Circumpolar Studies

Global interest in the circumpolar region is on the rise, and this program will catapult you into the most important topics surrounding its people and landscapes, its geographical and historical contexts, and issues of security in a changing political and environmental climate.

Program Coordinator: Heather Nicol

Launch of the UArctic Læra Institute for Circumpolar Education

Trent School of the Environment offers a unique online diploma for students who wish to undertake a single academic year of study (September to April) focused upon the landscape, peoples, and contemporary issues of concern in the Circumpolar world. This interdisciplinary program is the first fully-online diploma in Circumpolar Studies at a Canadian university.

Connect with classmates from all over Canada and across oceans while you deepen your understanding of Northern perspectives. Together, you’ll explore the rich diversity of the region and discuss everything from Indigenous issues to sustainable development and physical geography. Developed by University of the Arctic specialists, together with experts from Trent’s School of Environment, the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies, and more, this flexible learning opportunity will prepare you for a future focused on the Canadian North and beyond.

Introductory courses begin with the examination of the geography, history, and biophysical and physical systems of the Sub-Arctic and Arctic regions. The diploma curriculum then turns to the Indigenous and contemporary peoples of the region, traditional economies and knowledge, governance systems, human security issues, and overall questions of economic development, cultural resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Applicants must either be students registered in, or graduates of, an accredited post-secondary educational institution normally other than Trent University. An official transcript, including evidence of the content of courses completed and grades received, must accompany the application. Application to the diploma program should be made to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.

In accordance with University regulations, applicants must have a competence in written and spoken English.

The diploma is awarded in the spring along with a Trent University transcript identifying all courses undertaken and grades received. Only students enrolled in the diploma program may obtain the diploma (Trent students currently enrolled in a degree program may choose to complete the Option in Circumpolar Studies.

General Admission Requirements:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
• A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
• A minimum 70% overall final average (unless otherwise specified)
• ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%

The Diploma in Circumpolar Studies consists of the following 5.0 credits:

• 2.5 GEOG credits from of GEOG 1045H, 2320H, 2330H, 2811H, 3390H, and 3640H
• 0.5 ERST credit consisting of ERST 3740H
• 1.0 INDG credit consisting of INDG 3745H and 3750H
• 1.0 credit consisting of CAST 3241 and/or CAST 3243, GEOG 3904H

Career Paths

• Public Service
• Cultural and Heritage Consultant
• Immigration and Human Rights
• Public Health
• Geoscience Consultant
• Diplomat
• Journalist
• United Nations Official International Civil Servant
• Educator
• Policy Professional