Global Development Studies
Why choose Global Development Studies at UVic?
Understand global challenges—and take action. In this program, you’ll explore issues like poverty, inequality, sustainability and human rights while gaining hands-on experience through community projects, field schools and co-op opportunities.
You’ll learn by doing. Work with local and international organizations, collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds and build practical skills that prepare you for careers in government, non-profits, international development and beyond.
Whether you want to support communities, shape policy or tackle global issues, you’ll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact.
What you’ll learn in this program
- How global systems shape inequality, development and sustainability.
- The impact of colonialism, globalization and policy on communities.
- Approaches to human rights, gender equity and global health.
- Practical research, communication and problem-solving skills.
Customize your degree
You'll gain specialized knowledge in one of four global development issue areas in which UVic has expertise:
- environmental sustainability and public health
- human rights, democracy and gender
- transnationalism, migration and mobility
- literature, culture and society
Hands-on learning
Build real-world experience while you study. You can apply what you learn through:
- International exchange opportunities
- Internships and community-engaged learning
- Volunteer work for course credit
Field schools
Explore global development in action through immersive field schools. Past students travelled to Thailand to learn directly from communities about environmental and development challenges. These short-term, intensive experiences help you
- See global issues up close
- Learn from local experts and organizations
- Build cross-cultural understanding
- Apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts.
Japan internship
Gain international work experience through an internship at Ehime University in Japan. Work on projects focused on climate change, disaster management and urban challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. During this internship, you can:
- Collaborate with local governments and organizations
- Support real-world development initiatives
- Build global experience and professional skills
- Strengthen your understanding of international issues.
Earn while you learn
Co-operative Education (Co-op)
- Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
- Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
- On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
- Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.
Career possibilities
Turn your passion for global issues into a career with real impact. Graduates build careers in Canada and internationally across sectors.
Common career paths:
- Policy analyst (government or NGOs)
- International development officer
- Sustainability coordinator
- Humanitarian or refugee support worker
- Global health or community program assistant
Where graduates work (examples): Government agencies, non-profits, international organizations, social enterprises and advocacy groups
Inspiring courses
- Global Development
- Contemporary Challenges in Global Development
- Working in Global Development
- Recasting and Rethinking Global Development
Admission
This is a minor program that can be added to your primary degree to broaden your studies. You can declare your minor after one or more years of full-time study at UVic.
Your academic advisor can help you plan your courses to ensure you meet the requirements of both your major and minor programs.