Master Of Arts In Global Development Studies

Program Overview The department of Global Development Studies at Queen’s is one of the premier locations in Canada for conducting research in the field of development studies. Using a variety of interdisciplinary methods, our faculty ask what development means and how is it practiced in an increasingly complex and evolving global context. With a core emphasis on questions of social justice, we explore this exciting and evolving field by examining processes of political, economic and cultural change from the grassroots to the global. Our Master’s program combines these key concerns with strong pedagogy and cutting-edge research to enable students to undertake their own explorations of issues and controversies in the field. Building from departmental strengths in the political economy of development and the cultural politics of development, we offer a stimulating environment in which to conduct research and engage in cross-cultural learning experiences. Our students work on diverse subjects that link the global North and the global South, ranging from trade, aid and finance through to cultural production, gender and indigenous studies. Opportunities The Master’s in Global Development Studies is uniquely research orientated. It provides students with the critical concepts and comparative approaches that enable them to create and carry out research projects on development-related topics. This training not only equips students with the global insights and critical thinking tools necessary for further studies in the social sciences, it also gives them an edge for future careers in areas such as law, media, foreign affairs, international business and aid work. To do this, we offer a clearly defined core curriculum that guides students through essential debates in the field. In addition, we provide topics courses on a range of relevant issues that cover diverse methodological perspectives and geographical settings. Alongside courses taught within the department, students have the opportunity to take graduate courses offered by cognate departments including Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Studies, Religion and Sociology. Additionally, there is a wide array of available courses in other faculties and programs, including the Faculty of Education, School of Business, School of Policy Studies, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Cultural Studies, Industrial Relations and Public Health. Method of Completion Course-based option: Course work, major research paper Research-based option: Course work, written thesis and oral defense Career paths - employment opportunities Our alumni are working throughout the world and across Canada. Many choose to work with development agencies such as Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International, or with United Nations bodies. Some are involved in government policy making. Others have gone into journalism, television and documentary film making. A number of graduates have become teachers in Canada and abroad, and many have completed professional degrees in law or business. Some have continued their studies and are now professors themselves. Several students have started their own non-profit development agencies and many are working in the private sector in Asia, Africa and Latin America.