Undergraduate
Canadian Studies
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- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
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- Peterborough
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- Paid Co-op Available
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- Fall & Winter & Summer
- Indigenous Studies & Canadian Studies
At a glance:
- Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Campus Peterborough
- Work Experience Paid Co-op Available
- Program is Offered Fall & Winter & Summer
- Study Options Part time/Full time
- OUAC Codes RCA - Peterborough RAX - Peterborough co-op
- Apply Now Stay in Touch
The Trent Advantage
Explore the multifaceted meanings of Canadian identity, citizenship, and society through an interdisciplinary lens in one of the first programs of its kind.
Study Canada at the university that helped establish Canadian Studies as a defining field of study. Through Trent's School for the Study of Canada, explore the country in a global context, drawing on history, politics, culture, literature, economics and social justice to examine the ideas, events and forces that shape communities across the country. Engage with Indigenous perspectives, public policy and social movements while learning in a program recognized nationally and internationally for its longstanding expertise and leadership in Canadian Studies.
- Learn in small, workshop-based classes that encourage discussion and close engagement with professors.
- Gain hands-on research experience through community-based projects that connect academic inquiry with real-world issues facing Canada.
- Go beyond the lecture hall through student retreats, research workshops, and distinguished speaker events.
- Build skills for a wide range of careers by developing critical thinking, research and communication skills
Program Possibilites
Add an Option to your Canadian Studies degree to explore an additional area of interest
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Circumpolar Studies
One of only a few programs of its kind in the world, the Circumpolar Studies option offers you a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the lands, peoples, and critical issues of the Arctic. The Circumpolar Studies Option is open to all undergraduate students at Trent.
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Indigenous Reconciliation & Resurgence
Over the last few decades, the resurgence of Indigenous peoples has largely animated the Canadian national project of reconciliation. In this option, you will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to this nationwide conversation.
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Education
Learn to teach a wide variety of curricula and subjects – an important skill for all elementary and intermediate school teachers. If you’re planning on pursuing your B.Ed., this option provides you with a range of education-relevant courses in math, sciences, the arts, and more.
Career experience while you learn
Every Canadian Studies student has a guaranteed route to paid, credited experience before they graduate.
Paid Co-op Available
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Work in areas such as community development, evaluation and research, hospitality and tourism, libraries, museums, archives, and policy analysis.
Research Opportunities
- Study alongside leading scholars in the School for the Study of Canada, including the Canada Research Chair in the Study of Canada’s North.
- Take on research, planning or community development projects for course credit through the Trent Community Research Centre, collaborating with community partners on projects such as museum exhibits, local histories and environmental soundscapes.
Study Abroad
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s 50+ international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
Placements
- Put your learning into practice through hands-on placement experiences in real-world settings, connecting what you learn in the classroom with opportunities to make connections and gain new skills in your field of study.
Internships
- Gain professional workplace experience by working within a business or organization on a paid internship, building career-ready skills, making industry connections, and exploring potential career paths.
Career Paths
- Diplomat
- Immigration Officer
- Lawyer
- Policy Analyst
- Public Policy Officer
In Their Own Words
It is natural that this University should feel a particular interest in the study of history and culture of its community and of our nation.
Thomas H.B. Symons
Trent University's founding president and vice-chancellor
Admissions
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Tuition Estimate
Estimate your tuition, ancillary fees, and potential entrance scholarships based on your program, residency status, and academic average.
Tuition
Base Tuition Fee
$6,240.85
Ancillary Fees
Ancillary Fees (non-tuition costs supporting student services, such as athletics, campus safety, college fees, etc.)
$2,122.22
Total:
$ 8,363.07
* The tuition details and scholarships listed are for domestic students only. International applicants should contact the financial aid office directly for equivalent guidance.
Scholarships
If you’re a top scholar with an average of 80% or higher, you qualify to automatically receive an entrance scholarship to Trent. Scholars with 95% or higher? You earn free first-year tuition – no application required.
| Entrance Average | Maximum Scholarship Potential | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 95%+ | $18,241 | $6,241 first year Full Tuition + $4,000 x 3 years |
| 90-94.9% | $12,000 | $3,000 x 4 years |
| 85-89.9% | $8,000 | $2,000 x 4 years |
| 80-84.9% | $6,000 | $1,500 x 4 years |
* Available to Domestic students only. Based on 2026/27 tuition for a general arts and science program
Explore additional funding for domestic and international students
- John Gilchrist Memorial Scholarship
- Margaret Laurence Scholarship
- Mary L. Northway Scholarship
- Carolyn Sarah Thomson Scholarship
- Symons Essay Prizes in Canadian Studies
- Alan Wilson Prize in History
- Gordon H.T. Farquharson, Q.C., Award
- Gerry and Mary Stephenson Award
- John Wadland Award
- John Wadland Undergraduate Award for Canadian & International Students
- Undergraduate Fund for the Study of Canada