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 or looking to enhance your existing drafting skills, this program offers a comprehensive education that's applicable across various sectors, from governmental to corporate and serves as a stepping stone 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. 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

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 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

Understanding how higher education fees and tuition are calculated is important to ensure you stay within your budget and make informed decisions.

Financial aid and awards

We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.

Explore financial aid and awards

Fees

The following fees are effective Jan. 1, 2024, 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.

program application and admission fees
Application fees
Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies:	$184
Program admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program and non-refundable)	$255
Non-program application fee (non-refundable) required only once and waived if previously an AU student:	$116

fees for student living in Canada and without
Course tuition fees (includes all required materials)
Students living in Canada	$1,972¹
Students living outside Canada	$2,088¹
LGST 600 (in Canada)	$2,578
LGST 600 (outside Canada)	$2,694

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 $14 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 $10,466 ($1,972 x 4, three-credit course equivalents, plus $2,578 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.

other fees
Other fees
Course extension fee:	$312
Continuation fee	$136
Western Deans' Agreement administration fee (non-AU visiting students)	$250/course
AU Graduate Student Association fee (per credit included in tuition)	$14
Course withdrawal processing fee²:	$423

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 Jan. 1, 2024, 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.

To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting.

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

Courses to explore

Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.

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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

Resources and links

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Program resources

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