Critical thinking for a more just world
The Master of Arts (MA) in Global Development Studies (DEVS) offers a program of transformative learning that provides tools for effective and ethical global research, engagement, and collaboration.
Apply NowOur interdisciplinary Master of Arts in Global Development Studies is focused on academic training for development research.
The program has two streams:
- A course-based stream, completed in 10–12 months, which emphasizes conceptual and analytical skills and culminates in a 50–60 page Major Research Paper based on secondary research; and
- A thesis-based stream, completed in 18–24 months, which culminates in a 75–100 page thesis based on original research, often involving fieldwork.
All MA students enter the program in the course-based stream with guaranteed funding for one year and may apply to transfer to the thesis-based stream during the Fall term.
Our intensive MA program offers broad graduate training to build core academic and transferable skills towards three primary objectives:
Course-Based MA
This option provides students with an integrated series of courses that builds on the core research strengths of the department. All students who enter the MA program in Global Development Studies begin their studies enrolled in the course-based stream.
This stream promotes the development of strong conceptual foundations and research tools in development studies through an intensive series of courses and the writing of a Major Research Paper (MRP) based on secondary research.
Students complete the course-based MA in 10-12 months.
Students generally complete their coursework in the fall and winter terms and complete the MRP over the spring and summer months (summer term).
MA students complete six graduate courses.After completing their coursework, students produce a Major Research Paper (MRP) that is 50-60 pages long.
In writing an MRP, students have an opportunity to further engage with an important theme within the field of global development studies. The MRP is generally based upon secondary sources, including academic literature, government documents, development agency reports, etc. The MRP does not require primary research. After submission, the MRP is graded by the supervisor and a second reader.
Thesis-Based MA
During their first year, eligible MA students can apply to continue in the two-year thesis-stream MA. The thesis option gives MA students the time necessary to pursue a deeper program of research, often involving fieldwork or other primary data collection. An MA thesis is 75-100 pages long and is defended before a committee of three examiners.
This option provides research experience that better prepares students for doctoral studies or other forms of research-based work.
Students complete the program in 18-24 months.
MA students admitted to the 1-year MA can apply for the Thesis-Stream during their first year of study. Students typically complete their coursework during the fall and winter terms in their first year and begin to design a research program that will lead to a Master's thesis. Students spend their second year completing research and writing their thesis.
MA students complete six graduate courses. After completing their coursework, students produce a thesis of 75-100 pages that makes an original contribution to the field of global development studies.
Successful applicants will be chosen on the basis of:
- Academic merit: a minimum average of A- from the Fall courses is required to be considered.
- Strong supervisory link: you must have a suitable supervisor with good expertise in your prospective research area who is keen to support and supervise your work.
- Coherent proposal: you need to demonstrate a strong and coherent proposal for a thesis.
Students applying to the Global Development Studies MA Program who think they might be interested in an eventual switch to the two-year research stream are encouraged to contact potential supervisors at the time of their application to discuss research interests and availability. They should discuss a focused thesis topic, funding options, and data collection processes early and consistently during the fall term with their potential supervisor, in order to submit a strong thesis stream application. They should also take the initiative to apply for external scholarships, including the SSHRC Master's Scholarship and the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
The deadline for applications to switch into the thesis-based stream is January 31. Please contact the Graduate Program Advising Coordinator to secure the application form. Once completed, the form will be submitted to the Graduate Chair and copied to the Graduate Program Advising Coordinator.
MA Course Requirements
MA students must complete six (6) graduate courses. Students are automatically enrolled in Global Development Studies' core courses:
- Political Economy of Development (DEVS 801)
- Cultural Politics of Development (DEVS 802)
- Qualitative Research Design (DEVS 803)
- Professional Seminar in Global Development Studies (DEVS 850/950)
MA students select two (2) additional graduate courses, one of which must be in DEVS. Students can choose from the department's Special Topics courses, including those that are open to MA students (DEVS 862 series), or a relevant course from a cognate department at 91TV's. Students may also pursue a Directed Reading course with a Global Development Studies faculty member.
Please note that graduate students are not permitted to self-enroll in courses in the Student On-Line University System (). The Graduate Program Advising Coordinator handles all course enrollments, drops and audits.
