Aspiring lawyers can now join a new dual-degree pathway through the Faculty of Social Sciences, with the opportunity to graduate with a BA and an LLB through studies in Canada and the U.K.
Social Sciences students have the option to enrol into the pathway, working toward a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from McMaster and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Birmingham — one of the United Kingdom’s top law schools and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
The program offers an opportunity to break into the field of law with international experience that will make graduates stand out in a crowded field said Political Science associate professor Greg Flynn, a former lawyer who developed the program.
“This is an incredible opportunity for students who are passionate about pursuing a career in law and want to experience it from both a Canadian and international perspective,” he said.
“Studying in Birmingham offers so much more than just classroom learning. Students will be living and studying in the heart of the U.K., with Europe right at their fingertips. It’s an incredible opportunity to explore new cultures, travel, and gain a global perspective that will shape how they think about law and politics.”
The six-year program offers students the chance to study across two leading institutions. Students will spend their first two years at McMaster, followed by three years at the University of Birmingham, and will return to McMaster for their final year.
In the first two years at McMaster, students will specialize in political science while preparing for the study of law.
After that they will spend three years in Birmingham for the LLB, without needing to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
When students return for their final year at McMaster, they will study under the guidance of Flynn and Professor Andrea Lawlor, a political science faculty member with a doctorate in law.
“The final year at McMaster is designed to prepare students for the next steps in their legal careers here in Canada,” said Flynn.
“We’ll be working closely with the Hamilton legal community to help students build professional networks, connect with law firms, and gain insight into the Canadian accreditation and bar process.”
Upon graduation, students will complete accreditation requirements and write the bar exam to qualify for legal practice in Canada.
The new program builds on McMaster’s longstanding partnership with Birmingham, which already offers Political Science students international learning experiences.
Kimaya Palta, a Political Science student specializing in public law and judicial studies, participated in an exchange with Birmingham during her third year.
“There was a strong sense of community on the Birmingham campus — it was easy to meet people from all over the world,” said Palta.
“I was able to connect with and be taught by people from diverse backgrounds and gain new perspectives. It’s been the best experience of my university career. If I were an incoming student, I would absolutely participate in the dual law program.”
Visit the website for more information about the new McMaster–Birmingham Honours B.A./LLB dual degree option.