TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION: ABOUT THE HANDBOOK ……………………………………………………. / 3Q 1.1: What is the Graduate Programme Handbook/Web Guide? …………………………………...
Q 1.2: How is the Handbook organized? ……………………………………………………………
Q 1.3: What do I do if my questions have not been answered in the Handbook? ………………….. / 3
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SECTION A: PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS ……………………………………………
2. APPLICATION INFORMATION ………………………………………………………………….. / 44
Q 2.1: I want to apply to the IDS graduate programme; how can I get an application? …………….
Q 2.2: What is the application deadline for the IDS graduate programme? ………………………...
Q 2.3: Is there a registration fee? …………………………………………………………………… / 44
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3. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE IDS GRADUATE PROGRAMME ………………….. / 4
Q 3.1: How many graduate students are accepted into the programme each year? …………………
Q 3.2: When did the MA programme in IDS at Dalhousie begin? ………………………………….
Q 3.3: How many faculty members are in the IDS Department? ……………………………………
Q 3.4: IDS is an interdisciplinary programme; what does that mean? ……………………………… / 45
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4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS …………………………………………………………………… / 5
Q 4.1: What are the admission requirements for Graduate Studies? ……………………………….. / 5
5. FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES INFORMATION …………………………………………. / 6
Q 5.1: Where is the Faculty of Graduate Studies located? …………………………………………..
Q 5.2: Who are the key contacts in the Faculty of Graduate Studies? ………………………. / 6
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6. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ………………………………………………………………... / 6
Q 6.1: What do I need in order to apply to the IDS Graduate Programme? ……………………………….
Q 6.2: What information should be included in the application package? ………………………….
Q 6.3: I completed a three-year university degree; can I still apply to the IDS MA programme? ….
Q 6.4: My GPA is lower than the recommended GPA (A- average in at least the last two years of study); can I still apply? ……………………………………………………………………………..Q 6.5: I don’t have a background in International Development Studies; should I apply for a qualifying year of study? …………………………………………………………………………….
Q 6.6: How many courses are IDS MA students required to take? …………………………………. / 6
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7. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS/FUNDING ……………………………………….. / 8
Q 7.1: Is financial assistance available to IDS MA students? ………………………………………………
Q 7.2: What is SSHRC/NSERC funding? …………………………………………………………..
Q 7.3: What funding is available to international students? …………………………………………
Q 7.4: How are scholarships awarded to prospective IDS students? ………………………………..
Q 7.5: What are the Killam Scholarships? ………………………………………………………….. / 88
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SECTION B: ONCE YOU’VE BEEN ADMITTED …………………………………………………..
8. ORIENTATION ……………………………………………………………………………………………… / 1010
Q 8.1: Will there be an orientation session for new graduate students? ……………………………… / 10
9. COURSE SELECTION ……………………………………………………………………………… / 10
Q 9.1: What are the core IDS courses required for this programme? …………………………………………….
Q 9.2: Where can I find information about course descriptions? ………………………………………………...Q 9.3: When should I select courses? …………………………………………………………….
Q 9.4: When should I register for courses? Should I register for courses in the summer? ………….
Q 9.5: I can’t decide which courses to take. Is there someone I can talk to? ……………………….
Q 9.6: What are the deadlines for adding and dropping courses? ………………………………….. / 1010
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10. PROGRAMME LENGTH ………………………………………………………………………. / 14
Q 10.1: Can the IDS MA degree be completed in one year? …………………………………… / 13
11. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS/FUNDING ……………………………………………. / 14
Q 11.1: Is financial assistance available to IDS MA students?
Q 11.2: What is expected of a Teaching Assistant? ………………………………………………………..
Q 11.3: Is there a resource centre/teaching guide/workshop for Teaching Assistants? ……………..
Q 11.4: I’m interested in a Research Assistantship (RA). How can I find out about these opportunities? ………………………………………………………………………………………..Q 11.5: What is the research and development grant? ……………………………………………………… / 14
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12. THESIS COMMITTEE/SUPERVISION …………………………………………………………... / 16
Q 12.1: How do I choose a thesis topic and supervisor? ………………………………………………..
Q 12.2: How many committee members should be on my thesis committee? …………………………...
Q 12.3: Will I be required to prepare a thesis proposal? …………………………………………………
Q 12.4: Who will be on the thesis Examination Committee? …………………………………………. / 1616
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13. FIELD RESEARCH ………………………………………………………………………………... / 17
Q 13.1: Am I required to carry out field research? ………………………………………………….
