Legal Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Undergraduate Certificate
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate in Legal Studies at VIU International equips you with a foundational understanding of the Canadian legal system and its associated policy frameworks. This program is ideal for students aiming for law school, postgraduate studies in law and policy, or careers where legal issues are prominent. You will develop essential critical thinking, reasoning, and argumentation skills, alongside a focused understanding of legal principles. This certificate is designed for students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Business Administration, allowing you to integrate legal studies with your primary degree.

You will engage with a curriculum structured across four key areas: Foundations of the Canadian Legal System, Primary Source Analysis, Reasoning, and Verbal/Written Argumentation, Law, and Legal Policy. This undergraduate certificate is studied full-time on campus over one year, requiring the completion of 30 credits. Throughout your studies, you will explore subjects such as criminal law, commercial law, and Indigenous self-determination, enhancing your analytical capabilities. You will graduate with a versatile skill set, prepared for further academic pursuits or for roles requiring a strong grasp of legal concepts and policy.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program offers a comprehensive exploration of legal studies, examining the foundations of the Canadian legal system, including its historical and political contexts. Students will develop critical skills in primary source analysis, reasoning, and argumentation. The curriculum delves into various areas of law, such as criminal law, human rights, and commercial law, and explores legal policy through diverse lenses including Indigenous self-determination, international relations, and ethical considerations.

1 Foundations of the Canadian Legal System (choose 6 credits)

Law and politics in Canada
Canadian politics and government
Introduction to First Nations Studies I
Introduction to First Nations Studies II
Canada to 1867: Contact, Colonies, and Empires
Canada 1867 to 1945: National Expansion in Peace and War
First Nations People in Canadian History Since 1867

2 Primary Source Analysis, Reasoning, and Verbal/Written Argumentation (choose 6 credits)

Love and friendship
Knowledge, good, and evil
Freedom and Alienation: Economics, Politics, and Liberty
Rhetoric and reasoning
Formal logic

3 Law (choose 6 credits)

Intro to Canadian Law and Legal Institutions: A Criminal Justice Perspective
Law, Youth and Young Offenders
Criminal Law
Advanced Topics in Criminal Law and Procedure
Law and Human Rights
The Crown, Courts, and Aboriginal Resource Rights
Commercial Law
Workplace Legislation

4 Legal Policy (choose 12 credits)

Fraud Awareness, Prevention, and Detection
Alternate Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills
Indigenous Self-Determination
Human Rights in the Twentieth-century Canada
Business-Government relations
Labour and Employee Relations
Philosophy of Law
Applied Ethics in the Justice system
International Peace and Security
Justice and the Good Life: An Introduction to Political Thought
Freedom and Authority: Introduction to Modern Political Thought
International Organizations
Implementing Human Rights
Canadian Foreign Policy
Democratic Theory and Practice
Law for Recreation and Sport Managers
Surveillance and Society
Crimes Against Humanity
Law for Tourism Managers

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,878.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 17,878.00

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

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,167.00 - USD 3,901.00
Transport USD 781.00 - USD 1,214.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,041.00 - USD 1,561.00
Estimated Total USD 3,989.00 - USD 6,676.00

Living cost estimates are based on Nanaimo campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

75%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Corporate Training & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducational Support ServicesHealth Technology & Digital HealthHealthcare Administration & ManagementHealthcare ConsultingMedical Research & Clinical TrialsNursing & Allied HealthReal Estate & Property LawRehabilitation & Physiotherapy

Top Employers Hiring for this course

BC Public Service

Duncan Allen Law

Why Study Legal Studies at Vancouver Island University (VIU)

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 Vancouver Island University (VIU) 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 Legal Studies at Vancouver Island University (VIU)

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the term and unlimited hours during breaks. On-campus work has no hour restrictions.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet the English language requirement, you can submit results from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, with specific minimum scores for each. Be sure to check which test aligns with your strengths.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Job titles include Legal Assistant, Paralegal, Compliance Officer, and Policy Analyst.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program emphasizes essential skills like writing and critical thinking, while covering topics such as Foundations of the Canadian Legal System and Legal Policy. It's ideal for those pursuing law school or related careers.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Legal Studies Certificate program accepts students for intake every September. Ensure you meet all academic and English language requirements before applying.
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