International Development Studies (BA)
Address global development challenges with interdisciplinary approaches.
Why choose this program?
The International Development Studies (IDS) program is structured around two broad axes: development theory/practice, and the global/local. Areas of teaching expertise among our faculty include development theory, gender, culture, human security, rural development, migration, health, Indigenous peoples, participatory development, and global citizenship.
Additional areas of expertise are drawn from over 50 cross-appointed and adjunct faculty members who teach courses and/or supervise our honours thesis and graduate students.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many HÂþ» programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
International Development Studies eligibility:
To enter any of the IDS undergraduate degree programs, students should have completed 30 credit hours.
Language Requirement in addition to English: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, or Russian.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
As an interdisciplinary program, IDS recommends students consider combined degree programs. Students are therefore encouraged to enter the combined honours or double major programs, which provide opportunities that further integrate their IDS studies with those of an approved arts or science field, e.g., IDS and History, IDS and Biology. Double majors and combined honours degrees provide additional opportunities for students to pursue graduate studies in more than one area.
We offer a diverse set of opportunities for students to participate in experiential learning in both Canadian and international contexts. Experiential learning enables students to focus on skills development in a range of areas: language development, research, writing, managerial, etc.
Through our experiential learning opportunities, students can volunteer or intern in Halifax, East Africa, Cuba, and many other locations. Students are encouraged to draw upon international development experiences from overseas linkage programs through HÂþ» and local Halifax community organizations.
The IDS program offers a study abroad program in Cuba in the spring.
The following International Development Studies program options are offered by HÂþ» University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
Bachelor of Arts Double Major in International Development Studies and a second subject
Bachelor of Arts Major in International Development Studies
Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours in International Development Studies and a second subjectÌý
Bachelor of Arts with Concentrated Honours in International Development Studies
90-credit hour Bachelor of Arts with minor in International Development Studies
What you will learn
Core IDS courses introduce you to a broad overview of the themes and issues that define the study of international development—the challenges of debt, development assistance, aid, and disasters. These core courses consider international development from a variety of viewpoints, whether liberal, socialist, conservative, or populist.
Sample courses may include:
Halifax and the World Part I and II
Origins of Modern Global Society
People and Culture: Intro to Social Anthropology
Introduction to Development I and II
Development Practice
Development and Activism
Migration and Development
Cuban Culture and Society
Sustainability, Development, Economy
Environmental Conflict and Security
Global Poverty and Human Rights
Gender and Development
The department's areas of expertise include many of the key regions of the developing world, particularly Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We take a broad view of development - including development issues within Canada as well as the global South.
Careers
We train people to be active, engaged, and informed citizens. Your IDS degree will allow you to understand many foundational elements of our society: history, economics, sociology, and politics. Ìý
A degree in International Development Studies provides a great background for many social careers.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in international development studies, sociology, and social anthropology, or non-profit business administration. You may also choose to complete a professional degree in law or a health profession.
