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Honours Bachelor of Arts in Work and Labour Studies

We’re all about learning! In our tight-knit program, students develop close relationships with professors who are experts in studying important work-related issues, both in Canada and around the world. In the Honours Work and Labour Studies program, you’ll immerse yourself in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. You’ll grapple with significant questions about work, exploring topics such as:

Gender and Racial Equality in the Workplace

  • Investigate obstacles hindering equality and propose solutions.
  • Examine how gender, race, class, and culture impact work experiences.

Workplace Safety and Health

  • Assess the current state of workplace safety and health.
  • Explore measures to enhance safety and promote a healthy work environment.

Factors Contributing to Precarious Work

  • Examine the factors influencing the rise of precarious work.
  • Analyze the implications and potential solutions to address this phenomenon.

Environmental-Friendly Economies

  • Explore the role of work in shaping environmentally friendly economies.
  • Consider ways to contribute to sustainable practices within the workforce.

Unions in the Contemporary Context

  • Evaluate the role of unions in addressing current challenges.
  • Examine whether unions remain integral to solutions, echoing their historical significance.

Did you know that you can combine Honours degrees?

A combined honours degree provides a unique and enriched academic experience, allowing students to pursue two disciplines simultaneously. This interdisciplinary approach enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills, creating well-rounded graduates with expertise in multiple fields, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market.

If you have specific questions or need more information about combining honours degrees, feel free to ask!

Program Details

Typical Entry Term

Fall (September)

Program Options

Full-time or part-time

Program Length

Four years (full-time)

Program Format

Course-based

Expandable List

Enrolment in this program is limited. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including a grade of at least C in one of WORKLABR 1D03, 1E03, 1A03 or 1C03. For continuation in the program, see Minimum Requirements for Entering and Continuing in a Program Beyond Level I in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations.

Learn more about Level II Selection

The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Honours BA Work and Labour.

View the Academic Calendar

Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)

Level I Courses

  • Students explore the history of labor in Canada.
  • Introduction of critical labor issues that will be studied more deeply in subsequent years.

Level II Courses

  • Students enhance their understanding of Canadian labor relations.
  • Examine trade unions, the theoretical foundations of labor movements, and influences of gender, race, class, and culture in Canada and globally.

Level III Courses

  • Students deepen their understanding of industrial relations dynamics within the Canadian context.
  • Explore collective bargaining, economic restructuring, and work organization.
  • Choose from specialized courses in economics of labor market issues, labor law, health and safety, and women, work, and trade unionism.

Level IV Courses

  • Supplement core courses with specialized topics in comparative industrial relations and public sector bargaining.
  • Options for an honors thesis or co-op program provide in-depth study and practical experience.

Honours BA Work and Labour Studies graduates enjoy success beyond the classroom

Based on aggregated Social Sciences data from the Ontario University Graduate Survey from 2017-2021.

70% Employed in 6 months
12% Graduates pursuing additional schooling

Customize Your Studies

Our flexible degrees let you study your way.

Study Abroad Study Abroad

Take your studies beyond Canada. McMaster has exchange agreements with 100+ universities.

Internships Learn More

Apply to an internship and begin building your professional network.

Student Research Learn More

Apply for an Undergraduate Student Research Award and get paid to conduct research.

Minors View Minors

Add a minor to your studies to differentiate yourself in the workplace.

Questions about the Honours BA Work and Labour?

Contact Us

Undergraduate Studies and General Inquiries
Enrolment, course permissions, general inquiries
Email: labourstudies@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising
Office Goals, program changes, academic support
Email:
socscfac@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23772

Office Location

School of Labour Studies
Kenneth Taylor Hall, 717
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4

Campus Map & Driving Directions

Office Hours

Our office follows a hybrid model, with staff available either in person or remotely during regular office hours.

Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM