Law (Thesis): Air and Space Law (LL.M.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Law (Faculty of Law)
Degree: Master of Laws
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The 45-credit LL.M. program, thesis option, in Air and Space Law is a research-intensive graduate program focused on developing research interests into a thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member. Graduate-level courses on theoretical and methodological approaches to legal writing complement the research work and thesis completion process, and courses in specific areas of knowledge related to the candidate's research interests complete the program's credit requirements.
Candidates must remain in residence for three terms for which full-time fees will be charged. The third term, usually devoted to thesis research, may be taken the Summer of the first year. If the thesis is not completed in this time, students must register for additional sessions as needed. All degree requirements must be completed within a maximum of three years of the date of first registration.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
As part of the course Master's Thesis 1, a thesis candidate must provide a protocol to his or her supervisor setting out details as to the thesis topic, the deadlines for the completion of the various thesis courses, and the schedule of meetings with the thesis supervisor. Modifications to the protocol must be made in writing and submitted to the Associate Dean (Graduate Studies).
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASPL 690 | Master's Thesis 1. | 3 |
Master's Thesis 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Preparation of thesis proposal. | ||
| ASPL 691 | Master's Thesis 2. | 3 |
Master's Thesis 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Preparation of literature review. | ||
| ASPL 692 | Master's Thesis 3. | 6 |
Master's Thesis 3. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Thesis research report. | ||
| ASPL 693 | Master's Thesis 4. | 12 |
Master's Thesis 4. Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026 Completion of thesis. | ||
Required Courses (12 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ASPL 633 | Public International Air Law. | 3 |
Public International Air Law. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Sources of public international law relating to the air space and its aeronautical uses. International aviation organizations and their law-making functions. Legal responses to aviation terrorism. | ||
| ASPL 636 | Private International Air Law. | 3 |
Private International Air Law. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Sources of private international air law. Conflicts of laws. Unification of law of liability. Liability for damage on the surface, liability of the ATC and CNS/ATM providers. Rights in aircraft and their international recognition. | ||
| ASPL 637 | Space Law: General Principles. | 3 |
Space Law: General Principles. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Examination of the role of international law in the regulation of outer space activities. | ||
| LAWG 601 | Communication 1. | 1.5 |
Communication 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Key writing and research strategies for graduate students in law. | ||
| LAWG 602 | Communication 2. | 1.5 |
Communication 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Key writing and research strategies for graduate students in law. | ||
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
6 credits at the 500 level or higher, chosen from among Faculty offerings (including ASPL offerings).
3 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMPL 610 | Legal Research Methodology 1. | 1.5 |
Legal Research Methodology 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Legal research methodology, including electronic legal research and the formulation of research plans. | ||
| CMPL 611 | Legal Research Methodology 2. | 1.5 |
Legal Research Methodology 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Legal research methodology, including electronic legal research and the finalization of research plans. | ||
| CMPL 641 | Theoretical Approaches to Law. | 3 |
Theoretical Approaches to Law. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Introduction to a variety of theoretical approaches to legal scholarship. | ||