Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting

Program Overview

Learn how to rewrite complex legislative language into plain language with Athabasca University’s online Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting (GDLD) program.

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 the structure of legislation and

• analysing drafting instructions
• determining drafting objectives and creating legislative plans
• structuring and drafting legislation
• evaluating legislation within its legislative and constitutional 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 GDLD 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 and its legislative processes; and, to corporate, union, municipal and other non-governmental agencies involved in preparing regulations, bylaws and other similar policy documents in a parliamentary system environment

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

Program details

The Graduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting is a 15-credit online graduate program. You must complete the entire program through Athabasca University.

The GDLD 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.

Routes and options

All your GDLD credits fully transfer into AU’s Master of Arts in Integrated Studies (MA-IS) program. This means that you can complete a master’s degree with only an additional 18 credits.

• Laddering the GDLD into an MA-IS 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.

Admission Requirements

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 GDLD admission requirements

Tuition and fees

The GDLD program has:

• an application fee
• a program admission fee

Tuition is then paid on a course-by-course basis.

• See all GDLD fees