Law: Comparative Law

The Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) program allows the development of substantive and original contributions to legal research and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty member.

The degree will be awarded, at the earliest, after the completion of 3 years of residence in the Faculty. The core of the D.C.L. program is a substantial thesis of up to 400 pages that makes a significant contribution to legal scholarship, evidencing in concept and execution the original work of the candidate. The thesis must be submitted within 4 years of completion of the residency requirement. Every candidate must successfully pass a comprehensive examination, after one year which may occur in the first year of the program, but no later than the end of the second year of the program.

All applicants, regardless of country of origin or educational backgrounds must meet these minimum academic requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) in a subject closely related to the one selected for graduate work.
  • Unless otherwise noted, the Master’s program at McGill requires the completion of a four-year degree in a related area at a recognized institution. Admission to a doctoral degree requires the completion of a Master’s degree in a related area at a recognized institution.
  • The minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 3.0 out of a possible 4.0, or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies. In some departments, however, a higher CGPA is required for admission. Consult your program requirements for details.
  • Your educational credentials will be assessed for equivalency with a McGill University degree. Please consult the Degree Equivalency page for more information.
• Proficiency in English: The primary language of instruction at McGill is English. You may make arrangements to write papers, examinations or theses in French, except in cases where knowledge of the English language is one of the objectives of the course. Prior to admission, you may need to demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English. For more information, visit the English Language Proficiency page.

1. Apply online

   • For a non-refundable fee of $129.03, you can submit up to two applications in the same term to two different programs. Certain programs require additional fees.

   • Do not select both the Thesis option and the Non-Thesis option for the same program as you can make this change after submitting your application.

     If applying to Mechanical Engineering or Masters of Engineering, you must apply to both the Thesis option and the Non-Thesis option if you want to be considered for both.

   • You can stop and save your progress at any time. The application will only be processed once you have submitted.
   • Once you have submitted your application an acknowledgement will be sent to the email address you have included in your application. You will be able to track your application via the online application system
   • Submit your supporting documents online. You must upload copies of your transcripts from each university-level institution you have attended, as well as other documents stipulated by the department you have applied to. A list of the required documents will be accessible on the online application system. Additional supporting documents submitted by mail or email will not be included in your application.

2. Submit your supporting documents

   Applicants are required to provide supporting documents with their application. You should upload all supporting documents except for official transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation. McGill will request letters of reference on your behalf from referees you identify on the application form.

   For any additional application instructions or details about the documents being requested (i.e. Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample, Academic C.V.), please refer to the program page for the academic unit you are applying to. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the department you have applied to.

3. Submit your test scores

   Where applicable, arrange for test scores (TOEFL, GMAT, GRE) to be sent to McGill directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the McGill University institution code: 0935