics and lawyers who are equipped to advance knowledge in various fields of law. This program reflects Canada’s bilingual and trijuridical legal system, encompassing civil law, common law, and aboriginal law. It welcomes law graduates from diverse legal backgrounds and countries, offering courses in both English and French. The program emphasizes the development of a research approach and critical legal reasoning, enabling students to make original contributions to the field of law.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Law program is structured to be completed within a maximum of six years, with a typical duration of four years. The program includes several key components:

Legal research methodology and theory course
Elective course
Comprehensive examination
Thesis proposal examination
Writing and defending a doctoral thesis

Students have the option to take courses in other faculties with prior approval. The program also allows for a thesis advisory committee to guide students through their academic journey, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources. Additionally, students may have opportunities for co-op placements or internships, enhancing their practical experience in the legal field.

Featured Experiences

Students can participate in a thesis advisory committee that provides guidance throughout the program.
Opportunities to take courses in other faculties, broadening the scope of legal education.
Access to a vibrant research community at the University of Ottawa, which is recognized as one of Canada’s top research universities.
Engagement in interdisciplinary research activities, including conferences and seminars that focus on contemporary legal issues.
Possibility of internships or co-op placements that provide hands-on experience in various legal settings.

Career Options

Legal Researcher: Conducts in-depth research on legal issues, contributing to academic publications and legal practice.
University Professor: Teaches law courses at the university level, guiding the next generation of legal professionals.
Policy Advisor: Works with government or organizations to develop and analyze legal policies and regulations.
Corporate Counsel: Provides legal advice to businesses, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Litigation Attorney: Represents clients in court, handling cases that require extensive legal knowledge and advocacy skills.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Law, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time:	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	Yes

Minimum Requirements

B+ in a master's degree in Law

Average time to completion

16 terms

Area(s) of specialization

International Law/Humain Rights

Your complete admission package must include

Application Fee:	CA$125.00 (non-refundable)
Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.
Language requirements (if applicable) Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:	TOEFL 600 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Paper-based) TOEFL 100/New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Letter of Intent Resume Description of your research project (2000 words) For more information, please visit the following link: Your application package Please note that non required admission documents will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

TOEFL 600 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Paper-based)
TOEFL 100/New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based)

General Graduate English Requirements

English proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT Internet-based/Home Edition/Paper (for tests taken before January 21, 2026)*	84 (overall); 24 (writing); no partial score below 20
TOEFL iBT Internet-based / Home Edition/ Paper (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)*	4.5 or 86 (overall); 4.5 or 21 (writing); 4.5 or 22 (reading); 4.5 or 20 (listening); 4 or 20 (speaking)
IELTS Academic/ IELTS Academic One Skill Retake	6.5 (overall); 6.5 (writing); no partial score below 6
Cambridge English Proficiency Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	170 (overall); no partial score below 160
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	60 (overall); no partial score below 59
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)	70 (overall); no partial score below 60

* Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL is changing its grading system to a 1-6 band scale instead of a 1-120 band scale. Score reports will include results on both scales for the next two years.

The University of Ottawa accepts TOEFL MyBest^®scores for the TOEFL iBT test.

French proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)	C1/C2
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2

Where the program-specific and general graduate requirements above differ, whichever score is higher (stricter) applies.

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.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!