The Only Labour Studies PhD in North America
The PhD in Labour Studies is the newest component of McMaster University’s School of Labour Studies. The only such degree in North America, this program engages closely and critically with the issues of work and labour in contemporary and historical perspective. The program aims to develop a new generation of scholars prepared to contribute to research leadership in the academy, the community, policy arenas and organizations representing working people. As a small interdisciplinary program, students will enjoy strong mentorship from leading scholars in the field and benefit from the strong union and community connections of faculty.
Work in a Global Society Research Group
The Work in a Global Society (WIGS) Research Group brings a social sciences perspective to issues of direct concern to paid and unpaid workers, and the institutions representing their interests. We have established links with researchers in the trade union community and at universities in a number of countries. Learn more about WIGS and download our working papers.
The Program
The program, which normally takes four years of full-time study, consists of course work, a comprehensive examination and a Dissertation. Students are required to take four courses, of which Methods and Advanced Labour Studies Theory are required. Additional courses are chosen from a list of core Labour Studies courses as well as from the disciplines such as Sociology, Political Science, Geography, Social Work, and History. Students can take the PhD on a full-time or part-time basis.
- Program Length: 4 years full-time
- Required Credential: Master’s degree or equivalent from any discipline
- Program Type: Dissertation and Course based
- Program Options: Full-time, Part-time
- Typical Entry: September
- Current Deadline: January 31st
Courses
- Advanced Labour Studies Theory
- Methods
- Contemporary Issues in Labour Studies
- Work, Workers and Their Workplaces
- Theories of Work, Social Justice and Inequality
- Labour Markets, The State and Inequality
- Work and Democracy in the Global Society
- Labour, Equity and Diversity
- Labour Movements and Social Transformation
- Bodies at Work: Politics, Science, Law and Occupational Health
Future Paths
PhD graduates will be ready to undertake academic employment as well as research jobs, senior administrative and leadership positions in a range of public, private and non-profit organizations with a focus on work and social justice, such as labour organizations, policy research institutes and think tanks.
McMaster Labour Studies Archives
McMaster’s William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections and Lloyd Reeds Maps Collection, house extensive labour studies collections and historical maps.
The City of Hamilton has traditionally been a leader in workers rights and the preservation of culture & history of all working people. It is the home of the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, a museum and a contemporary multi-disciplinary arts centre that showcases the contributions of working people – not only in Canadian history but worldwide through art, exhibits, and performances.
Take a Listen
Audio from the student and faculty at McMaster University's School of Labour Studies, Canada's leading program studying contemporary work, workers and social justice movements.
Faculty Expertise
- Precarious employment
- Unions and social movements
- Equity and diversity
- Labour politics and strategy
- Immigrant worker rights
- Health and safety
- Sexuality and gender
- Resource workers and workplaces
Learn More
For more information about the program contact:
Sharon Molnar, School of Labour Studies Graduate Admissions Assistant
KTH-717
905-525-9140 ext. 24692
molnars@mcmaster.ca