Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting

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. It is designed to encourage the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. 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 your own 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
• starting your drafting career
• wishing to enhance or refresh your drafting skills

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

Routes and options

Ladder to a degree

All your Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting credits fully transfer into AU's Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies program. This means that you can complete a master's degree with only an additional 18 credits.

Laddering the Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting into an Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies degree

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.

Tuition and fees

A non-refundable convenience charge will be charged when using Visa or Mastercard to pay student fees. American Express is no longer an accepted method of payment. For more information on the convenience charge, please visit the Financial Services website.

The following fees are effective for courses starting Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024. All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Academic-related fees are exempt from the Federal Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.). G.S.T. is added to all other goods and services, for example, workshops, some publications, self-help seminars, and Athabasca University promotional sales items.

¹Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting (GDLD) Course Tuition fees now include a Course Administration and Technology fee of $166 and Course Materials fee of $35 per course, plus the Athabasca University Graduate Students Association (AUGSA) fees of $13 per credit.

Estimated program tuition cost (2023-2024):

The total tuition cost for a student living in Canada who takes all courses from Athabasca University, would be $10,448 ($1,969 x 4, three-credit course equivalents, plus $2,572 for LGST 600 (6-credits)). AUGSA, Course Administration and Technology fee, and Course Materials fees are included in the above calculations. Application and admission fees are not included.

²The course withdrawal processing fee is a mandatory administrative fee charged when a student withdraws from a course. For early withdrawal only, the student will be refunded the full course tuition fees (see above) minus the course withdrawal processing fee. Refer to Course Withdrawal.

Fee information effective Sept. 1, 2023, to Aug. 31, 2024.

Courses

In this program, you'll engage in a series of required courses that provide a strong foundation in legislative drafting, from understanding its basics to mastering the nuances of legislative structure and style. You'll also complete a project course that allows you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting, ensuring you graduate with both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience.

Our program regulations plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.

Program regulations

Top courses

Here are some of the most popular courses students take in this program.

Career options

Upon completing the Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting, you'll be well-equipped to enter or advance in careers that involve creating or interpreting legislative documents, such as roles in governmental bodies, corporate legal departments, and non-governmental organizations. This credential could also serve as a springboard for specialized positions in legislative drafting, regulation formulation, and policy analysis, providing you with greater skill and confidence in your drafting duties.

Some careers may include:

• legislative drafter
• city clerk
• policy analyst
• legal advisor
• regulatory affairs specialist
• corporate legal counsel
• compliance officer
• government relations specialist
• municipal legal advisor
• contract manager
• public affairs consultant