Vancouver Island University

Certificate in Legal Studies

This Certificate will appeal to students wishing to continue onto law school or graduate work in law and policy and to individuals interested in careers where there are significant legal issues. The program blends courses that develop essential writing, speaking and critical thinking skills with courses which offer more law-content specific focus.

This credential is designed primarily for students already enrolled, or intending to enroll, in a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Business Administration degree program. Students will select from a variety of eligible courses to fit with their interest and their BA or BBA major or minor. Credits applied toward the Certificate may also be applied toward major program or minor program requirements, or toward a bachelor's degree under the normal regulations governing those programs.

Students must satisfy the University Degree English Requirement and complete 30 credits in 4 areas: Foundations of the Canadian Legal System (6 credits), Primary Source Analysis, Reasoning, and Verbal/Written Argumentation (6 credits), Law (6 credits) and Legal Policy (12 credits).

Courses have been selected from several departments; however, there are no guaranteed seats for students registered for this credential. Each department has its own rules for reserved seating and cross-department enrolment policies. In addition, some courses have prerequisites. It is the responsibility of the students to ensure they have met the necessary prerequisites before enrolling in those courses. Students attempting to register in classes included in this credential are encouraged to contact the Legal Studies Coordinator and the individual instructors or program advisors and inquire about enrolment possibilities.