Social Justice and Equity Studies (MA)

Faculty of Social Sciences Master of Arts

The MA in Social Justice and Equity Studies is an innovative transdisciplinary graduate program that responds to the increasing need for individuals to be trained in the expanding field of social justice and equity scholarship and activism. Social justice studies is a growing field of study in Canadian universities. It is transdisciplinary, diverse and pluralistic in its theoretical traditions, substantive problematics, methods, and approaches. Students engage with faculty affiliates in critically analyzing processes and struggles associated with age, ability, gender sexuality, racism, speciesism, the environment, class and other patterns of inequality.

Entry point:

  • September

Duration:

  • Major Research Paper pathway – 4 terms (16 months)
  • Major Research Paper pathway + Co-op – 6 terms (2 years)
  • Thesis pathway – 6 terms (2 years)

Application deadline:

  • January 15

The application portal may remain open after the deadline, and will close when all spots are filled. International applicants interested in applying after the posted deadline should contact the program for details on availability. Please note: We are no longer accepting international applications for Fall 2026 entry.

Applications typically open in October.

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Trent Newmeyer
Graduate program coordinator
Olivia O'Halloran

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Graduate calendar Tuition and financial information

Program website Faculty research Faculty of Social Sciences

Admission requirements

  • Four year bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline, with a minimum average of 75%. The program welcomes students from a variety of academic backgrounds.
  • Applicants required to provide proof of English proficiency must meet standard graduate minimums (approved tests or recognized language programs) as outlined on the Graduate English Language Proficiency webpage.

Full admission requirements are outlined in the Graduate Academic Calendar. Applicants should apply only once to the SJES program, to their preferred pathway (MRP or Thesis); alternate offers may be made if space is available in another pathway.

Application Materials

  • Transcripts from all previous post-secondary study
  • Two references – Brock will reach out to the referees noted in your application to secure confidential reference reports
  • Statement of interest outlining your research background, general interests in social justice and equity, specific research interests, and interest in completing the MA in SJES at Brock University. For those selecting the Co-op option, please include an additional page with your Statement of Interest. Describe your interest in the SJES Co-op, the strengths or skills you would bring, the strengths or skills you want to develop, and how you expect the Co-op experience would support your career, research or activist goals.
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Visit our How to Apply page for a full overview of the application process, and our Application Documents page for details on document requirements and upload instructions.