Law, Studies in

Master of Studies in Law (MSL)



Program Websites


Program Contact

Susuana Kwaning (lawgrad@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Assistant

Faculty of Law

Western University
Law Building Rm 239
London, Ontario N6A 3K7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 88422
f. 519-850-2412

Western Law offers the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) for professionals or academics in other disciplines who do not have a degree in Law but who feel that an understanding of law would enhance their current research or profession.

The MSL does not prepare one for the practice of law, and is not an entryway into the legal profession. Instead, it is intended to provide an academic footing for those whose prior research interests or professional interests touch upon legal matters.

Program Length

  • 3 Terms (Full-time study)
  • 6 Terms (Part-time study)

Program Design

  • Full-time study or part-time study
  • Project-based or thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Four-year Bachelor's or higher degree with a minimum average of B (74%) in the last two years of full-time study.

Additional Requirements

  • A sample of academic writing, such as a research paper, thesis or a published journal article. The subject matter of the academic writing sample may be the applicant's choice.

English Language Proficiency

Graduate Record Examination Scores (GRE)

  • Institution Code for Western: 0984

The Graduate Record Examination is required for all applicants to the MSL program. Applicants who present evidence that their previous professional programs or graduate programs have required the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT or other, similar, standardized tests will normally have the requirement for the GRE waived.

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • January 15 - Acceptance notifications begin in January and continue until the middle of the summer
Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee. If you are considering making a late application, please contact the Graduate Assistant (lawgrad@uwo.ca) to confirm there is space available in your chosen program.