Q 13.2: How can I find information about ethics guidelines and application forms? ……………….
Q 13.3: How can I access funds to carry out field research? ……………………………………….. / 1718
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14. SPEAKER SERIES ………………………………………………………………………………… / 18
Q 14.1: Is there a speaker series on international development issues? …………………………….. / 18
15. ACCESSING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOMENT JOURNALS AND BOOKS ………………... / 19
Q 15.1: What journals are useful for students in IDS? ………………………………………………
Q 15.2: I’m having trouble finding sources and material for my research. Is there anyone who can helpme locate library material? ……………………………………………………………………..
Q 15.3: How can I find out more about scholarly work and research in IDS across Canada? ……... / 19
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16. CONFERENCE PARTICIPATON ………………………………………………………………… / 19
Q 16.1: I would like to present a paper at a conference. How do I go about this? ………………….
Q 16.2: Is there any funding available for students to present their work at a conference? ………... / 19
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17. WORKING IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ………………………………………….. / 20
Q 17.1: How can I find out more about job opportunities, conferences, guest speakers, and events?
Q 17.2:Where can I find out about internships, volunteer opportunities and career ads in IDS? …...
Q 17.3: What are my career options with a degree in IDS? …………………………………………
Q 17.4: I would like to volunteer with a community/development organization in Halifax. Who should I contact? ……………………………………………………………………………………. / 20
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18. CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE INFORMATION ………………………………. / 22
Q 18.1: Do IDS MA students have office space? ……………………………………………………
Q 18.2: Is there a student society for graduate students? ………………………………………..Q 18.3: Where can I go for fair trade coffee? ……………………………………………………….
Q 18.4: What is the Graduate “Grad” House and where is it located? ………………………………
Q 18.5: What computer facilities are available to me on campus? ………………………………….Q 18.6: Are there health services available on campus? …………………………………………...
Q 18.7: How can I find out more about housing and residence services? ……………………….
Q 18.8: How can I activate my Dalhousie email account? ………………………………………….
Q 18.9: How can I access library materials and sign books out of the library? ……………………..
Q 18.10: How can I obtain my Dalhousie student identification card? ……………………………..
Q 18.11: What are the major holidays at DalhousieUniversity and in Halifax/Canada? …………...
Q 18.12: How can I find out more about Halifax and its major attractions? ……………………….. / 22
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19. IDS CORE FACULTY MEMBERS ………………………………………………………………..
/ 2520. IDS GRADUATE ADMINISTRATION …………………………………………………………..
21. IDS CROSS-APPOINTED and ADJUNCT FACULTY …………………………………………...
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22. MA THESES COMPLETED IN RECENT YEARS ……………………………………………….
/ 30IDS GRADUATE PROGRAMME HANDBOOK
1. INTRODUCTION: ABOUT THE HANDBOOK
Q 1.1: What is the Graduate Programme Handbook/Web Guide?
The Handbook is a resource for students who are planning to apply or have been accepted into the IDS graduate programme at DalhousieUniversity. The Handbook is available on-line at
The Handbook will also acquaint you with the intellectual and research interests of the faculty members and associates of the Department of International Development Studies at DalhousieUniversity. If you are thinking of pursuing an MA in International Development Studies you should take some time to look over the following information about the general nature of the programme and the faculty's research interests. Are the interests of faculty members compatible with your interests? Do your ideas about possible thesis topics fit in with faculty expertise? Are you prepared to put in the time and the effort required by the programme of your choice? Your answers to these questions will make it easier for you to decide whether to apply for graduate study at DalhousieUniversity.
Q 1.2: How is the Handbook organized?
This Handbook is organised by thematic areas and FAQs in two sections (Section A and Section B). Prospective graduate students can find information about how to apply and related information in Section A of the Handbook. Students who have been accepted to Dalhousie’s IDS graduate programme will find answers to many of their questions in Section B of the Handbook.
Q 1.3: What do I do if my questions have not been answered in the Handbook?
Please contact the Graduate Programme Assistant at who may answer your question or direct your question to the Graduate Co-ordinator or the Department Chair.
SECTION A: PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTS
2. APPLICATION INFORMATION
Q 2.1: I want to apply to the IDS graduate programme; how can I get an application?
