PhD in Global Development Studies in Kingston Canada | Queen's University

Queen's University | Kingston Canada
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Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
CAD 5,773
(c. USD4,151.3)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
48 months

The Department of Global Development Studies at Queen’s University enhances its forward-thinking research and education through its doctoral program. This four-year PhD provides specialized training and guidance to develop essential competencies for development research. Initially, students gain deep expertise in foundational concepts that define development studies, such as political economy and cultural critique. Next, the program equips participants with critical analytical tools and research methods for investigating development challenges. They acquire vital abilities in planning and executing cross-cultural fieldwork while considering the societal impact and ethical dimensions of their research. Furthermore, the curriculum fosters advanced project planning and organizational skills applicable to academic and professional development contexts. This degree is perfect for graduate scholars pursuing internationally-focused research in development studies, especially in political economy, cultural dynamics, sustainability, and indigenous research. It prepares graduates for academic careers and development professions, as well as roles in government research, policy development, media, education, legal practice, and corporate sectors.


The Master’s and PhD programs in Global Development Studies maintain a distinctive research focus. They furnish students with analytical frameworks and comparative methodologies to design and implement development research initiatives. This education not only provides the global awareness and analytical skills needed for advanced social science studies but also creates career advantages in fields like law, journalism, international relations, global commerce, and humanitarian work. The program features a structured core curriculum that navigates students through pivotal disciplinary discussions. Supplementary topic-based courses explore various methodological approaches and regional contexts. Beyond departmental offerings, students may enroll in graduate courses from related disciplines including Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology. Additional course options span multiple faculties and programs, such as Education, Business Administration, Policy Studies, Urban Planning, Cultural Studies, Labor Relations, and Public Health.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 7.0

Qualification Requirements

To apply to the MA or PhD program in Global Development Studies, applicants must complete the Queen's University School of Graduate Studies on-line application form and pay the application fee. Due to funding constraints, international applicants must secure a firm supervisory commitment from a DEVS faculty member prior to applying. Information regarding the online application process can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website. To complete the online application, you will need to include the following information in your application:

A short description of your research interests in global development studies for the Research Interests section. Be sure to indicate clearly why you consider Global Development Studies at Queen's University to be a good fit to pursue research in your main interest areas.
Two academic referees: if you have been out of university for more than 5 years, one or more professional recommendations may be included. Please note: Your referees will not receive an email with a link to Queen's secure online reference form system until you submit your application. We do allow a grace period after the January 31 deadline for recommendations and transcripts to be submitted.
Two hard copies of official transcripts from all university-level institutions you have previously attended. To be sent to School of Graduate Studies. Please review updated submission options as listed on the School of Graduate Studies website.
At Queen's, English is the language of instruction and communication, except for the language departments. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission. Those applicants whose native languages do not include English will need to earn satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency Test as part of the application process, and before final acceptance is granted. Any applicant whose first language is not English, but who, within the 12 month period prior to the month of application, has studied for at least one complete year at a post-secondary institution where English is the official language of instruction, may submit with their application a request to be exempted from the English language proficiency test requirement. The Director of Admissions, School of Graduate Studies, will review the request. The applicant will be informed of the results of the review. For more information, please review the regulations as outlined on the School of Graduate Studies website
In addition to submitting an application through the application portal, applicants will need to send the following in PDF format to the Academic Programs Assistant:

MA and PhD applicants must submit a sample of academic writing, preferably a short research essay (approximately 10 pages).
PhD applicants also must submit a two-page research proposal and a CV.
For international students, if required, TOEFL iBT minimum scores of: writing (24/30), speaking (22/30), reading (22/30), listening (20/30), for a total of 88/120. Applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - score of 7 on the academic module

Tuition CAD 5,773

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