Masters in Business Administration
Brock University offers a highly reputable Master of Business Administration (MBA) prog...
St. Catharines
INTAKE: September
Brock University offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Labour Studies with a Co-op option. This program combines academic coursework with practical work experiences, providing students with valuable insights and skills for a successful career in the field of labor relations, workplace dynamics, and social justice. The BA in Labour Studies (Co-op) program at Brock University offers students a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that combines academic excellence with practical work experience. Through its interdisciplinary curriculum, co-op work terms, experiential learning opportunities, and emphasis on community engagement and advocacy, the program prepares students for diverse career pathways in labor relations, human resources, community organizing, public policy, and social justice advocacy. Graduates emerge as informed, empowered, and socially conscious professionals ready to make a positive impact in the world of work and beyond.
Curriculum:
Curriculum and Coursework: The BA in Labour Studies (Co-op) program at Brock University offers a diverse curriculum covering various aspects of labor relations, including labor history, collective bargaining, employment law, diversity in the workplace, and social movements. Students engage with interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, economics, political science, and law to understand the complexities of work, employment, and organized labor. The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with practical applications, preparing students for diverse career pathways in the field of labor studies.
Co-op Work Terms: One of the distinguishing features of the program is the inclusion of co-op work terms, providing students with valuable hands-on work experience related to their field of study. Co-op work terms typically alternate with academic terms, enabling students to apply classroom learning to real-world situations and develop essential skills and competencies in professional environments. Co-op placements may vary widely, including opportunities with labor unions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, or research institutes.
Faculty Expertise and Support: The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research and teaching within various aspects of labor studies. Faculty expertise spans topics such as labor economics, workplace diversity, labor law, social movements, and collective bargaining. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and insights from real-world experiences, enhancing their understanding of contemporary labor issues and trends.
Experiential Learning Opportunities: Brock University emphasizes experiential learning opportunities to complement classroom instruction. In addition to co-op work terms, students may engage in internships, fieldwork experiences, or community-based projects related to labor relations, social justice advocacy, or community organizing. These hands-on experiences provide students with practical skills, networking opportunities, and real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities within the labor movement.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The BA in Labour Studies (Co-op) program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from various disciplines to examine labor relations and social justice issues from multiple perspectives. Students explore the intersectionality of race, gender, class, and other forms of social identity in the context of work and employment. This interdisciplinary lens enables students to analyze complex labor issues, advocate for social change, and contribute to building more equitable and inclusive workplaces and societies.
Professional Development and Networking: The program offers professional development workshops, seminars, and networking events to enhance students' career readiness and employability. Students have the opportunity to connect with alumni, industry professionals, and community leaders through guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. These connections facilitate mentorship, job placements, and career advancement prospects for students pursuing careers in labor relations and related fields.
Community Engagement and Advocacy: Brock University encourages students to engage in community-based research, advocacy, and activism related to labor and social justice issues. Students may participate in community outreach programs, volunteer initiatives, or research projects that address pressing labor concerns such as precarious employment, worker rights, and income inequality. Through their involvement in community engagement activities, students develop leadership skills, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility.
Graduate Studies and Continuing Education: Graduates of the BA in Labour Studies (Co-op) program have opportunities to pursue further education or advanced studies in fields such as industrial relations, labor law, social work, or public policy. The program provides a solid foundation for graduate studies, research endeavors, and career advancement in academia, government, labor organizations, or non-profit sectors.
St. Catharines
IELTS: 6.5
CAD 34152
Application Fees : CAD$ 130
Undergraduate Programs:
Academic Requirements: To be eligible for undergraduate programs at Brock University, international students must have completed the equivalent of Canadian Grade 12 education or its international equivalent. A minimum overall average of 65% is typically required for admission consideration.
English Language Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate their English language proficiency. The accepted English language proficiency tests include IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5. TOEFL iBT overall score of 88 is required with no band less than 21. PTE Overall score of 58 is required,DET score required is 110.
Additional Requirements: Some undergraduate programs at Brock University may have specific prerequisite courses or additional requirements for admission. These requirements vary depending on the program of study, and applicants are advised to check the specific program requirements on the university's official website.
Brock University offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic journey.
International Curriculum Scholarship: This scholarship is available to incoming international undergraduate students who have achieved academic excellence in their previous studies. The scholarship amounts vary and are awarded based on academic performance.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarship: Brock University offers scholarships specifically for international students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The scholarship amount is based on the student's IB score and is renewable for up to four years.
Brock Scholars Award: The Brock Scholars Award is a prestigious scholarship for high-achieving international students entering their first year of undergraduate studies. The award recognizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and community involvement. It provides a substantial financial contribution towards tuition fees.
