Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting

At a glance

  • Credential: graduate diploma
  • Credits: 18
  • Next start: monthly

Learn how to write complex legislative text in clear, plain language with Athabasca University’s online Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting program.

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About Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting

Athabasca University's Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting is an online program designed to equip you with the skills to write clear, effective legislative text. The curriculum delves deep into the principles of legislative drafting in common law jurisdictions, covering everything from analyzing drafting instructions to ensuring constitutional and human rights compliance. Whether you're starting your career as legislative counsel or looking to enhance your existing drafting knowledge and skills, this program offers a comprehensive education that's applicable across various sectors, from governmental to private legal practice and non-governmental organizations. It can also serve as a steppingstone towards a master's degree.

Admission requirements

To apply to this program, you must have a recognized law degree equivalent to an LL.B. or J.D., or approval of the program coordinator.

See full Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting admission requirements

Program details

Overview

The program provides an in-depth analysis of the principles underlying legislative drafting in common law jurisdictions and a thorough introduction to sound drafting practice. The program materials are relevant to all jurisdictions using the parliamentary system and its legislative processes.

The diploma will enable students to undertake their own drafting duties with greater skill and confidence. Students will learn practical skills and theory through an in-depth analysis of legislative drafting principles in common law jurisdictions and a thorough introduction to sound drafting practice. Topics include:

  • analyzing drafting instructions
  • determining drafting objectives and creating legislative outlines
  • structuring and drafting legislation
  • ensuring legislation is consistent within its constitutional and human rights contexts
  • preparing preliminary and final provisions and amending legislation
  • drafting subsidiary legislation

You will graduate ready to take on drafting duties with greater skill and confidence.

Why take the Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting?

The Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting is designed to serve your needs, whether you're:

  • hoping to enter a career in drafting as legislative counsel
  • starting your drafting career
  • wishing to enhance or refresh your drafting knowledge and skills
  • working with legislation in another capacity

The program materials are relevant to all jurisdictions using the parliamentary system with its legislative processes and to corporate, union, municipal, and other non-governmental agencies involved in preparing regulations, bylaws, and other similar documents of a legislative nature.

Completing the program also puts you on your way to a master's degree.

The Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting is a 18-credit online graduate program. You must complete the entire program through Athabasca University.

The Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting program has continuous admission - you can apply at any time. All courses are individualized study and begin on the first day of every month, year-round.

Application deadlines and start dates

Application deadline Start date
n/a No set start date

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

All your Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting credits fully transfer into a Master of Laws (Legislative Drafting) degree at Cavehill Barbardos Campus of The University of the West Indies or AU's Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies program.

Laddering routes for Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study, or work at your own pace to complete your requirements within 5 years.

The expected normal completion time is 2.5 years or less.

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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