Programs

Students start in the Social Sciences Level 1 program and apply to the Work and Labour Studies BA Program at the end of their first year. Students must complete the requirements of a Level 1 program including two Level 1 Labour Studies courses.

Enrolment in the BA is limited. Selection is based on academic achievement, but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level 1 program with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 including a grade of C- or greater in one of WORKLABR 1D03, 1E03, 1A03 or 1C03 (see Note 3 on Academic Calendar). Students who have completed only 3 units of Level I Work and Labour Studies may be considered for conditional admission if space is available and are encouraged to apply. Students who have who have completed only 3 units of Level 1 Work and Labour Studies will be required to complete 3 more units of Level 1 Work and Labour Studies during their Level 2 year.

Application for admission must be made through MOSAIC by April 1.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Labour Studies:  Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Inspired by a career studying labour issues and a grandfather who supported his extended family by working a blue-collar job, Professor Emeritus Graham Knight has established the Alice and Walter Day Scholarship.

The scholarship is named in honour of Dr. Knight’s grandparents, who helped raise him as a youth in England. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who is entering his or her fourth year in the labour studies program and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

“It’s a small gesture to reward and encourage others,” says Dr. Knight, who was a professor in both the sociology and communications departments and dedicated his 37-year career to studying labour issues. “I had an opportunity to offer maybe not a helping hand, but a helping finger.”

Dr. Knight says he donated the scholarship in the memory of his grandparents because they represented a period of time where there were limited opportunities for people from blue-collar households to advance in society.

“My grandfather was a man who, had the opportunity been presented, would have become a professional. He was a very bright man,” says Dr. Knight, who recognizes he was fortunate to be part of a generation that was presented several opportunities for social mobilization.

Dr. Knight says he hopes the scholarship helps a new generation of students that now face unique economic and social mobility challenges.

In 2009, The Association of Management, administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO) in honour of Mr. Tony Dean, M.A. (Labour Studies Class of '80) established an award (value $1,000) to recognize his distinguished thirty-year career in public service in the Province of Ontario. The Tony Dean Scholarship, to be awarded to a Labour Studies student who has completed Level I and an additional 30-75 units of a Labour Studies program and who, in the judgment of the School of Labour Studies, has attained notable academic standing and has demonstrated qualities of leadership at McMaster University or in the community. Preference will normally be given to a student who displays a commitment to social justice. This award is not open to students in their graduating session. A student may receive this award only once. Students who wish to be considered for this award are encouraged to submit their resume to the School of Labour Studies by April 15th each year.

The United Steelworkers of America has graciously made available over 20 new bursaries for Labour Studies students (please see below for a full listing). Students can apply for these bursaries at the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship office or by visiting their website:  http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/bursary/macbur.html

In addition to many general University awards, there are particular Labour Studies scholarships named in memory of Larry Sefton provided by the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council. These are separate awards ($500 each) for full-time and part-time Labour Studies students at any level.

The Melinda Wapshaw Achievement Award, established by her friends and fellow students, is given to the student who has completed Level III with the highest Sessional Average in an Honours programme in Labour Studies

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/

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 (See Note 6 below). 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.

Application for admission is open from April 2nd until April 27th.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Labour Studies:  Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Inspired by a career studying labour issues and a grandfather who supported his extended family by working a blue-collar job, Professor Emeritus Graham Knight has established the Alice and Walter Day Scholarship.

The scholarship is named in honour of Dr. Knight’s grandparents, who helped raise him as a youth in England. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who is entering his or her fourth year in the labour studies program and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

“It’s a small gesture to reward and encourage others,” says Dr. Knight, who was a professor in both the sociology and communications departments and dedicated his 37-year career to studying labour issues. “I had an opportunity to offer maybe not a helping hand, but a helping finger.”

Dr. Knight says he donated the scholarship in the memory of his grandparents because they represented a period of time where there were limited opportunities for people from blue-collar households to advance in society.

“My grandfather was a man who, had the opportunity been presented, would have become a professional. He was a very bright man,” says Dr. Knight, who recognizes he was fortunate to be part of a generation that was presented several opportunities for social mobilization.

Dr. Knight says he hopes the scholarship helps a new generation of students that now face unique economic and social mobility challenges.

