Agreement opens a new route for Canada students to study law in the UK

The University of Leicester (UK) has strengthened its Canadian connections after signing an agreement with Toronto’s Humber Polytechnic.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) has seen the institutions commit to a partnership that will allow Humber students to embark on a two year ‘pre-law’ course, which will then lead to three years studying the subject at degree-level at Leicester’s Law School.

The MOU was signed in Toronto, on Friday 1 November, by Leicester’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, and Humber’s President and CEO, Dr Ann Marie Vaughan.

The agreement bolsters Leicester’s strong relationship with Canada. The UK university has the largest number of Canadian students in any UK law school, with 500 currently studying at the East Midlands institution. The law school also has a network of more than 2,000 Canadian alumni.

Professor Canagarajah said: “We are proud of our strong connections with Canada and our excellent reputation here, particularly as a leading institution for legal education.

“This agreement formalises a route which will allow students to gain a fantastic grounding in law at Humber Polytechnic, which will then act as the springboard to pursue their dream of studying the subject at degree level in the United Kingdom.”

Dr Vaughan said: “Establishing partnerships with leading post-secondary institutions like the University of Leicester is an example of how Humber Polytechnic is building brilliance both in our communities and globally.

“With this agreement, Humber students will be provided with a one-of-a-kind experience to pursue their passion in law. This further exemplifies our commitment and vision to transform the higher education system by personalising the learning path, allowing learners to come with the skills and experiences they have and build on them, to get to where they want to be. By forging a deep partnership with the University of Leicester, we are creating better pathways, opportunities and outcomes for our students to be able to achieve their dreams and contribute as global citizens.”

During the visit to Toronto, Professor Canagarajah also spoke at a student recruitment event for prospective law students in Canada and hosted a reception for Leicester’s law alumni based in the country.

The University of Leicester has a unique connection with Canada. It is one of only two universities in the world established as a living memorial – a university dedicated to the sacrifices made in the First World War. The other institution is Memorial University in Newfoundland.