Program Overview

Program Overview

The Human Rights (BA) + Master's Degree (MA or MSc) program at Wilfrid Laurier University, in partnership with the University of Sussex, offers a unique multi-degree experience. This program combines an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Human Rights at Laurier with a guaranteed admission to a specialized master's (MA or MSc) in International Development and Global Issues at the University of Sussex in the UK.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

• Benefit from Two Degrees: The BA + master's degree program offers a streamlined path to a BA in Human Rights at Laurier and a guaranteed admission to a MA/MSc in international development and global issues at Sussex, with mentoring and skills development ensuring you meet progression requirements (including a B+ average by the end of your undergraduate degree).
• Career-Focused Curriculum: Develop strong practical skills and critical analysis and learn about real-world issues affecting the current world such as racism, global inequality, and climate crisis.
• Network of International Experts: You will work alongside faculty with expertise in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. You will benefit from a wide range of guest lectures and research seminars by academics and practitioners, as well as course-specific events, such as optional field trips in the UK or abroad.

Top Experiences

• Research Placements: You have the chance to go on research placements with Sussex partner organizations around the world. When studying at Sussex, you will be based in the School of Global Studies, an interdisciplinary research hub for development studies, renowned for its cutting-edge research and high-profile research centres.
• Publications and Showcases: Submit your academic work to Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal for Contemporary Connections for a chance to be published. Participate in the Academic, Creative and Engaged Research Showcase (ACERS) to showcase your work for the public and Laurier community.
• Career Networking: You have the opportunity to connect with Sussex's wide network of graduates in International Development, many of whom participate in respective career events.

Courses, Options, and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

First-Year Core Courses

• Fundamentals of Human Rights
• Key Issues in Human Rights

Sample First-Year Electives

• Introduction to International Development
• Introduction to Criminology
• Leadership Foundations

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• Understanding Public Policy for Issue Advocacy
• Rights in Canada: Rights, Freedoms and the Charter

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

• Game Design and Development Minor/Option
• Leadership Minor/Option
• Psychology Minor
• Computer Science Minor
• Politics and Public Policy Option

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations, and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what's next.

Master's Program Options

Choose from a range of international development and global issues MA/MSc programs at the University of Sussex, including:

• Climate Change, Development and Policy (MSc)
• Conflict, Security and Development (MA)
• Environment, Development and Policy (MA)
• Food and Development (MA)
• Gender, Violence and Conflict (MA)
• Human Rights (MA)
• Migration and Global Development (MA)
• Migration and Refugee Studies (MA)
• International Relations (MA)

Pathways

Transfer from College

If you have already completed an Arts and Science diploma from Mohawk College, you might be eligible to transfer into this BA + master's degree program.

Admissions

• Format: full-time or part-time
• Duration: five years
• Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

How to Apply

When you apply, ensure to follow the specific guidelines for your situation.

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Admission Requirements

• Average admission range: high 70s
• English at 60%

Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario)

Students applying from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review course equivalents by province.

International Admission Requirements

Students applying from an international curriculum must present:

• Average admission range: mid 70s
• Senior or grade 12 English at 60%

English-Proficiency Requirement

Laurier's language of instruction is English, and evidence of English proficiency may be required.

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition Discount for Year 1 at Sussex

The University of Sussex offers a 15% tuition discount for your first year at Sussex, awarded to Laurier students who meet all admission requirements. This discount is worth approximately $6,250 CAD, with the total tuition for one year at the University of Sussex being approximately $41,725 CAD per year.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Executive director
• Assistant secretary of state
• Associate researcher
• Associate project officer
• Humanitarian program manager
• Policy officer
• Immigrant settlement worker
• Foreign service officer

Support After Graduation

Laurier offers Alumni for life support, providing access to Career and Employment Support throughout your career.