In 2009, The Association of Management, administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO) in honour of Mr. Tony Dean, M.A. (Labour Studies Class of '80) established an award (value $1,000) to recognize his distinguished thirty-year career in public service in the Province of Ontario. The Tony Dean Scholarship, to be awarded to a Labour Studies student who has completed Level I and an additional 30-75 units of a Labour Studies program and who, in the judgment of the School of Labour Studies, has attained notable academic standing and has demonstrated qualities of leadership at McMaster University or in the community. Preference will normally be given to a student who displays a commitment to social justice. This award is not open to students in their graduating session. A student may receive this award only once. Students who wish to be considered for this award are encouraged to submit their resume to the School of Labour Studies by April 15th each year.

The United Steelworkers of America has graciously made available over 20 new bursaries for Labour Studies students (please see below for a full listing). Students can apply for these bursaries at the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship office or by visiting their website:  http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/bursary/macbur.html

In addition to many general University awards, there are particular Labour Studies scholarships named in memory of Larry Sefton provided by the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council. These are separate awards ($500 each) for full-time and part-time Labour Studies students at any level.

The Melinda Wapshaw Achievement Award, established by her friends and fellow students, is given to the student who has completed Level III with the highest Sessional Average in an Honours programme in Labour Studies

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/

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 LABRST 1D03, 1E03, 1A03 or 1C03 (see Notes 3 and 8 below), and satisfaction of admission requirements for the Honours program in the other B.A. subject. For continuation in the program, see the section on Minimum Requirements for Entering and Continuing in a Program Beyond Level I in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations.

Subject to meeting admission requirements, students may combine two subjects and be graduated with a combined honours B.A. degree. These combinations are available within the Faculty, with programs in the Faculty of Humanities and with the Arts and Science Program

NOTES

1. See Admission to Level II Programs in Academic Regulations in this section of the Calendar
2. Students who have who have completed only 3 units of Level I Labour Studies will be required to complete 3 more units of Level I Labour Studies during their Level II year.
3. Students may not transfer to another Labour Studies program except by the normal application process.
4. Students who complete a six unit Research Methods/Statistics course will reduce their elective component by three units.
5. Students combining Labour Studies with a Humanities subject or with Religious Studies must complete LABRST 4A06 A/B and SOCSCI 2J03. Students in other Combined Honours Programs may complete the Honours Seminar requirement as specified by the other Department and replace LABRST 4A06 A/B with six units Level III Labour Studies courses.
6. Students who have completed LABRST 4D03 need not complete LABRST 4C03 or 4E03.
7. Students who have completed LABRST 1C03 and 1A03 need not complete LABRST 1E03 or 1D03 
8. Students are encouraged to consult the Labour Studies web site at: http://www.labourstudies.mcmaster.ca.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Labour Studies: Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries

Inspired by a career studying labour issues and a grandfather who supported his extended family by working a blue-collar job, Professor Emeritus Graham Knight has established the Alice and Walter Day Scholarship.

The scholarship is named in honour of Dr. Knight’s grandparents, who helped raise him as a youth in England. The $500 scholarship will be awarded to a student who is entering his or her fourth year in the labour studies program and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

“It’s a small gesture to reward and encourage others,” says Dr. Knight, who was a professor in both the sociology and communications departments and dedicated his 37-year career to studying labour issues. “I had an opportunity to offer maybe not a helping hand, but a helping finger.”

Dr. Knight says he donated the scholarship in the memory of his grandparents because they represented a period of time where there were limited opportunities for people from blue-collar households to advance in society.

“My grandfather was a man who, had the opportunity been presented, would have become a professional. He was a very bright man,” says Dr. Knight, who recognizes he was fortunate to be part of a generation that was presented several opportunities for social mobilization.

Dr. Knight says he hopes the scholarship helps a new generation of students that now face unique economic and social mobility challenges.