You may download application forms or apply online at ( . Also, you can also download the application forms at ) or contact the IDS office by sending an email requesting an application to the Graduate Programme Assistant at or write to the IDS department, attention: IDS Graduate Programme, Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building, 6299 South Street, Room 339, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3J5.
Q 2.2: What is the application deadline for the IDS graduate programme?
Students are encouraged to submit all relevant material to the IDS office by January 31st. The Graduate Admissions Committee begins meeting, recommending students for scholarships and admitting students in January.
Please note: the official University deadline for applications for September Admission is June 1st for Canadian students and April 1st for non-Canadian students; however, the IDS Admissions Committee usually completes the admissions process earlier. The department has the discretion to stop accepting/reviewing new applications once all positions have been filled. The IDS Department has no January or May admission.
In the past few years the admissions process has largely been completed, with scholarships and funding having been allocated, by early April.
New applications can be sent as early as September – one year before the anticipated start date of September of the following year. The Graduate Committee will not usually begin to review applications until early January however.
Q 2.3: Is there a registration fee?
One copy of application form A along with the application fee of $70.00 Cdn should be sent to the Registrar’s Office, DalhousieUniversity, 6299 South St. Room 133, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4H6. You can also now pay your application fee online if you choose to do the online application referenced above.
3. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE IDS GRADUATE PROGRAMME
Q 3.1: How many graduate students are accepted into the programme each year?
We aim for an incoming group of approximately 15 new students each year.
Q 3.2: When did the MA programme in IDS at Dalhousie begin?
The MA programme in IDS was launched in 1997/98, building on the experience and resources of the successful undergraduate programme. It has so far graduated a total of 110 people. The MA has grown rapidly in terms of applicants, drawing students from across Canada and around the world.
Q 3.3: How many faculty members are in the IDS Department?
The programme is currently supported by a core group of six full-time faculty members. In addition, the IDS department works with more than 40 cross-appointed faculty from across the University and adjunct appointees beyond it (see the final section of the Handbook for a detailed list of the core, cross-appointed and adjunct faculty members). This breadth of resources enables students to design programmes of study and pursue research interests across a wide range of themes and areas. Please read through the list of previously defended theses at the end of this Handbook for an indication of the range of research interests the department has supported.
Q 3.4: IDS is an interdisciplinary programme; what does that mean?
The programme is designed to be interdisciplinary in at least two ways: courses must be taken from at least two different “home disciplines”; and thesis committees must incorporate members from at least two different departments. The department is keenly aware that pursuing an interdisciplinary program of study involves unusual challenges as well as extraordinary rewards. Along with close advising of students, the department’s compulsory Graduate Seminar in Research Design (INTD 5002) is structured to support students through the risks and rewards of interdisciplinary study.
In short, the Department is committed to providing graduate students with a rigorous programme that, within limits, can be tailored to their special interests.
4. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Q 4.1: What are the admission requirements for graduate studies?
The Graduate Admission Committee for IDS accepts students who have a minimum of an A-/GPA 3.7 or higher average over their last two years of full-time study in a relevant four-year degree programme preferably with an honours degree. Students applying from universities using a First and Second Class Honours (‘British’) system should note that the IDS department may admit students with a First or Upper Second.
General information about DalhousieUniversity admission requirements, procedures and its facilities are detailed in the Calendar of the Faculty of Graduate Studies available on the internet at by e-mail at ; by telephone at 902-494-2450; or by mail from:
Dalhousie University Registrar’s Office
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada, B3H 3J5
5. FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES INFORMATION
Q 5.1: Where is the Faculty of Graduate Studies located?
The Faculty of Graduate Studies is located on the third floor of the Henry Hicks/Arts and AdministrationBuilding, room 314.
Q 5.2: Who are the key contacts in the Faculty of Graduate Studies?
Dean (Dr. Bernard Boudreau)
Associate Dean (Dr. Dieter Peltzer)
Admissions and Convocation Officer (Heather Nowlan)
Programme Officer (Wendy Fletcher)
Scholarship Officer (Danielle Pottie)
Senior Scholarship Clerk (Judie Pepper)
SeniorThesis Clerk (Stephanie Theriault)
Graduate Studies Phone Number (902) 494-2485
6. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Q 6.1: What do I need in order to apply to the IDS Graduate Programme?
Prospective students should submit an application following the guidelines included in the Graduate Programme Application Package. Forms can be found at the following address or write to to request an application package.
