Program Overview

Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law

The Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law is a program designed for internationally trained lawyers to become licensed to practice law in Canada. This program, along with the Micro-Diploma in Private Law, provides a flexible and clear pathway to satisfy the Federation of Law Societies' National Committee on Accreditation's (NCA) requirements for obtaining a Certificate of Qualification, a necessary step towards licensure.

Program Details

• The program is structured to enable lawyers educated outside Canada to demonstrate competence as required by the NCA prior to issuing a Certificate of Qualification.
• Expected duration: up to 2 years.
• The program requires students to take 13 credit hours of core coursework related to public law in Canada, including:
  • LAW 1002: Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada.
  • LAW 1140: Criminal Law and Procedure.
  • LAW 1460: Constitutional Law.
  • LAW 3530: Administrative Law.
• In addition, students may take up to 5 additional credit hours in Law Courses from the Juris Doctor (JD) Program.
• Additional courses may also be taken to meet the requirements of the student's NCA Assessment Report or for additional interest.

Admission Requirements

Students are eligible to be considered for admission to the Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law if they meet the following requirements:

• Completion of a common law or civil law degree (LLB or JD equivalent) in a law program approved by the NCA.
• A current (no more than 4 years old at the time of submission of the student's application for admission) NCA Assessment Report.
• Evidence of proficiency in English.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Evidence of proficiency in English is required for admission and may be demonstrated by:

• Possessing a University degree completed in English from Canada or one of the countries listed on the English Language Proficiency Test Exemption List.
• Successfully completing a recognized English language proficiency test, such as TOEFL (iBT) with an overall minimum score of 100, IELTS with a minimum score of 7.0, or CAEL with a minimum score of 80.

Application Process

Applications for the Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law are completed online. The application includes several parts, and applicants may be required to submit proof of age, proof of English Language proficiency, and other documents.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the September start date is March 31, with applications opening on October 1.

Program Options

The Micro-Diploma in Canadian Public Law can be taken as a standalone program or in conjunction with the Master of Laws or Master of Human Rights program. Each of these programs has its own application process and requirements.

Introduction to Canadian Law

To support the strongest start in the micro-diploma program, the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Law offers a required introductory course, Preparation for the Study of Law in Canada. This course provides students with an important introduction to skills required to successfully practice law in Canada, including cultural literacy, Canadian Legal Systems, and legal research, analysis, and writing.

Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba has been renowned for its dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of law for over 100 years. It offers an exceptional education paired with supports and opportunities to build a successful legal career.