In 2009, The Association of Management, administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO) in honour of Mr. Tony Dean, M.A. (Labour Studies Class of '80) established an award (value $1,000) to recognize his distinguished thirty-year career in public service in the Province of Ontario. The Tony Dean Scholarship, to be awarded to a Labour Studies student who has completed Level I and an additional 30-75 units of a Labour Studies program and who, in the judgment of the School of Labour Studies, has attained notable academic standing and has demonstrated qualities of leadership at McMaster University or in the community. Preference will normally be given to a student who displays a commitment to social justice. This award is not open to students in their graduating session. A student may receive this award only once. Students who wish to be considered for this award are encouraged to submit their resume to the School of Labour Studies by April 15th each year.

The United Steelworkers of America has graciously made available over 20 new bursaries for Labour Studies students (please see below for a full listing). Students can apply for these bursaries at the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship office or by visiting their website:  http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/bursary/macbur.html

In addition to many general University awards, there are particular Labour Studies scholarships named in memory of Larry Sefton provided by the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council. These are separate awards ($500 each) for full-time and part-time Labour Studies students at any level.

The Melinda Wapshaw Achievement Award, established by her friends and fellow students, is given to the student who has completed Level III with the highest Sessional Average in an Honours programme in Labour Studies

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/

Students working towards a Minor in Labour Studies may take no more than three units of Level IV Labour Studies courses.

Students may not transfer from the Minor in Labour Studies to another Labour Studies program except by the normal application process.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

The program is offered in-person at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario and consists of two streams:

The Master's Research Paper stream consists of six courses and a Major Research Paper (MRP) typically completed in one calendar year.

The Thesis stream consists of five courses and a thesis typically completed in 20 months.

Courses for both streams are chosen from a list of core Labour Studies graduate courses as well as from the disciplines such as Sociology, Political Science, Geography, Social Work, History, etc. 

This program is offered in-person at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Detailed program information can be found in the MA Handbook.

• Honours Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent 4-year BA in any discipline with a minimum B+ average (78% from last 10 upper-level half-courses) from an accredited university
• Applications for 2023 entry will open October 15 2022 and close on January 15, 2023
• Only complete applications will be reviewed after the January deadline. Admission decisions will be communicated in March. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed.

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

• Each applicant is required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens in October each year: https://applygrad.mcmaster.ca/portal/start_your_app 

• In addition to the online application, applicants must also submit the required documents listed below, and some required application documents must be submitted through your online application.

Academic Transcripts

• Scanned/unofficial/student-generated transcripts for ALL post-secondary studies completed or in progress are required at the time of application
• Transcripts from institutions where you completed courses on Letter of Permission and/or as part of Student Exchange Programs must also be included

• Official transcripts must be submitted if an offer of admission is made in one of the following forms:

• Electronic: 
  • If the issuing institution produces official, electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions, select this option instead of Paper.
  • The issuing institution must send the official, electronic transcript to Natalie Poplestone at lsgrad@mcmaster.ca
  • This official, electronic transcript from the institution does NOT replace the scanned, electronic transcripts that the applicant must upload through their online application. 

• Paper: 
  • Official transcripts in a sealed envelope signed/stamped by the issuing institution, and sent from the issuing institution directly to the School of Labour Studies (mailing address below). 

• McMaster University transcripts: 
  • If you are submitting a transcript from McMaster University, submit the transcript in Electronic format ONLY.  You do NOT need to request for a Paper transcript to be sent to the School of Labour Studies if the transcript is from McMaster University.

Note: The status of your transcripts and application in the School of Graduate Studies McMaster University Application will not be updated to "complete" until you have sent an official electronic or paper transcript. Please ensure you upload transcripts from all institutions attended at the time of application for evaluation purposes.

Academic References:

• Two (2) confidential reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work. 
• In cases of mature* applicants, one (1) work-related reference is acceptable in addition to one (1) academic reference.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference). By entering the email address of your referee through your online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf
  
  
• IMPORTANT: 
  • The system will send the e-Reference request to your references only after you submit your online application. Referees may require 3-4 weeks to complete a reference report. Referees must complete their reference report by January 15th. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.
  • If you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference Form to send to your referees for completion.  
  • Downloaded reference forms must be sent by the reference directly to Natalie Poplestone by e-mail (LSgrad@mcmaster.ca) or to the mailing address below. 

