Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies

Everyone is aging. Develop your critical research and analysis skills to uncover diverse perspectives on aging and find ways to help support our rapidly aging population.  

The M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies (AGNG) is a thesis-based M.A. program designed to foster an understanding of key conceptual and methodological foundations of interdisciplinary aging studies, executed from both research-based and applied (e.g., experiential learning) approaches. The M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies degree offers graduate students training in social science and humanities fields related to the study of aging, including social-cultural dimensions of aging; systems, services and policy; cultural/literary studies, performance, and creative arts; social justice, especially equity, diversity and inclusion; and professional fields requiring expertise in aging. The M.A. program emphasizes the importance of developing skills in critical analysis of contemporary aging issues and practical approaches to aging-related challenges across different contexts – ranging from individual experiences of aging to the societal complexities of aging populations.  

• Develop valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences and perspectives of older adults by engaging directly with older people or programs who serve older people regularly throughout your degree program. 
• Prepare for a meaningful career in public and nonprofit sectors, and managerial-level positions in institutions and community organizations that support older adults. 
• Conduct interdisciplinary research through the Trent Centre for Aging and Society—where faculty, students, staff, and community stakeholders build meaningful dialogue that challenges entrenched ideas about aging, old age and older people. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared 2021-2030 as the United Nations Decade of Healthy Aging with four areas of action – age-friendly environments, combatting ageism, integrated care and long-term care. Each of these areas aligns with existing Trent strengths and areas of growth, notably Trent’s contributions to local organizations supporting older adults, its globally recognized designation as an Age-Friendly University, its critical aging studies leadership in the North American Network on Aging Studies, its world-class Trent Centre for Aging & Society, and the recently approved University-Integrated Seniors Village and Long-Term Care Home development. 

Program Options  

• M.A. 
• Full-time studies only 
• Thesis-based 
• 24 months 
• September intake only 
• Open to international and domestic applicants 

​Admission Requirements  

• Applicants will have completed a 4-year Honours B.A. or B.Sc. from an accredited institution.
• At least B+ (77%) in the last four semesters (full-time equivalent) 
• Applicants must have completed a supervised research project, such as a thesis, program evaluation, or community-based research project, or include a 250 word statement that indicates their capacity to conduct independent research.  
• Alternatives to grades will be considered, such as a history of volunteer work or paid work experience with older adults or other relevant groups, or other commensurate life experience.  
• A potential supervisor must be chosen as an admission requirement to this program and this must be discussed in your plan of study. (Applicants must reach out to a potential supervisory faculty member) 
• A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program  

Required Documents 

Transcripts 

Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required. This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program. Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received. If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required. Transcript must include a grading scale or transcript legend. 

Please note: Transcripts are not required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies. Official transcripts are only required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission. 

Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University. Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e. study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit. 

Two Letters of Reference 

Two references are required and can come from any of these three combinations: two academic; one academic and one experiential/professional; two experiential/professional. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting. The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server. 

Proof of English Language Proficiency 

Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It Is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency. 

For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications.  

Personal Statement

Applicants must provide a clear and detailed Personal Statement (1 page in length) outlining how their research interests align with aging, and how their research fits with that of their prospective supervisor. This statement is an important factor in determining admissibility in our program and will be evaluated based on the extent to which an applicant’s proposed research and professional interests are congruent with an interest in aging and with faculty members associated with the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies.

The Personal Statement must include a paragraph providing evidence of independent research. Applicants must have completed a supervised research project—such as a thesis, program evaluation, or community-based research project—or include a 250-word statement that indicates their capacity to conduct independent research (including experience gained outside of a university context). 

Writing Sample 

Applicants must provide evidence of excellent scholarly writing as determined from the submission of a written sample. This can include either the submission of the applicant’s B.Sc./B.A. thesis or a scholarly written piece by the applicant for a university course previously taken, or for another formal initiative outside of the university context. 

Additional information:  

Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made. 

Program contact information: 

For any program specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly:  

Email: elizabethrussell@trentu.ca

APPLY NOW