International Humanitarian and Security Law

The Bachelor of Civil Law with a focus on International Humanitarian and Security Law at the University of Ottawa offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore the complex legal frameworks governing armed conflicts, human rights, and international security. Designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers in international law, diplomacy, human rights advocacy, or governmental policy, this program provides a comprehensive curriculum that combines core legal principles with specialized knowledge of humanitarian law and security issues. Throughout the program, students will examine the legal norms established by key international treaties, conventions, and organizations such as the Geneva Conventions, the International Criminal Court, and the United Nations. They will analyze case studies involving armed conflicts, peacekeeping operations, refugee protections, and counter-terrorism measures, gaining practical insights into the challenges and applications of international law in real-world situations. The program emphasizes critical thinking, legal research, and analytical skills necessary for interpreting and applying international legal standards. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships, moot courts, and seminars featuring leading experts in the field, enhancing their experiential learning and professional development. The interdisciplinary approach integrates perspectives from political science, international relations, and human rights studies, equipping graduates to address complex ethical and legal issues on a global scale. By completing this program, students will be well-prepared for careers with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, or private sector entities engaged in humanitarian work and security policy. The program’s dedicated faculty members are experienced practitioners and scholars committed to fostering a rich learning environment that encourages innovation, critical inquiry, and practical application of international humanitarian and security law.

• CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW
• LEGAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• LEGAL RESEARCH SEMINAR
• CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN LAW
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN LAW
• JUDICIAL CLERKSHIP
• LEGAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THEORY
• STUDIES IN INDIGENOUS LEGAL ISSUES
• ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL LAW
• LAW AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
• INDIGENOUS LEGAL THEORY: WORLDVIEW, LANGUAGE, AND LEGAL CONCEPTS
• ADVANCED HUMAN RIGHTS
• STUDIES IN HUMAN RIGHTS I 
• STUDIES IN HUMAN RIGHTS II 
• STUDIES IN HUMAN RIGHTS III 
• INDIGENOUS LAW CLINIC
• LEGAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• STUDIES IN INDIGENOUS LEGAL ISSUES
• COMPARATIVE INDIGENOUS RIGHTS / LEGAL REGIMES
• STUDIES IN INTERNATIONAL LAW
• INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
• INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW: CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
• LAW AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
• LAW, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
• NATIONAL SECURITY LAW
• INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AND SECURITY LAW INTERNSHIP

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Law
• Application Fee:$100.00 ($CDN non-refundable)
• 2 Recommendation letter(s)
• Transcript
• Proof of proficiency in your program's language of instruction, in the case of applicants whose first language is neither English nor French
  Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:TOEFL 600 (Paper-based), TOEFL 100 (Internet-based)
• Letter of Intent
• Resume
• Description of your research project (500 words)

Scholarships

• Full/Partial FGPS Scholarship
• Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Humanitarian and Security Law at the University of Ottawa is a specialized graduate program designed for legal professionals, scholars, and practitioners interested in the complex legal issues surrounding armed conflict, peacekeeping, international security, and humanitarian law. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks that govern armed conflicts and their impact on civilians, states, and international organizations. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including the laws of armed conflict, international criminal law, the protection of civilians, international human rights law, peacekeeping operations, and security law.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, integrating legal analysis with political, social, and ethical perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical legal skills necessary for analyzing and applying international law in real-world situations. The program often involves coursework, seminars, and research projects, encouraging participants to engage with current issues such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and the protection of refugees and internally displaced persons.

The University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law hosts renowned faculty members with expertise in international law, security studies, and human rights, providing students with access to leading scholars and practitioners in the field. The program may also include practical elements such as internships or collaborations with organizations working in humanitarian law and international security sectors. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities involved with international law and security issues.

The LL.M. program typically has flexible study options, allowing students to choose between full-time and part-time studies to accommodate professional commitments. Admission requirements generally include a law degree (J.D., LL.B., or equivalent), a strong academic record, and relevant experience or interest in humanitarian and security law fields. The program aims to foster a global network of professionals committed to advancing humanitarian principles and security measures through legal channels, contributing to international peace and stability.