*more than two years since last enrolled in a post-secondary education institution 

Statement of Interest

• Must be uploaded as a PDF document through your online application
• 2 pages (500 words), double-spaced
• References page(s) (if used) should be single-spaced and do not count towards the maximum 2-page limit
• An effective statement includes:
• • A clear statement of your research interests
  • Whether you are interested in the Major Research Paper (MRP) or Thesis stream
  • How your background (including education and work/volunteer experience) prepares you to do the research.
  • Why the School of Labour Studies at McMaster is the right place for you to pursue the above research.

Resumé/CV

• Must be uploaded as a PDF document through your online application

English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

• If English is not your native language, an official copy of your English Language Proficiency score or other evidence of competency in English is required.  Applicants whose university studies were completed at an institution where English is deemed the official language of instruction may be exempted from this requirement (an official letter from the institution is required)
• The English Language Proficiency exam must have been completed within 2 years of the application due date
• The most common English Language Proficiency exams:
• TOEFL: minimum score of 92 (internet-based), 237 (computer-based) or 580 (paper-based), minimum of 20 per band. Please use TOEFL department code 080 (Other Social Sciences).
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section
• Other English Language Proficiency exams may be accepted. Please visit the School of Graduate Studies: How to Apply and click “Language Requirements” for more information
• Submit English Language Proficiency exam results as a scanned document uploaded through your online application. 

Application Deadline:

• January 15th 2023 - (includes all other supporting documents; CV, Statement of Research Interest, transcripts)
• Reference deadline: January 15th, 2023

Please send all (hard copy) supporting documents to:

School of Labour Studies
c/o Natalie Poplestone 
Kenneth Taylor Hall 717
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4
Canada

Please see specific information about tuition costs and additional available scholarships/awards here.

Many incoming full-time M.A. students are offered funding to assist with their studies from a variety of sources including Teaching Assistantship, scholarships and bursaries and Research Assistantship. 

We recommend that incoming students with an average of A- or above apply for a Canada Graduate Scholarship.

Scholarships

Internal Scholarships

Scholarship funding may be offered to full-time graduate students in the School of Labour Studies.  Internal scholarships, which include Graduate Scholarships, are intended to help students devote their time and energy to the successful completion of their studies.

External Scholarship

Many of our current and incoming students receive notable scholarships from external funding agencies such as OGS, SSHRC, etc. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply to external funding agencies.

Teaching Assistant (TA)/Research Assistant (RA) in lieu Positions

Many Master’s students are offered a TA or RA in lieu of TA valued at approximately $11,839 for a full year and $5,919 for a half year for 10 hours per week.  

Awards Competitions

The Social Justice Graduate Scholarship for Labour Studies

Established in 2018 to recognize important contributions to social justice. This scholarship will be awarded, by the School of Graduate Studies, to an incoming master's degree student in the School of Labour Studies who, in the judgement of the School of Labour Studies, has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and solidarity.

Initial value: $1,000

Additional details for this scholarship:

• Students admitted to the M.A. in Labour Studies who wish to be considered for this scholarship will provide information about their contributions to social justice and solidarity in a personal essay format. 
• This information will be used by the School of Labour Studies as the main basis for deciding whom to award the scholarship each year.
• Application instructions will be posted to the department website and circulated to admitted students in September each year. 
• If based on this information and in the judgement of the School of Labour Studies there is not a suitable candidate for this scholarship in any particular year, the scholarship will not be awarded in that year.

International applicants, please see here for Scholarships and Awards

Each fall, the School of Labour Studies provides a workshop to assist applicants. Please contact the department for further information.

Tips for successful applications:

• Review the MA Handbook and Application Guide
• Ensure that all pieces of your application arrive prior to the deadline date.
• Write an effective research statement. An effective research statement includes:
  • • A clear statement of your research interests
    • Whether you are interested in the Major Research Paper (MRP) or Thesis stream
    • How your background (including education and work/volunteer experience) prepares you to do the research.
    • Why the School of Labour Studies at McMaster is the right place for you to pursue the above research.
• If you need further advice, seek advice from a mentor from your previous school/program, because they know you best.
  

International Applicants are encouraged to review the information on our prospective International Student site.

