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St. Francis Xavier University is a prestigious institution renowned for its quality edu...
Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
Antigonish
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), situated in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies program. This interdisciplinary program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and political dimensions of global development issues, preparing them for careers in international development, social justice advocacy, and humanitarian work.
Curriculum: The Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies curriculum at StFX covers a wide range of topics related to global development, including poverty, inequality, globalization, sustainable development, and human rights. Students study subjects such as development theory, international economics, environmental sustainability, gender and development, and conflict resolution. The curriculum integrates theoretical coursework with practical experiences such as internships, fieldwork, and community-based research projects, allowing students to gain firsthand knowledge of development challenges and strategies for promoting social change.
Research Focus: StFX places a strong emphasis on research within the Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies program. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, exploring topics such as microfinance, community development, health disparities, and education access. The university's research initiatives in development studies contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field and provide students with valuable research experience that prepares them for graduate studies or careers in research-oriented professions.
Industry Engagement: St. Francis Xavier University fosters close collaboration with development organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to provide students in the Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies program with valuable real-world experience. Through internships, co-op placements, and community-based projects, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in settings such as international NGOs, government aid agencies, grassroots organizations, and community development projects. This industry engagement not only enhances students' learning experience but also prepares them for careers in fields such as international development, humanitarian aid, social entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy.
Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies program at StFX emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in understanding development challenges and solutions. Courses explore development issues within the context of global interconnectedness, cultural diversity, and historical legacies of colonialism and imperialism. Through coursework, international field studies, and study abroad programs, students gain an understanding of development from a global perspective and develop the cross-cultural competencies needed to work effectively in diverse cultural contexts and address global development challenges with sensitivity, humility, and solidarity.
Location
Antigonish
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 19876
Application Fees: CAD$ 100
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at StFX are required to have completed their 10+2 or equivalent secondary education with a strong academic record. They should have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% or higher.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5, with no band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 90 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 60.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 115.
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) offers several scholarship opportunities to international students to support their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Scholarships: StFX offers a range of scholarships exclusively for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and award amounts. Some of the international student scholarships at StFX include the Entrance Scholarship for International Students, the International Student Distinction Award, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Excellence Award.
President's Scholarship: The President's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program offered to international students with exceptional academic records. This scholarship provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of undergraduate study at StFX. Recipients of the President's Scholarship are chosen based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and contributions to their communities.
Xaverian Awards: The Xaverian Awards are merit-based scholarships available to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. These awards recognize students who have achieved high grades in their previous studies and who demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to community involvement. The Xaverian Awards range in value and are renewable for subsequent years of study at StFX.
Entrance Scholarships: StFX offers a variety of entrance scholarships for international students, including the International Merit Scholarship and the X-Culture Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to incoming international students based on their academic achievements and potential to contribute to the StFX community.
External Scholarships and Funding: StFX encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. The university's scholarship office provides guidance and support in identifying and applying for these external funding sources.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may vary each year.
Graduates of St. Francis Xavier University's Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies program possess a versatile skill set that qualifies them for various career opportunities in the field of international development, social justice, and humanitarian work.
Development Worker/Practitioner: One common career path for graduates is to work as development workers or practitioners. They may find employment with international development organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or government agencies, working on projects aimed at alleviating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and improving the quality of life in developing countries. Development workers may work in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, or gender equality, collaborating with local communities, governments, and international partners to implement development initiatives and empower marginalized populations.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates may also pursue careers as humanitarian aid workers, providing assistance to communities affected by disasters, conflicts, or emergencies. They may work for humanitarian organizations such as the United Nations agencies, the International Red Cross, or non-profit organizations specializing in humanitarian relief. Humanitarian aid workers may be involved in emergency response, disaster preparedness, refugee assistance, or long-term development projects in crisis-affected regions, delivering food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services to those in need and advocating for the protection of human rights and dignity.
Policy Analyst/Advocate: Another career option is in policy analysis or advocacy. Graduates can work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy organizations, analyzing development policies, conducting research, and advocating for policy changes to address global development challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. They may work on issues such as trade, aid, climate change, human rights, or social justice, providing evidence-based recommendations and engaging in public education and awareness campaigns to mobilize support for policy reforms that promote sustainable and equitable development.
Social Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to become social entrepreneurs, founding or working for social enterprises that address development issues through innovative business models. They may launch ventures focused on microfinance, fair trade, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or education, combining profit-making with social impact to create positive change in communities. Social entrepreneurs may collaborate with local partners, investors, and philanthropic organizations to scale their ventures and achieve sustainable development outcomes.
Community Development Specialist: Graduates may also pursue careers as community development specialists, working with grassroots organizations, community-based NGOs, or indigenous communities to support local development initiatives and empower communities to address their own needs. They may facilitate participatory development processes, build local capacity, and mobilize resources to implement community-driven projects that promote social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment.
