Future Trent students interested in pursuing a career in law can now complete a dual degree – an honours Bachelor of Arts and an LL.B. – in just six years, thanks to an exciting new partnership between the University and the highly-regarded School of Law at Swansea University in the UK.

The new Law & Arts: Trent/Swansea Dual Degree (LL.B. & B.A.) will welcome its first group of students in fall 2017 and marks for the first dual degree program to be offered at Trent University in partnership with another university.

“Trent University is at the forefront of pairing program innovation with significant, meaningful educational experiences that prepare students to be career-ready global citizens,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “We look forward to this exciting new partnership with Swansea University, and know that our students will benefit greatly from the value this opportunity brings those who want to take on a dual degree and take their education global.”

With this program, in addition to receiving a dual degree, students have the opportunity to become global citizens, gaining international education and experience – something important and often valued in the legal profession. Having a dual degree has also proven to be important to students seeking a competitive edge when it comes to employment prospects and life post-graduation.

Another advantage to the program is the opportunity for students to not only pursue just their single interest in law, but to combine it with a B.A. degree in their area of interest. Students will be able to choose from one of nine B.A. programs at Trent’s Peterborough campus and from one of three programs at the Durham campus. Degree options include: Canadian Studies, English Literature, Environmental & Resource Studies, Gender & Women’s Studies, History, International Development Studies, Philosophy, Political Studies, and Sociology. With a wide-range of diverse programs to choose from, students will gain expertise in their chosen discipline and also gain the specific skillset to pursue a successful career in law.

Students in the new program will attend Trent to begin their B.A program for the first two years, before taking their studies overseas to Swansea, UK to complete three years of study and earn their LL.B. For their final sixth year, students will return to Trent University in Peterborough and fulfill the honours component of their B.A. degree and complete a variety of Canadian Law courses, helping prepare them for the required National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams. With the successful completion of NCA exams, students can take the bar exam and practice law in Canada.

“The introduction of this new program is another demonstration of Trent’s commitment to developing strong, in-demand academic programs. Trent University couldn’t be more thrilled than to announce this exclusive new partnership with Swansea University. This partnership is a natural fit as both universities mirror a lot of the same values, learning environments and teaching philosophies,” said Jackie Muldoon, provost and vice-president academic at Trent University.

Details of the new program are also being shared with current Trent students who may be interested in transferring into the new unique program.