The program, which normally takes four years of full-time study, consists of course work, comprehensive examinations 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 disciplines such as Sociology, Political Science, Geography, Social Work, History, etc. The program is offered in-person at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

This program is offered in-person at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Detailed program information is available in the PhD Handbook.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum A- average from an accredited university.
• A demonstrated interest in studying work, employment or worker organizations from a Labour Studies perspective.
• Select candidates may be admitted with a B+ average from a Master’s degree if they have a minimum of five years of work or volunteer experience in labour or work-related community organizations and can provide evidence that they have strong writing and critical thinking skills.
• Applicants are evaluated based on their qualifications and the alignment of their interests with the research interests and faculty availability. 
• While supervisors are not appointed before successful admission, applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members in the Department regarding potential Ph.D. supervision and the Ph.D. program. You have the opportunity to list three potential supervisors in your application. If admission is offered, a supervisor is then assigned.

Applications will be reviewed after the December 1st deadline. Admission decisions will be communicated in March. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

• Each applicant must complete the Graduate Studies Online Application, which opens in October each year.

• In addition to the online application, applicants must also submit the required documents listed below. Note that some required application documents must be submitted through your online application.

Academic Transcripts

• Scanned/unofficial/student-generated transcripts for ALL post-secondary studies completed or in-progress are required at the time of application.
• Transcripts from institutions where you completed courses on Letter of Permission and/or as part of Student Exchange Programs must also be included.
• Official transcripts must be submitted if an offer of admission is made:
• Electronic: 
  • Select this option instead of paper if the issuing institution produces official, electronic transcripts sent directly to other institutions.
  • The issuing institution must send the official, electronic transcript to Natalie Poplestone at lsgrad@mcmaster.ca
  • This official, electronic transcript from the institution does NOT replace the scanned, electronic transcripts that the applicant must upload through their online application. 

• Paper: 
  • Official transcripts in a sealed envelope signed/stamped by the issuing institution and sent from the issuing institution directly to the School of Labour Studies (mailing address below). 

• McMaster University transcripts: 
  • If you are submitting a transcript from McMaster University, submit the transcript in Electronic format ONLY.  You do NOT need to request a paper transcript to be sent to the School of Labour Studies if the transcript is from McMaster University.

Note: The status of your transcripts and application in the School of Graduate Studies McMaster University Application will not be updated to “complete” until you have sent an official electronic or paper transcript. Please ensure you upload transcripts from all institutions attended at the time of application for evaluation purposes.

Academic References:

• Two (2) confidential reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work. 
• In cases of mature* applicants, one (1) work-related reference is acceptable.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference). By entering the email address of your referee through your online application, the system will automatically send an e-Reference request on your behalf
  
  
• IMPORTANT: 
  • The system will send the e-Reference request to your references only after submitting your online application. Referees may require 3-4 weeks to complete a reference report. Referees must complete their reference reports by January 15th. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.
  • If you are unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference Form to send to your referees for completion.  
  • Downloaded reference forms must be sent by the reference directly to Natalie Poplestone  by email (LSgrad@mcmaster.ca) or to the mailing address below. 

*more than two years since last enrolled in a post-secondary education institution 

Statement of Interest

• Must be uploaded as a PDF document through your online application
• 3-4 pages (750 - 1000 words), double-spaced
• References page(s) should be single-spaced and do not count towards the maximum 3-4-page limit
• An effective statement includes:
• • A clear research question
  • Rationale for your research question
  • A clear research plan and methodology
  • How your background (including education and work/volunteer experience) prepares you to do the research.
  • Why the School of Labour Studies at McMaster is the right place for you to pursue the above research question.

Resumé/CV

• Must be uploaded as a PDF document through your online application

English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

• If English is not your native language, an official copy of your English Language Proficiency score or other evidence of competency in English is required.  Applicants whose university studies were completed at an institution where English is deemed the official language of instruction may be exempt from this requirement (an official letter from the institution is required)
• The English Language Proficiency exam must have been completed within two years of the application due date
• The most common English Language Proficiency exams:
• TOEFL: minimum score of 92 (internet-based), 237 (computer-based) or 580 (paper-based), minimum of 20 per band. Please use TOEFL department code 080 (Other Social Sciences).
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section
• Other English Language Proficiency exams may be accepted. Please visit the School of Graduate Studies: How to Apply and click “Language Requirements” for more information.
• Submit English Language Proficiency exam results as a scanned document uploaded through your online application. 

