Labour Studies (MA)

The Master of Arts in Labour Studies at McMaster University is offered through the School of Labour Studies, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The program examines work, employment relations, unions, and labour movements from historical, sociological, political, and economic perspectives, combining graduate seminars with research training. Students choose between a course-based stream, typically completed in about twelve months of full-time study, and a thesis stream involving a longer piece of original research, typically completed within twelve to twenty months. Coursework draws on interdisciplinary faculty expertise in labour relations, political economy, and social movements. Graduates are prepared for further doctoral study or for careers in labour relations, union research and representation, policy analysis, human resources, and related fields. Admission normally requires an honours bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in a related discipline. The program admits students for the September term and is administered within McMaster's School of Graduate Studies.