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Graduate Program in Socio-Legal Studies Faculty of Graduate Studies

Welcome to the Graduate Program in Socio-Legal Studies

Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Socio-Legal Studies program builds upon the strengths of the Law and Society and Criminology programs and their traditions of critical, interdisciplinary research. The program aims to create an inclusive, student-centered environment that enables MA and Ph.D. students to pursue their research interests in a community of like-minded scholars. Our program consists of scholars drawn from law and society, criminology, political science, sociology, psychology, history, communication studies, women's studies, and law. Many of our graduates find careers in the social service, private, legal, government, and academic sectors.

Be a Pioneer in Legal Research

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Become A Leader In

  • International / domestic
    human and indigenous rights

  • Socio-historical approaches to law


  • Transnational policing and Immigration / border security

  • Global financial crime



  • Gender, race, sexuality and the law


Upcoming Events

Featured Faculty

Photo of Laura Kwak

Laura Kwak

Research Interests

Multiculturalism , Law and Justice, Racialization and the Law, Governmentality, Cold War Epistemologies and Critical War Memory, Colonialism and Imperialism

Photo of Safiyah Rochelle

Safiyah Rochelle

Research Interests

Race and Racialization, Critical Visual Studies, Critical Criminology, Legal Theory, Law and Violence

Photo of Safiyah Rochelle

Jean Michel Montsion

Research Interests

Chinese Immigration and Community Politics in Singapore and Vancouver, Ethnic and Racial Landscapes in Singapore and Vancouver

Photo of Dagmar Soennecken

Dagmar Soennecken

Research Interests

Politics and Government , Law and Justice, Migration (esp. refugees) and citizenship, national security, Gender, social movements, Indigenous peoples

  • The SLST program shaped my professional journey by allowing me to pursue original research. Overall, it has helped me understand what it means to be a "researcher" and ask critical questions.

    — Anjali Subryan
    Class of 2026

  • I completed both my M.A. and Ph.D. in the Socio-Legal Studies program, and had the honour of learning from some of the best Canadian researchers in socio-legal studies, whose work and mentorship shaped how I think about law and society. Just as importantly, I met inspiring individuals and made friendships that encouraged me to grow not only as a scholar, but also as a person. I will always be grateful for this.

    — Oleksandra Huzik
    Class of 2026

  • The SLST program showed me the hard work it takes to be an academic, and the importance of perseverance, as well as self-care and knowing when to choose the right path for yourself.

    — Nat Perez de la Cruz
    Class of 2026

Learn More

The Graduate Program in Socio-Legal Studies at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Graduate Program Assistant to learn more.

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How to Apply