International Development Studies (Co-op Available)
International Development Studies at Trent aims to equip students with the tools to understand and analyze societal transformation, and to act in ways that contribute to progressive social and political change. Here, you will learn from a range of experts, including anthropologists, political scientists, and economists, as you take courses that fuse theory and practical learning. You can also learn from those putting policy into action (or putting it to the test through analysis) in the B.A. co-op stream, where you can gain income and career experience in community, national and international settings. These hands-on experiences will help you better understand the sources and consequences of human development around the world. Your studies will pay particular attention to the world’s most vulnerable populations and their complex relations with states, corporations and international organizations.
Degrees Offered:
- B.A.
- B.A. (Honours)
- B.A. Co-op (Peterborough Only)
Locations:
- Peterborough
Resume Boosters:
- Explore your strengths and career interests, and graduate with 12 months of work experience (and income) through the new four-year B.A. co-op option, giving you the edge for future career success
- Study and work in a developing country through the Trent in Ghana program – includes a 12-week placement with a development organization
- Translate learning into experience through our community-based research course, conducting an evaluation of a community organization in Peterborough or Haliburton
- Join the Student Association for International Development and contribute to the student-run Community Movements Conference

"Trent is the right fit for me."
Career Paths:
Featured
Social Policy Analyst
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, industry, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.
Career Opportunities
- Human Rights Officer
- Community Education Coordinator
- Lawyer
- Diplomat
- United Nations Official
- International Civil Servant
- Humanitarian Assistance Worker
- Refugee Affairs Program Officer
- Economic Development Officer
- Disaster Relief Specialist
- Policy Analyst
Popular Courses:
- Human Inequality in Global Perspective
- Gender and International Development
- The World Food System
- The Cinema of Development
- Human Rights
- Post-Carbon Futures & Radical Hope
- Global Health
- Peasants, Food & Agrarian Change
- Global Metropolis
- Citizen Rights & Development
- Global Social Movements

Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
Program Requirements:
- A minimum 70% overall final average
- ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%
Co-op Requirements:
- A minimum 80% overall final average
- ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%
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