Upper Year Curriculum


A normal course load is 14 to 16 credits per term and 29 to 31 credits per year in each of year 2 and 3. Students may take up to 17 credits per term and 32 credits per year without the approval of the Associate Dean (Academic). However, students are cautioned to consider the impact that taking an overload may have on their academic performance. Taking more than the normal course load cannot be used as a basis for an appeal. Credits may not carry over from one year to the next.

After first year, students must take:

5210 Corporate Law
5205 Civil Procedure

and at least three of the following:

5200 Administrative Law
5215 Evidence
5220 Income Tax
5225 Public International Law
5230 Trusts


The Academic Session


The academic session at the Faculty of Law is divided into three terms, comprising a period of approximately thirty weeks.


The January Term


In 1998, the Faculty of Law altered its academic year from a semester system to a trimester system. In addition to a regular thirteen week fall term and a condensed ten week spring term, the Faculty now offers a four week January term, during which each student enrols in a single intensive course. The January term is intended to attract distinguished Visiting Professors to Western.

The upper year component is designed to allow students in second and third year to engage in small group courses that feature active learning components. Those courses cover a broad range of substantive topics, methods of instruction and modes of assessment. Students in second and third year will select one course from a range of optional January courses, and in each instance, enrolment is limited to twenty-five students. Since 2006, upper year students are able to select from among fifteen course offerings. Approximately half of those courses are offered by distinguished Visiting Professors. In addition to the course offerings, a number of both second and third year students have an opportunity to participate in one of the external moots. The January term affords these students the opportunity to concentrate all of their efforts on preparation and practice. Students will fulfill their remaining courses requirements for the year in the Spring Term.


Essay Requirement


In second or third year a student must take at least one course that requires a written essay worth at least two credit hours.


Course Offerings Chart



Western Law: A national law school with an international outlook.