To apply to the MA or PhD program in Global Development Studies, applicants must complete the Queen's University School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs 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 and Postdoctoral Affairs 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 and Postdoctoral Affairs. Please review updated submission options as listed on the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs 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 and Postdoctoral Affairs, 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 and Postdoctoral Affairs 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.
How are admissions decisions made?
Entry into our program is highly competitive. We are looking for students who demonstrate strong research potential, are a good fit with our areas of expertise and who fall within our areas of supervisory capacity. The Admissions Committee closely reviews statements of interest, transcripts and academic letters of reference to determine the most qualified and suitable candidates. While we run an academically-oriented program, additional selection criteria may include experience in practical development or community-oriented programs and written and/or spoken language skills other than English (particularly languages spoken in the global South or in aboriginal communities in Canada).