Athabasca University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines theory and practice to develop clear, effective legislative text. Topics explicitly covered include:

• analysis of drafting instructions
• determining drafting objectives and creating legislative outlines
• structuring and drafting legislation
• ensuring consistency with constitutional and human rights contexts
• preparing preliminary and final provisions and drafting amendments
• drafting subsidiary legislation

The program culminates in a project course that lets students apply drafting knowledge in a practical setting.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a recognized law degree equivalent to an LL.B. or J.D., or obtain approval from the program coordinator.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to undertake legislative drafting duties with greater confidence and skill. The material is relevant across governmental legislative counsel roles and in non-governmental contexts that prepare regulations, bylaws and similar instruments, including corporate, union and municipal agencies. The diploma can also serve as a steppingstone toward a master’s degree.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The program page lists tuition and fee components for planning purposes; prospective students should consult AU financial resources and advisors about current tuition, fee waivers, Indigenous tuition adjustments, student-association fees, and any scholarship or funding options available to graduate students.