Global Development Studies

M.A.

Development Studies is an exciting and evolving interdisciplinary field that examines processes of political, economic and cultural change from the grassroots to the global. Research and teaching within development studies covers diverse subject matters located in both the global North and global South. These range from trade, aid and finance through to cultural production, gender and sexuality, and Indigenous peoples.

What distinguishes the department of Global Development Studies here at Queen’s is the way it combines strong pedagogy with cutting-edge research to help students explore key issues and controversies in the field. As an interdisciplinary and research-orientated program, our faculty use various methods of political, economic and cultural analysis to ask what development means and how is it practiced in a complex and changing global context. Particular strengths of the department include (1) the political economy of development, and (2) the cultural politics of development.

A Master’s in Global Development Studies is research orientated. It will provide students with the critical conceptual tools and the historical and comparative insights to prepare for further studies in the social sciences or for careers in law, media, foreign affairs, international business, aid work and other fields.

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"I am proud to be one of the first students to have completed the thesis option in the DEVS MA program at Queen's.  I decided to pursue this degree after six years of teaching in the Ontario secondary school system and I feel that participation in this program has made me a much more informed and critical thinker.  This degree has opened up many doors for me, not only with respect to my career in education, but also in terms of the potential to pursue further academic studies.  I had outstanding support and guidance from both my supervisors while completing my thesis and am very grateful for their assistance in finding further avenues to present and publish my research findings"

 

"The DEVS MA program was a wonderfully challenging experience because it re-aligned the lens through which I looked at the world. I had the opportunity to take courses in other departments, which contributed to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, and follow my own research interests.  The faculty and administration were incredibly supportive, and in combination it all made for a wonderful year!"

Basic Funding Package: Approximately $15,000 in 2012/13 but will vary from year to year depending on the availability of teaching assistantships and scholarships. Funding is guaranteed for 1 year; limited funding may be available for the 2nd year of the research-based option.

You may also apply for external research grants and contracts (SSHRC, OGS, etc.) and internal and external scholarships and awards. Entering graduate students who win federal government tri-council awards are automatically provided a $5,000 top-up award by Queen’s.

 

Academic Prerequisites

Grades: We consider your overall grades over your last two years.

A minimum B+ average from a recognized four-year undergraduate program (or equivalent) is required. Relevant degrees may include: development studies, politics, history, sociology, geography, economics, gender studies, environmental studies, literature, film, religion and aboriginal studies. Students from traditionally unrelated fields (such as engineering, education or nursing) may also be considered for admission if the applicant has completed sufficient course work in the field.

Other Requirements

Additional selection criteria may include:

• Experience in development practice; written and/or spoken language skills other than English (particularly languages spoken in the global South or in aboriginal communities in Canada)
• A summary of a major research topic and a potential supervisor

Test Requirements

For international students, if required, a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or TOEFL iBT minimum scores of: writing (24/30); speaking (22/30); reading (22/30); listening (20/30), for a total of 88/120. Applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score.

 

Program Profiles

• Sarah Tuckey - liked the idea of working in a dynamic new program...
• Lara Purvis - always knew she wanted to go into development work...