Applicants for the MA in International Development Studies must have an Honours or equivalent degree in International Development Studies or a relevant related discipline (e.g., business, economics, environmental studies, history, law, political science, public administration, or sociology and social anthropology). Degrees are considered ‘equivalent’ to Honours when they are four-year degrees with a significant number of 3rd and 4th year, research-intensive courses.
Q 6.2: What information should be included in the application package?
The following information should be included in your application package: Application forms A and B, at least two confidential letters of reference (preferably academic advisors and professors) in signed and sealed envelopes, two official copies of your academic transcript(s) in sealed envelopes (or arrange for them to be sent directly from the issuing institution(s) to the departmental address. For students submitting their application online, Part A and B are to be filled out and submitted online with the remaining documents mailed to the IDS Dept.
If you wish us to confirm that your application is complete, please send us an e-mail or enclose a postcard on which you have printed your name and address.As stated in the application form B, we require a statement of your research interests (one to two pages in length) and, in addition, a writing sample (an essay or senior paper to illustrate writing/analytical skills).
Q 6.3: I completed a three-year university degree; can I still apply to the IDS MA programme?
Several options may exist for students with a three-year degree. You may want to return to your university to complete a fourth year of study; you may apply to Dalhousie University as a Special Student to complete an additional year of study; or in exception cases, students may be admitted into a two-year programme (qualifying year + regular one year of the MA programme). Please contact the IDS Graduate Co-ordinator to discuss the option that is best for you.
Only candidates with honours or the equivalent of honours standing are able to complete the requirements for the degree in a twelve-month period of full-time study. Exceptionally strong applicants who lack sufficient or specifically required classes in International Development Studies may, at the discretion of the Department, be admitted to a two-year programme.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements stated above may want to consider a preliminary year of study in consultation with the Department. It should be understood, however, that they must re-apply for admission to the MA programme through the regular process.
Q 6.4: My GPA is lower than the recommended GPA (A- average in at least the last two years of study); can I still apply?
The Graduate Admissions Committee considers several aspects of the application including GPA, reference letters, statement of research interests, and letter of intent. However, GPA is a crucial consideration so students may wish to complete an additional year of study at the undergraduate level to improve their grades.
Q 6.5: I don’t have a background in International Development Studies; should I apply for a qualifying year of study?
There are several options available to students who wish to take background courses before beginning an IDS MA degree. Each case is unique and the reasons for completing background courses differ from student to student. Those students interested in a qualifying year of study or a year of background study should make an appointment (either in person, over the phone, or over email) to discuss his or her options with the Graduate Co-ordinator. Decisions regarding special cases are made on an individual basis.
Q 6.6: How many courses are IDS MA students required to take?
The International Development Studies programme involves five full credits, including classwork and a thesis.
For International Development Studies students the five credits are obtained by the successful completion of:
CoursesTotal number of credits
- a thesis 2.5
- one-half credit in theory (INTD 5006)0.5
- one-half credit in methods/research design (INTD 5002)0.5
- three half credits of elective courses1.5
TOTAL5.0 credits
7. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS/FUNDING
Q 7.1: Is financial assistance available to IDS MA students?
Some financial assistance is available in the form of Dalhousie Graduate Fellowships as well as Teaching and Research Assistantships. Students are automatically considered for this form of assistance by the Graduate Admissions Committee; no separate application is necessary. Unfortunately funding is limited and while we do our best to provide some financial assistance to most students in the programme, this is not always possible.
Exceptional students may be recommended by the department, upon admission, if they have applied by the January 31st deadline, for the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship (candidates MUST also have applied for SSHRC funding). No separate application is necessary for consideration for this award.
Other awards may be available from other sources. Consult the Awards Office of Dalhousie University, or the Awards Office of your own university.
IDS MA applicants should also investigate SSHRC and NSERC funding before applying to the programme (see below).
Additional financial support may be available through Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships.
Q 7.2: What is SSHRC/NSERC funding?
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) now offer financial assistance for MA students. The deadline for receipt of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) MA scholarship applications is during the fall semester, before application to graduate programmes. You must be recommended by the university where you are completing an undergraduate degree. If you are not currently in an undergraduate degree programme, you can apply directly to SSHRC (please see the website for further details). This is a non-renewable, one-year award worth $17,500. This funding is available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada only. It is also possible toapply for SSHRC funding during the first term of the graduate programme. We usuallly receive fudning for a few students. For more information on SSHRC funding, see the SSHRC website: