Program Overview & Highlights

  • Honours 4-Year Program
  • Thesis Available
  • B.A.

Beyond a reasonable doubt, this is an elite program popular with elite students who have an average of 85% or above. Focusing on the legal aspects of philosophy, history, criminology, sociology, politics, and government, there aren’t many other programs like it around. Use it to prepare for law school or an array of other careers. In this program you won’t just be a number. It’s a close-knit department where your professors will know your name.

The perfect program to begin your journey towards Law school or public office
Travel to NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium in our popular study abroad course
A close-knit program where your professors know you by name

Learn More About Our Program

2.53M
in scholarships and award money1
1 in FAHSS
95%
of our graduates are employed within 2 years2
2 (OUGS Social Sciences, 2020)
200+
undergraduate FAHSS students have published or presented original research
139K
hours of service contributed by FAHSS students in the community

What Lancers Are Saying

Dina Jaber - Student
The fact that this program is small works to the students' advantage because it us to have more time with and attention from professors, which many other students do not have the privilege of having. I was able to have actual conversations with professors outside of the classroom which let me feel more welcome and open to asking for help. The ability to now understand complex legal and political frameworks combined with research skills will assist me in more easily navigating the new realm that will be the workplace. One of the things that I took advantage of was a study abroad course to Belgium. We were able to attend meetings with diplomats and engage in conversation about current geopolitics, with a focus on the European Union. This helped me learn about the vast scope of the EU's influence, as well as reconsider career paths that I never thought would be possible before! The study abroad experience was invaluable when it came to preparation for a successful future career. It allowed me to create connections with powerful diplomats through discussion and meetings held, as well as gain a deeper understanding of current geopolitics and international relations specifically catered towards the EU. Being able to interact with diplomats and professionals within the field created networking opportunities which are essential for career development. Furthermore, actually travelling to locations such as NATO Headquarters exposed me to real-world applications of the theories and facts learned in class which is needed in order to be prepared to work in the field and apply the knowledge that I have studied for years at this point. Finally, it helped me understand that there are other routes other than just going to law school. Being a lawyer is not the only option when in this program, and realizing this gave me the confidence needed to pursue a career that I will truly love!

Dina Jaber

Student
Law and Politics
Émilie Weidl - Alumni
I wouldn’t trade my time in the Law & Politics program for anything. The incredible professors I met and experiences I had paved the way for my path forward. Working on research with some of our professors inspired me to aim for a career in academia. I also took advantage of the courses taught in French at the faculty and am currently taking almost all of my law courses at McGill in French, which I don’t think I would have been able to do had it not been for the vocabulary and writing skills gained in those French-language Political Science classes.

Émilie Weidl

Alumni
Law and Politics

Admission Requirements

Student in Canada

Course Requirements: English/ENG4U (min. avg. 60%)
Minimum Average: 80%*
Mean Average: 90.5%

*Entry to this program requires a minimum high school admission average of 85% and a minimum final high school average no lower than 80% at the time of high school graduation.

Student outside of Canada

Course Requirements: Grade 12 English
Minimum Average: 85%
Mean Average: 86%

Career Tracks

  • Lawyer
  • legal consultant
  • government service official
  • law enforcement officer
  • policy analyst
  • border services official
  • Administrator
  • Business advisor
  • Community organizer
  • Court monitor
  • Development analyst
  • Development officer
  • Human resources manager
  • Immigration agent
  • Journalist
  • Legal consultant
  • Local government official
  • Marketing manager
  • Media analyst
  • Political aide
  • Professor
  • Public official
  • Public relations officer
  • Reporter
  • Research co-ordinator
  • Teacher

Contact A Recruiter

Do you have questions about this or one of our many other programs? Send us a message and we’ll answer any questions you have!