Master of Arts International Development and Globalization Specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies

The School of International Development and Global Studies (SIDGS) offers interdisciplinary programs leading to a Master of Arts (MA) in International Development and Globalization and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Development.

The SIDGS offers an interdisciplinary MA program that exposes students to a broad range of development theory, policy and practice, while also permitting specialization in one of four fields: Conflict, Transitions and Peace; Growth, Private Sector and Social Inclusion; Livelihoods, Resources and Sustainability; and Social Movements, Equity and Human Rights. Students have opportunities for hands-on practice through Co-op and international internships, as well as for networking with development policymakers and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the federal capital.

The core courses of the program are offered each year in both English and French. The elective courses may be offered in either language; students are advised to check with the academic unit offering the course.

The Department offers a collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies (at the MA level) and in Environmental Sustainability (at the MA level). For more information on this program, see .

The collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level is designed for students from selected disciplines in arts, education, health sciences, law, social sciences, and counselling and spirituality (Saint Paul University), who have an interest in Feminist and Gender Studies. These students have the opportunity to combine advanced studies in their primary program with analyses from a Feminist and Gender Studies perspective. The degree awarded is a master's degree in the primary program with a .

The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

To be considered for direct admission, candidates must hold:

1. An honour’s bachelor’s degree in international development and globalization or a related field (e.g., international studies and modern languages, environmental studies, religious studies, economics, geography, history, sociology, political science).
   OR
2. An undergraduate law degree (LLB/LLL or equivalent).

An overall undergraduate average of 75% (B+) (calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines) is required.

The admissions committee may also recommend candidates who do not fully meet the above requirements but who do meet the minimum requirements in effect for graduate studies (an honours bachelor’s degree with 70% (B) standing) and who have demonstrated knowledge of the field through relevant training and/or work experience.

A letter of intent outlining the candidate’s interest in the program and relevant academic and practical experience must be submitted along with the application. Candidates should also indicate their preferred field (among four defined by the program).

Candidates who meet the basic admission requirements but who need to complete prerequisites for graduate courses or who need essential background knowledge in one or more fields may be admitted to a qualifying program.

Collaborative Program in Feminist and Gender Studies

The interdisciplinary MA program in International Development and Globalization is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master’s level. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in international development and globalization by including an interdisciplinary component in Feminist and Gender Studies. 

Students must apply for admission to the Feminist and Gender Studies collaborative program at the same time as they apply for admission to the master's program in International Development and Globalization. Only one application for admission is required for the collaborative Master’s program. In exceptional cases, students could commence their specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies in their second term of their primary program.

To be accepted in the collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level, applicants must first be accepted to the master's program in a participating program. Successful applicants will normally hold an honours degree or the equivalent and have a minimum average of 70 per cent (B). They must also have a background in Feminist and Gender Studies, that is, a minimum of two undergraduate level courses or one graduate level course on women, gender, feminism or sexualities. Students who do not have an adequate background may be eligible to our Special Policy for Admissions.

The letter of intention submitted with the application should include a clear account of the “Feminist and Gender Studies” dimension in the proposed topic of research.

Co-op Program

To be admitted into the co-op option, students must commence the MA program in the fall term and be enrolled full time. Applications for the co-op option must be received by the end of the first month of the student’s enrollment in the MA program. Acceptance into the co-op option is offered on a competitive basis and is managed by the Co-op Office. Enquiries should be directed to that office.

Language Requirements

Candidates must be able to understand, speak and write either English or French fluently. Applicants whose mother tongue is neither English nor French are required, at the time of application, to provide evidence of proficiency in one of these languages. Proof of having achieved a score of at least 280 in the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or in an equivalent test must be provided. For French proficiency, proof of having achieved a CanTEST score of 5.0 in Listening, in Reading, and in Writing must be provided.

In addition, students admitted to the program without evidence of proficiency in the second official language must demonstrate their reading competence in this language at the earliest opportunity by passing the language requirements (DVM 5999) administered by the program. A candidate who fails the test will have to successfully complete a course at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute approved by the program.

In accordance with University of Ottawa regulations, examinations, assignments and the research paper or thesis may be written in either one of the two official languages (English or French).

Mentoring System

Applications are reviewed by the program admissions committee. The committee assigns each student a professor who acts as a mentor and assists in developing an individualized study plan that takes account of interdisciplinary requirements and of the student’s needs, interests, and preferred field.

Lecture Series

All students are required, during the first year, to attend a lecture series where faculty and students from participating academic units, from other academic units or from outside organizations address important themes in international development and globalization.

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• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.