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  1. Trentu.ca
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  3. Global Development Studies

Global Development Studies

Global Development Studies (GDST) at Trent equips students with the tools to understand and analyze societal transformation. 

With a curriculum built from 10 academic departments, GDST explores wide-ranging themes, such as poverty, conflict, the environment, and gender. Learn from anthropologists, political scientists, economists, and other experts in courses that integrate theory and practical learning and emphasize critical thinking and social justice. 

This multidisciplinary program also allows you to take your studies global with unique study abroad and field study opportunities.

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Trent University students on a study abroad program, sitting on top of a mountain, smiling at the camera.
Trent Advantage

Learn amongst the experts and gain global experience in the longest-standing international development studies program in North America.

Locations
Peterborough
Co-op available
Available
Co-op Detail
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Trent's paid co-op is an opportunity for you to gain work-integrated experiential learning that will help you get a head start on your career. The Global Development Studies co-op assists graduating students in achieving a competitive edge while generating experience within a wide range of sectors. 

Specifically, paid co-op gives you a chance to obtain 12 months of practical experience on the job, develop or enhance technical skills, explore career options, network with a variety of individuals and organizations, learn from mentors, enhance communication and presentation skills, and develop technical writing skills.

Traditionally there are three co-op work terms of paid employment, each four months long, 35 hours/week, giving students the opportunity to manage well-defined special projects at an organization. With the Global Development Studies co-op, students are encouraged to combine two work terms back-to-back creating an eight-month opportunity with one employer.

Experiential Learning
  • Graduate with a total of 12 months paid experience through the co-op stream, earned across three work terms with local or international organizations on community relations, policy analysis, or public service
  • Study and gain experience working in a developing country by participating in the Trent in Ghana or Trent in Bolivia program, with the option for a 10- to 12-week extended field placement with a development organization
  • Get hands-on experience tackling a development-related question or challenge with a local organization through a community-based research project
  • Join the Student Association for International Development and contribute to the student-run Community Movements Conference, developing skills in event planning, management, communications, and community engagement
Did you know
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#1 undergraduate university in Ontario

92% Trent Grads employed within six months

#1 undergrad university in Ontario for student services and student awards

Requirements
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  • Ontario
  • Non-Ontario
  • International
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Mature
  • Transfer

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
  • A minimum 70% overall final average
  • ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%

Program requirements for admittance into co-op:

  • A minimum 80% overall final average

Requirements

Requirements

Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.

Requirements

Requirements

International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.

Requirements

Requirements

IB students apply to Trent based on the overall score in their diploma.

Requirements

Requirements

Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.

Requirements

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.

Requirements

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History
International Political Economy
Political Studies
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems
Specialization
African Studies
Global Innovation, Entrepreneurship, & Social Change
Global Migration & Refugee Studies
Latin American Studies
Highlighted specialization
African Studies
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#115e67
Level of Study
Undergraduate
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.

Start Terms
Fall
Winter
Spring/Summer
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts - Honours (B.A. Honours)
Time dedication
Part time/Full time
Area
Society, Politics & Global Studies
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Trent University students on a study abroad program, sitting on top of a mountain, smiling at the camera.
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Trent University students on a study abroad program, sitting on top of a mountain, smiling at the camera.
Co-op Location
Peterborough
Credential Type
Undergraduate Degree
Featured Career
Social Policy Analyst
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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
Co-op Opportunity
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  • Community Engagement
  • Policy Analysis
  • Civil Service
  • Settlement Services
  • International Relations
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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
Opportunity List
Community Research Project
Field Experience
Paid Internships
Study Abroad
Volunteer Opportunities
OUAC Code
RID - Peterborough
RIV - Peterborough Co-op
Program Website
https://www.trentu.ca/ids/
Prospect Id
345
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