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Trent University

Global Development Studies (Honours Arts) – Co-op

Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    W Bank Drive Peterborough ON K9J 7B8

  • Intl. Tuition

    CA$35,632 (2026-27)

  • Home Tuition

    CA$6,241 (2026-27)

  • Intake

    September 2027

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Course Overview

Global Development Studies (Honours Arts) – Co-op at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.

Student life (indicative)

Peterborough offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.

The University at a Glance

Student Population

11,896

Staff Ratio

19.0:1

International

22.6%

Career Prospects

Avg Starting Salary

£31,600

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

CA$35,632

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

CA$6,241

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

City & Location

Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Global Development Studies (Honours Arts) – Co-op
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Global Development Studies (Honours Arts) – Co-op topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Global Development Studies (Honours Arts) – Co-op
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

11,896

Total students

Staff Ratio

19:1

Students per staff

International Students

23%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Four seasons

Safety Index (indicative)

8.5/10

Transport

Moderate (coach or indirect connections)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

Peterborough offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community. A great base for exploring the surrounding province.

  • Peterborough offers a comfortable and affordable Canadian student lifestyle — a solid café and bar scene, good local culture, and a welcoming community.
  • A great base for exploring the surrounding province.

What Students Love

  • Thriving student social scene
  • Outdoor & nature activities
  • Great café culture
  • Parks & green spaces

University Stats

Total Students11,896
Student-to-Staff Ratio19:1
International Students23%
Safety Index (indicative)8.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Avg Starting Salary

£31,600

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.

  • International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism.
  • Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Environmental Science
  • Business
  • Indigenous Studies

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

CA$35,632

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

CA$6,241

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

CA$142,528

For full 4 years

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

MEDIUM

This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)CA$35,632per year, 2026-27 Official fee page
Tuition (Home)CA$6,241per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£692/mo
Food & Groceries£276/mo
Transport£63/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,189
Annual living costs£14,276/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,506/month budget (housing $876, food $350, transport $80) covers everything comfortably. Affordable by Canadian standards — a comfortable student lifestyle at a reasonable price.

  • One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,506/month budget (housing $876, food $350, transport $80) covers everything comfortably.
  • Affordable by Canadian standards — a comfortable student lifestyle at a reasonable price.