Building off decades of collaboration, Trent University and Swansea University in Wales formalized a global learning experience in 2016 that has blossomed into a renowned international partnership producing top-ranked graduates and a growing alumni community. 

Celebrating its ten-year anniversary in 2026, the Trent/Swansea Law Dual Degree has produced more than 50 graduates, with another 23 set to complete the program this spring. 

“Over the past ten years, we’ve seen students of the dual degree excel academically at both Trent and Swansea, develop as global citizens, and move directly into legal careers after graduation," said Dr. Devin Penner, professor of Political Studies and coordinator of the Trent/Swansea Law Dual Degree at Trent. "That consistency speaks to the strength of the collaboration between Trent and Swansea and the learning environment we’ve built together.” 

Designed as a six-year pathway, through which students are not required to write a Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the joint program allows students to simultaneously earn two degrees a full year faster than it would take traditionally. Students are able to customize their bachelor’s education at Trent with one of 18 majors, including subjects like Criminology and Global Development Studies, and pair with a law degree from the renowned Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law. 

Since its launch, the program has demonstrated a strong record of academic excellence and career outcomes. Trent graduates have consistently distinguished themselves at Swansea, where Trent students have earned the title of top-performing student in three of the past four years (the fourth was runner-up). 

Among standout students is Alexis Rudat ’17 (Traill College), a member of the program’s first graduating cohort and now an associate lawyer at the Peterborough firm Pineiro Law, which was founded by Trent alum Curtis Pinerio ’99. Rudat was awarded the Oxford University Press Law Prize for Highest Achievement as the top-performing student in her class. 

“I appreciated that there was a clear path forward – two degrees in six years, combined with international travel. This took away a lot of uncertainty and allowed me to focus on enjoying the full experience while maximizing my academic success,” said Rudat. “This program was incredibly intentional in the way it connected students to mentors and experiential learning opportunities, both of which I have found invaluable in my transition into legal practice. The Trent and Swansea professors I met during my studies, many of which have legal experience, have played a huge role in where I am today.” 

Other alumni are also building meaningful law careers across Ontario. The program’s very first graduate, Shelby Hayes ’15 (Lady Eaton College), serves as an assistant crown attorney in Peterborough, while others have taken on associate lawyer roles at firms in communities including Lindsay and Ottawa. Other recent graduates are currently articling, including Elenor Marano ’18 (Traill College) whose work includes pro bono legal information contributions to the local community. 

Building on the strength of the law partnership, Trent and Swansea expanded collaborations to include dual-degree opportunities in chemical engineering and medical sciences, offering students in other disciplines the same benefits of integrated international study.

Learn more about the Trent/Swansea Law Dual Degree (LL.B. & B.A./B.B.A.).