Bachelor Of Arts In Labour Studies at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Program overview

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Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-05-29

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies at Simon Fraser University provides a comprehensive approach to understanding labour, working people, and labour movements both in Canada and internationally. This program equips students with a solid understanding of capitalism and the various forces that shape work and employment today. Students will also develop essential transferable skills, including critical thinking, economic and social analysis, writing, and research. This program is designed for those who are passionate about social justice and want to make a difference in the world of work.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies is structured to provide a well-rounded education in the field of labour studies. The program has a minimum length of 120 units, which includes both lower and upper division requirements. Here are some key features of the program structure:

Students must complete a minimum of 21 units in lower division courses.
Upper division requirements include a minimum of 30 units.
Students can declare their major after completing one labour studies course and maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00.
The program encourages students to engage in community-labour organizing and action.
Students have the option to take selected topics courses for credit.

Overall, the program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving landscape of labour studies, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning process:

Opportunities for community-labour organizing and action, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Engagement with contemporary issues in labour movements through various courses.
Access to selected topics courses that cover emerging trends and issues in labour studies.
Collaboration with community organizations and labour unions to gain practical experience.
Research opportunities that focus on social change and justice in the labour sector.

These experiences are designed to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that complement their academic studies and prepare them for future careers in labour-related fields.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Labour Relations Specialist: Works with organizations to manage relationships between employers and employees, ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations.
Policy Analyst: Analyzes and develops policies related to labour issues, providing recommendations to government agencies or non-profit organizations.
Community Organizer: Engages with community members to advocate for workers' rights and social justice, often working with grassroots organizations.
Human Resources Manager: Oversees recruitment, training, and employee relations within an organization, ensuring a positive workplace culture.
Researcher in Labour Studies: Conducts research on labour trends, policies, and movements, contributing to academic knowledge and public discourse.

These career options reflect the diverse skills and knowledge that students gain through the Labour Studies program, preparing them for impactful roles in various sectors.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) official website

Last updated on 2026-05-29

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies program, the following Academic Requirements must be met:

Minimum GPA: A minimum of 6/10 in Senior Mathematics is required for admission (based on a 50% pass scale).
General Academic Requirements:
- Applicants must submit a transcript that includes interim marks for their senior year. Admission is calculated based on senior level academic subjects.
Faculty/Program-Specific Requirements:
- For the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, which includes Labour Studies, applicants must meet the general requirements with no additional faculty/program course prerequisites.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines. For any clarification or support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at SFU. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to have demonstrated competence in the English language prior to admission. Competence is required in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

As an applicant to undergraduate studies, you must demonstrate English language competence through one of the options below:

Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English, in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last four (4) years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 3
Completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a C- (C minus)
GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 4 (or C)

Alternatively, you may complete a Language Proficiency Exam:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)
- Minimum score: Overall 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
Cambridge English Qualifications
- B2 First
- C1 Advanced
- C2 Proficiency
- Minimum score: Overall score 176 with no part less than 169
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Minimum score: Overall score 88 with no part less than 20
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 70, with no part less than 60
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 65, and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 125

Enrolment in first-year writing intensive courses requires higher grades than admission grades. Students must meet the University’s literacy requirements in addition to the English language Requirement.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!