Juris Doctor

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of Ottawa is designed for aspiring legal professionals who are ready to engage deeply with the foundational principles and practical applications of law. You will explore core areas such as legal foundations, contracts, property, and dispute resolution, alongside critical subjects like constitutional law and criminal procedure. This rigorous undergraduate program equips you with the analytical, research, and strategic thinking skills essential for navigating complex legal challenges and contributing meaningfully to the justice system.

This full-time, on-campus program is studied over three years, immersing you in a dynamic learning environment. You will engage with a comprehensive curriculum that includes thematic courses, specialization options in areas like business law or public international law, and extensive opportunities for oral advocacy through moot court competitions and practical clinics. You will graduate with a strong foundation in legal reasoning and professional responsibility, prepared for diverse career paths in law firms, government, and public service.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Juris Doctor program provides a comprehensive legal education, beginning with foundational courses in legal research, contracts, property, and dispute resolution. Students then engage with thematic courses and select core subject options, deepening their understanding of areas such as criminal law, constitutional law, and torts. The curriculum further includes advanced studies in civil procedure, administrative law, and constitutional law, alongside specialization and oral advocacy requirements. Practical experience is gained through clinical, practical, and elective options, offering diverse opportunities to apply legal knowledge in various settings.

1 Core Courses

Legal Foundations: Research, Strategy, Analysis
Contracts
Dispute Resolution and Professional Responsibility
Property

2 Thematic Courses (Choose 3 Units)

First-Year Thematic Course
First-Year Thematic Course: Public International Law

3 Options for Core Subjects (Choose One Set – 16 Units)

Criminal Law and Procedure
Introduction to Public and Constitutional Law
Torts
Torts
Criminal Law and Procedure
Introduction to Public and Constitutional Law
Criminal Law and Procedure
Torts
Introduction to Public and Constitutional Law

4 Additional Core Courses

Civil Procedure I
Administrative Law
Constitutional Law II

5 Specialization Courses (Choose 3 Units)

Business Organizations
Special Course in Business Law

6 Oral Advocacy Requirement (Choose 3 Units)

Appellate Advocacy
Mediation Theory and Practice
Alternative Dispute Resolution Processes
Studies in Oral Advocacy
Moot Court Competition
Gale Cup Moot
National Aboriginal Law Moot: Kawaskimhon
Wilson Moot Competition
Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Competition
Willms and Shier Environmental Law Moot
WTO/ELSA WTO Law Moot
Canadian Corporate/Securities Advocacy
Intellectual Property Advocacy
Trial Advocacy
Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy
Arnup Cup

7 Clinical, Practical, and Elective Options

Eco-Justice Environmental Law Clinic
Labour Law II
Introductory Legal Aid Clinic Course
Interviewing and Counselling
Negotiation
Corporate Immigration Advocacy
Collaborative Family Law Practice
International Trade and Investment Law Practicum
Intellectual Property Litigation
Dispute Resolution in Family Law
Clinical Legal Aid II
Clinical Legal Aid III
Philip C. Jessup International Moot
Laskin Moot Court
Dispute Resolution Practicum
Advanced Refugee Law
Advocacy Before International Tribunals

8 Optional Common Law Courses

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,658.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,658.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,658.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 94,976.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 937.00 - USD 1,171.00
Food & Groceries USD 5,981.00 - USD 6,068.00
Transport USD 867.00 - USD 1,041.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,734.00 - USD 2,167.00
Estimated Total USD 8,582.00 - USD 9,276.00

Living cost estimates are based on Ottawa Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Border Control & Immigration EnforcementCurriculum & Instructional DesignCustoms, Trade & ComplianceEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseHealthcare Administration & ManagementHome Health & Long‑Term CareMental Health & CounselingTax & Financial LawVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Global Affairs Canada

Government of Canada

Gowling WLG

Why Study Juris Doctor at University of Ottawa

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University of Ottawa in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Juris Doctor at University of Ottawa

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and can work unlimited hours during breaks or on-campus. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To apply for the Juris Doctor program, you'll need specific English test scores. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, with minimum scores outlined in the requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as a Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Judge, Paralegal, or Compliance Officer.

What will I actually study in this course?

As a Law school accredited by the Canadian Federation of Law Societies, the Common Law Section of the Faculty of Law offers a full range of courses in public law, private law, litigation and dispute resolution, aboriginal law, international law and human rights, technology law, and environmental law, all with numerous opportunities for experiential learning.

This program is offered in English and in French. 

 


 

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Juris Doctor program has a September intake. Make sure to apply before this month to secure your spot.
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