Students Can Now Earn Two Degrees and Practise Law in Canada and the UK

Exeter–SFU Collaboration Creates Streamlined Path to Law Practice

In a move described as transformative for international legal education, Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Canada and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom have jointly introduced a cross-border law programme that offers students an accelerated route to dual degrees. The initiative, reportedly the first of its kind in British Columbia, enables participants to complete a six-year academic pathway culminating in both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from SFU and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Exeter. The programme has been designed to streamline legal training while fostering global academic collaboration. Sources have indicated that the dual-degree structure integrates undergraduate and legal education, allowing graduates to qualify for legal practice in both Canada and the UK. Applications are expected to open in October 2025, with the first cohort scheduled to begin in autumn 2026. Observers have suggested that graduates will be well-positioned to meet the growing demand for legal professionals in Western Canada, while also gaining credentials suited to international legal careers.

According to university officials, students will begin with two years at SFU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, pursuing a declared major in the humanities or social sciences. This will be followed by three years at Exeter Law School, where students will undertake the LLB programme. The final year, completed back at SFU, will include the Certificate in Foundations of Canadian Law, an element highlighted as a distinctive feature that prepares students for domestic legal certification. One of the programme’s key advantages, according to both institutions, is the removal of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) requirement and the simplification of admissions procedures. Once accepted into the SFU-Exeter Accelerated Law Programme, students are guaranteed a place at Exeter, provided they complete 60 academic credits at SFU, maintain good academic standing, and meet UK visa eligibility criteria.

Additional support measures have also been outlined. Students will receive assistance with the UK visa process and be offered guaranteed university housing during their first year abroad. The partnership includes discounted tuition fees at Exeter, as well as career advising and professional development services from both universities, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to accessible and globally oriented legal education. Laurel Weldon, Dean of SFU’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, reportedly described the collaboration as a unique opportunity that combines comprehensive undergraduate education with professional legal training. She noted that the pathway allows students to save at least one year of tuition and enter the workforce sooner.

The University of Exeter, ranked among the top 150 law schools globally and within the top 15 nationally in the UK, is said to bring considerable academic prestige to the partnership. Dr Richard Bowyer, Acting Head of Exeter Law School, has emphasised that the programme is centred on enhancing student career prospects through exposure to two legal systems and research-led teaching. Further details suggest that students will benefit from hands-on experience at Exeter’s award-winning Community Law Clinic, where they will work with real clients under professional supervision. Alumni have praised the university’s supportive environment, vibrant campus life, and international outlook, crediting Exeter with shaping careers that span borders and industries. Education analysts have noted that this initiative reflects a broader trend in cross-border university collaboration, equipping future lawyers with the global competencies needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected legal landscape. This programme marks a strategic leap in legal education, blending academic rigour with international reach.

Editor’s Note

The newly announced SFU–Exeter Accelerated Law Programme is more than a cross-border academic partnership; it’s a strategic reimagining of how legal education can serve a globally mobile generation. In an era where legal systems are increasingly interconnected, this initiative offers students a rare opportunity to earn two degrees across two jurisdictions in just six years, bypassing traditional barriers like the LSAT and lengthy admissions cycles. What makes this programme especially compelling is its practicality. Students begin with a humanities or social sciences major at Simon Fraser University, transition into a rigorous LLB at the University of Exeter, and return to Canada for a final year that includes the Certificate in Foundations of Canadian Law. This structure not only streamlines the path to legal practice in both Canada and the UK but also saves students time and tuition, an increasingly critical factor in today’s cost-conscious education landscape.

The programme’s built-in support system, visa assistance, guaranteed housing, discounted tuition, and career advising reflect a thoughtful approach to international student mobility. It’s not just about sending students abroad; it’s about ensuring they thrive there. The inclusion of hands-on experience through Exeter’s Community Law Clinic further strengthens employability, giving students real-world exposure before they even graduate. This initiative also signals a broader shift in higher education: one that values flexibility, global credentials, and career readiness over rigid admissions rituals and siloed national systems. In a legal market that demands cross-border fluency, this programme doesn’t just prepare students for the future; it accelerates their arrival.

Skoobuzz underscores the importance of the SFU Exeter law program, noting that it represents more than just a degree pathway; it is a redefinition of what international law education can be. For students seeking a legal education that is both ambitious and attainable, this truly stands out as a game-changer.