Application Deadline:

• December 1st, 2022 (includes all other supporting documents; CV, Statement of Research Interest, transcripts)
• Reference deadline: January 15th, 2023

Please send all (hard copy) supporting documents to:

School of Labour Studies
c/o Natalie Poplestone
Kenneth Taylor Hall 717
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4
Canada

All full-time Ph.D. candidates will be offered a minimum level of funding (currently set at an annual minimum value equal to full-time tuition plus $13,500 for 4 years) from a combination of sources that may include teaching assistantships, graduate scholarships, and external scholarships/bursaries.

For information about major scholarships and awards competitions, please visit the School of Graduate Studies: Awards & Funding.

• International applicants, please see here for Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships

Internal Scholarships

Competitive scholarship funding is offered to full-time graduate students in the School of Labour Studies.  Internal scholarships, which include Graduate Scholarships, are intended to help students devote their time and energy to the successful completion of their studies.

External Scholarship

Many of our current and incoming students receive notable scholarships from external funding agencies such as OGS, SSHRC, etc. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply to external funding agencies. Once admitted, students will be required to apply for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship annually, if not already an award recipient.

Teaching Assistant (TA)/Research Assistant (RA) in lieu Positions

Each Ph.D. student and many Master’s students are offered a TA or RA in lieu of TA valued at approximately $11,839 for a full year and $5,919 for a half year for 10 hours per week.  

Tips for successful applications:

• Review the PhD Handbook and Application Guide
• Contact a potential supervisor in Labour Studies prior to submitting an application to ensure that they are taking students and to gauge their interest in your proposed project. Eligible supervisors include all core Labour Studies faculty members (not including associate members).
• While supervisors are not appointed before successful admission, applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members in the Department. You have the opportunity to list three potential supervisors in your application. If admission is offered, a supervisor is then assigned.
• Write an effective research statement. An effective research statement includes:
• A clear research question
• Rationale for the research question
• A clear research plan and methodology
• How your background (including education and work/volunteer experience) prepares you to do the research.
• Why the School of Labour Studies at McMaster is the right place for you to pursue the above research question.
• If you need further advice, seek advice from a mentor from your previous school/program, since they know you best.

International Applicants are encouraged to review the information on our prospective International Student site.

Students must complete 12 courses, including 2 of the following 4 courses:

• History of the Canadian Labour Movement, Part I or II
• Labour studies theory, Parts I or II

The remaining courses can be selected from a list of electives.

Courses are offered in the fall semester, from September to December; the winter semester, January to April and possibly a summer course in July. Participants can enrol in a course and begin the program at any time during the year, and there is no deadline by which participants must complete the certificate.

To register for a course click HERE

Note: By submitting this form you are requesting enrolment and will be responsible for the resulting tuition charges. *Tuition is non-refundable, please ensure you are able to attend the course(s) you sign up for. If you have questions before enrolment please contact Mehrdokht Kia (lbstcert@mcmaster.ca)

* You may drop a course by sending an email to lbstcert@mcmaster.ca up to a week before the first class date. Please include your full name and the course you wish to drop.

Certificate courses are $160/course. 

Payment Instructions

Before making your payment, please review your student Account Summary for up-to-date balances. FAQs and helpful instructions how to use our Student portal, Mosaic, can be found under the "Academic Support" tab lower on this page. Your account balance is available under the "Student Centre" section of Mosaic.

Please note: McMaster University does not accept cash or cheque payments. 

For more info, to be added to our email update list, or to ask for help enrolling in courses, please send your inquiry to lbstcert@mcmaster.ca

FAQs

Requirements for Completing the McMaster-Unifor Labour Studies Certificate

Contact the Local and fill out this form to Register

Have you completed your PEL 4 Week Basic Training Program?

If you have completed your Paid Education Leave (PEL) - 4 Week Basic Training Program you're eligible to receive extra credit towards the completion of the Unifor-McMaster Certificate. Please send us a copy of your Basic Training PEL Certificate along with your name and student number.  Upon receipt of your documentation, 8 additional units will be added to your student record. 

For more information, contact Mehrdokht Kia: lbstcert@mcmaster.ca