Program Overview
The International Development Studies at Dalhousie University is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the International Development Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: USD 19,034 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 9,830 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Halifax, Canada
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the International Development Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Community Health & Epidemiology
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Studies
- Health Administration
- History
- International Development Studies
- Law
- Marine Affairs
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Social Work
- Sociology and Social Anthropology
- Urban and Rural Planning
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Admission Requirements
Candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Please note this department requires applicants to have a minimum A- average.
- Four-year Bachelors degree
- Degree granted by university of recognized standing
English language proficiency
Students for whom English is not their first language and who did not complete their previous degree at an English-speaking university will need to submit proof of English language proficiency.
Dalhousie accepts a number of different English proficiency test scores:
- Internet-based TOEFL:92
- Written TOEFL:580
- MELAB:85
- IELTS:7
- CanTest:4.5 (with no band score lower than 4.0)
- CAEL:70 with no band score lower than 60
- Dalhousie College of Continuing Education (CCE): A-
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 19,034 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 9,830 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 19,034 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 9,830 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Dalhousie University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Canada
public research university in Nova Scotia, Canada
University Profile- Application Deadline Jan, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
