Honours Political Science (University of Birmingham LLB Option) (B.A.)

Admission

This program option provides students with the opportunity to obtain both an Honours BA in Political Science from McMaster University and a law degree (LLB) from the School of Law at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

The program is expected to take six years to complete, including first and second year at McMaster. Students that meet the entrance requirements of the University of Birmingham School of Law, will then apply to and attend the University of Birmingham through years three through five, before returning to complete their final year at McMaster. The final year at McMaster will include course material designed to assist students in the completion of qualifying exams in order to write the Bar Admissions Exams in the province of Ontario.

Upon successful completion of their LLB at Birmingham, students will be awarded up to 30 units of transfer credits that can be used towards their Honours B.A. Political Science degree at McMaster. The (up to) 30 units of transfer credits will be applied to the McMaster degree as a combination of Political Science course equivalents and elective course equivalents, with the specific course equivalence dependent up the student’s course selections at the University of Birmingham.

Enrollment in this program is limited, and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement. Completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point average of at least 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in both POLSCI 1AA3 and 1AB3 is required to apply. 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.

Notes

1. You are required to complete POLSCI 2O06 A/B, POLSCI 2NN3, POLSCI 2PP3, POLSCI 2D03 and POLSCI 2C03 prior to being admitted into the Birmingham LLB portion of this degree option.
2. Please note that acceptance into the Honours Political Science (University of Birmingham LLB Option) at McMaster does not guarantee entry into the Birmingham portion of the program. The University of Birmingham reserves the right to reject an applicant if they fail to meet a minimum grade level requirement, in the event of an unspent criminal conviction, or in light of any other relevant consideration.
3. To receive a McMaster recommendation to the University of Birmingham LLB program in year three, students must have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 9.0 (B+) on all courses completed over their first three full terms (i.e., minimum 45 units). These course and GPA requirements must be achieved by the end of Fall term of the students’ Level II year.
4. Students who are not admitted to the University of Birmingham LLB program will be transferred to the Honours Political Science (B.A.) for Level III of their degree provided they have a minimum GPA of 5.0.
5. POLSCI 2NN3 and 3NN3 and POLSCI 2O06 A/B are required for students enrolled in the Honours Political Science (University of Birmingham LLB Option) program.
6. Students should be alerted to those Levels II and III courses (or pre-approved equivalent courses from University of Birmingham Law) that are required to qualify for a number of Level IV courses at McMaster. Students who wish to enter courses but who lack the necessary prerequisites must obtain the permission of the instructor.
7. Students may take a maximum of 12 units of Level IV Political Science and will be removed from any excess units of Level IV Political Science unless permission is granted by the Department. Additional units of Level IV Political Science may not be used as electives.
8. Students who wish to minor in Globalization Studies or Public Leadership should consult with the Department of Political Science to ensure they meet all degree requirements and restrictions. Students enrolled in the Honours Political Science (University of Birmingham LLB Option) program may not claim a Minor in Justice, Law and Order.
9. Students are strongly encouraged to complete POLSCI 4LR3 - Legal Research in Criminal Law as one of their Level IV Political Science requirements.

Requirements

120 units total (Levels I to IV), of which 48 units may be Level I

Recommended Degree Trajectory