Brock International Award: This award is available to both undergraduate and graduate international students. It recognizes academic excellence and provides financial assistance to help cover tuition fees.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Many of Brock University's faculties offer scholarships and awards for international students within their respective fields of study. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement, leadership, or specific criteria related to the faculty.
External Scholarships: Brock University also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by government agencies, private organizations, and foundations. The university provides resources and support to help students navigate these external scholarship opportunities.
It's important to note that the availability and criteria for scholarships may vary each year. To apply for scholarships, international students are usually required to submit an application form, academic transcripts, and sometimes a personal statement or reference letters. It is important to review the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship and ensure that all application materials are submitted on time.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Labour Studies with a Co-op designation from Brock University opens up a multitude of career opportunities in diverse sectors related to labor relations, workplace dynamics, and social justice advocacy. The combination of academic knowledge and practical work experience gained through co-op placements equips graduates with valuable skills sought after by employers. The BA in Labour Studies (Co-op) program at Brock University provides graduates with a versatile skill set, practical experience, and a commitment to social justice that are highly valued in today's job market. Whether in labor relations, human resources, advocacy, policy analysis, community organizing, or research, graduates emerge as informed, empowered, and socially conscious professionals ready to make a positive impact in the world of work and beyond.
Labor Relations Specialist: Graduates may pursue careers as labor relations specialists or labor organizers, working with labor unions, employee associations, or advocacy groups. They negotiate collective bargaining agreements, represent workers in grievance procedures, and advocate for improved working conditions, fair wages, and benefits. Labor relations specialists play a crucial role in promoting workplace equity, resolving disputes, and fostering constructive labor-management relations.
Human Resources Manager: With their understanding of labor laws, workplace policies, and organizational dynamics, graduates can work in human resources management roles. They recruit and hire employees, manage employee relations, administer benefits and compensation packages, and ensure compliance with employment legislation. Human resources managers contribute to creating inclusive, diverse, and supportive work environments conducive to employee well-being and productivity.
Community Organizer/Activist: Graduates passionate about social justice and community advocacy may work as community organizers or activists. They mobilize grassroots movements, advocate for workers' rights, and campaign for social and economic justice. Community organizers collaborate with labor unions, advocacy groups, and community organizations to address systemic inequalities, promote worker empowerment, and advance social change agendas.
Policy Analyst/Advocate: Graduates can pursue careers as policy analysts or advocates, working for government agencies, think tanks, or non-profit organizations. They research and analyze labor-related policies, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for legislative reforms to protect workers' rights, strengthen labor standards, and address emerging challenges in the labor market. Policy analysts play a vital role in shaping public policies that promote social equity and economic prosperity.
Employment Relations Consultant: Graduates may work as employment relations consultants, providing advisory services to employers, labor unions, or government agencies on labor relations matters. They offer guidance on collective bargaining strategies, dispute resolution processes, workplace policies, and compliance with labor legislation. Employment relations consultants help organizations foster positive labor-management relations and navigate complex workplace issues effectively.
Social Justice Advocate/Community Educator: Graduates with a commitment to social justice and community education may work as social justice advocates or community educators. They develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness about labor rights, social inequalities, and systemic injustices. Social justice advocates engage with diverse communities to empower individuals, promote solidarity, and build alliances for social change.
Arbitrator/Mediator: Graduates with strong communication and negotiation skills may pursue careers as arbitrators or mediators, facilitating the resolution of labor disputes and conflicts. They help parties involved in labor disputes reach mutually acceptable agreements through mediation or arbitration processes. Arbitrators and mediators play a crucial role in promoting dialogue, restoring relationships, and maintaining peace in the workplace.
Labor Market Analyst: Graduates may work as labor market analysts or workforce planners, conducting research and analysis on employment trends, labor market dynamics, and demographic changes. They provide insights to employers, government agencies, or non-profit organizations to inform workforce planning, talent acquisition strategies, and labor market policies. Labor market analysts play a crucial role in addressing skills gaps, unemployment, and labor market inequalities.
Journalist/Writer: Graduates with strong communication skills and a passion for storytelling may work as journalists, writers, or editors covering labor and social justice issues. They research and report on labor-related news, trends, and developments for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or broadcasting outlets. Journalists and writers play a vital role in informing the public, raising awareness, and holding institutions accountable for labor-related matters.
Further Education and Research: Some graduates may choose to pursue further education or research in labor studies, industrial relations, sociology, or related fields. They may pursue graduate studies, research positions, or academic careers in universities, research institutes, or policy think tanks. Advanced education and research enable graduates to deepen their expertise, contribute to scholarly knowledge, and address complex labor challenges through rigorous analysis and inquiry.