Arts Degree (BA) + Law Degree (LLB), University of Sussex

Among the first of its kind for a Canadian university, you will earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Laurier and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom in only six years.

Complete a BA in Criminology, English, History, Human Rights, or Law and Society in Brantford, or English, History, Philosophy or Political Science in Waterloo. Gain international experience by studying abroad in the United Kingdom for your LLB and then return to Laurier in your final year.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Dual-Degree Advantage
    Secure both an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Laurier and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Sussex in just six years. Maintain a minimum B average at Laurier to guarantee your spot at Sussex’s prestigious Law School.
  • No LSAT, More Campus Life
    With no LSAT required for UK law schools, concentrate on your academic performance and campus involvement during your first two years at Laurier. Join a vibrant community of high-achieving students and access dedicated support services.
  • Comprehensive Support Systems
    From preparing for your time abroad to helping with the national accreditation process back in Canada, Laurier and Sussex offer robust support to ensure your academic and professional success.
  • Study Abroad
    In this program, you'll earn a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Sussex, in the United Kingdom (UK). Broaden your horizons and enrich your academic experience by studying abroad.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Legal Contests
    Engage in client interviewing, criminal advocacy, mooting, and negotiation competitions to hone your legal skills and network with top law firms. Showcase your talents at national and international levels and stand out in the legal field.
  • Project-Based Clinics
    Apply your knowledge in real-world settings through Sussex’s diverse clinical legal projects, including criminal justice, employment, family, and migration law clinics. Gain practical experience and make a tangible impact in the community.
  • Network Like a Pro
    Enhance your career prospects by participating in Sussex’s legal competitions and clinical projects. Develop essential skills, gain practical experience, and connect with professionals to advance your career in law.
  • The Final Year Advantage
    In your final year at Laurier, you will take courses that prepare you to write the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams. These are required for legal practice in Canada when a law degree is earned abroad.

Schedule and Pathways

Overview of Schedule

  • The first two years of your studies will be spent at Laurier.
  • The next three years of your studies will be spent at the University of Sussex attaining your LLB.
  • Your sixth and final year you will return to Laurier to complete the requirements of your BA.

The Final Year Advantage

In your final year at Laurier, you will take courses that prepare you to write the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams. These are required for legal practice in Canada when a law degree is earned abroad. The final year is tailored to this unique program, so you receive academic support with the accreditation process upon returning to Canada. Learn more about practising law in Canada after graduation.

Your Sussex Years

BA + LLB Pathways

The Laurier-Sussex BA + LLB pathway is available in seven Laurier Honours BA programs:

The Laurier-Sussex program is also offered in combination with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, which focuses on providing you with scientific knowledge and critical inquiry skills alongside your law degree.

Options and Minors 

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Game Design and Development Specialization
  • Leadership Minor/Option
  • Psychology Minor
  • Computer Science Minor
  • Politics and Public Policy Option 

Check out other options to enhance your degree

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: six years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • advocacy-government relations
  • contract specialist
  • corporate social responsibility manager
  • in-house legal counsel
  • intelligence agent
  • lawyer
  • management consultant
  • political strategist
  • trade negotiator

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

Tuition Discount at Sussex

Starting fall 2025, Sussex Law School is offering a 20% tuition discount to Laurier students enrolled in the Laurier-Sussex Law program. The tuition discount is for all three years of study at Sussex and is worth approximately $8,000 CAD per year. The amount of tuition a Canadian student can expect to pay for one year at Law School at the University of Sussex is approximately $32,000 CAD (at exchange rates from September 2024, equivalent to £18,060).

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

University of Sussex

The University of Sussex a renowned research-intensive institution, is nestled within the South Downs National Park, just a short distance from the vibrant city of Brighton in Southeast England. Brighton, a lively coastal city with nearly 300,000 residents, offers a year-round beach lifestyle and is only nine minutes from the Sussex campus.

The Sussex campus seamlessly blends award-winning architecture with expansive green spaces. With a diverse student body of over 18,000, the University of Sussex is a truly global community, with around 30% of students coming from overseas and more than 100 nationalities represented.

students in a classroom

Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?