International Development Studies (IDS) Co-op

Contact Email: ids-coop@utoronto.ca or sharlene.mollett@utoronto.ca
For more information, visit the Department of Global Development Studies website.

The Specialist (Co-op) Program in International Development Students (Arts/Sciences) provides students with a critical understanding of international development issues through a highly interdisciplinary approach, with emphasis on both development theories and practices. In the fourth year of this distinguished five-year program, students embark on an 8 – 12 month placement with an organization in international development.

The Specialist Co-op program is completed as either a B.A. or B.Sc. The broad Social Science stream (B.A.) covers such areas as gender and development, human rights, project management, land economics, global health, economic development, citizenship and migration, climate justice and media and development, whereas the Environmental Science stream (B.Sc.), emphasizes agroecosystems and sustainable livelihood.

Now in its third decade, International Development Studies Co-op is the longest-running program (B.A./B.Sc.) of its kind in Canada, with placement partnerships with over 70 organizations across multiple regions around the world. The work term will normally begin between May and August of the fourth year. The work term is an integral part of the Co-op curriculum and is designed to provide students with practical hands-on experience with a development organization. All streams are relevant to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

The majority of work terms are with Canadian NGOs with overseas presence, local civil society organizations, research institutes, and private sector firms. The location of placements will vary according to each student's disciplinary and regional interests and abilities, the availability of positions, and the practicability and safety of the area. Placement employers are asked to cover the living allowance, and a stipend where possible, for the student. A variety of scholarships to support student placements are also available.

For more information, please visit the International Development Studies Co-op website. For more information on the programs, please see the Specialist (Co-op) Program in International Development Studies (Arts) and the Specialist (Co-op) Program in International Development Studies (Science). Interested students can also email the program at ids-coop@utoronto.ca.

The specific academic objectives of the IDS programs are to:

  1. Introduce students to the broad and interconnected range of issues and disciplinary approaches within the field of critical development studies.
  2. Provide students with a critical understanding of development theories - their origins and purposes for addressing problems of power, inequality and oppression.
  3. Stress the crucial importance of context and power - historical, social-cultural, economic, and political - when critically analyzing development theory and development practice.
  4. Promote the development of strong analytical, writing, and professional skills and, where possible, experiential learning, opportunities in the field of critical development studies.
  5. Promote the development of a vibrant intellectual community - including students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and development partners - that is committed to active involvement in the critical debates within the field of development studies and to critical engagement in development practice.

Status in Co-op Programs:

Status in the IDS Co-op program will be determined at the end of each session (Fall, Winter, and Summer) for students who have attempted at least 4.0 credits since beginning their studies at UTSC, or in other Arts and Sciences Divisions at the University. Students with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 or higher are considered to be in good standing.

  • Students whose CGPA falls below 2.5 will be placed on probation.
  • Students may clear probation by achieving a CGPA of 2.5 or better in the next study session.  Where the CGPA is below 2.5, but the sessional grade point average (SGPA) is at least 2.5, students may be granted a second probationary semester.
  • Students must clear their probation within a maximum of two study sessions in order to remain in a Co-op program.
  • Students on probation in the Co-op program may not apply for a work-term until they have successfully cleared their probation. 
  • Students whose CGPA falls below 2.3 will be removed from the Co-op program. A student may switch to the Specialist (Non-Co-op) Program in International Development Studies or to the Major Program in International Development Studies (Arts). 

For information on fees in Co-op programs, and certification of completion of Co-op programs, see see the Co-operative Programs section in the UTSC Calendar.

 

International Development Studies (IDS) Co-op Courses

COPB30H3 - Passport to Placement I

This course is designed to prepare students in the International Development Studies Co-op programs with the skills, tools and experience to have a successful placement search. This course is an opportunity for students to explore the stages and dynamics of job searching, investigate various career options based on their skill set and interests, develop a placement search plan and create placement search documents. In addition, through workshops and events, students will have an opportunity to interact with IDS placement partners, senior students, and faculty, and gain insight into trends in the field of international development.

Exclusion: (COPD02H3)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Restricted to students enrolled in the Specialist (Co-op) Programs in International Development Studies. Students should plan to complete this course in the first year of study in their selected IDS Co-op program.

COPB31H3 - Passport to Placement II

In this course, students build upon skills and knowledge gained in COPB30H3. This course focuses on the job search and goal setting, culminating in students creating an Action Plan that focuses on developing and polishing their job search and application process skills in preparation for the Co-op application process in COPB33H3. By the end of this course, students should feel confident in their ability to network, write a job application, and communicate professionally.

Prerequisite: COPB30H3/(COPD02H3)
Exclusion: (COPD04H3); COPB30H3 (if taken in Fall 2020 or earlier)
Breadth Requirements: Social and Behavioural Sciences
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Restricted to students enrolled in the Specialist (Co-op) Programs in International Development Studies. IDS Co-op students must successfully complete this course prior to COPB33H3.

COPB33H3 - Passport to Placement III

This course is designed to prepare students in the International Development Studies Co-op programs with the skills, tools and preparation to be successful during the placement year. Building on the skills developed in the first two years of the program, students will explore placement opportunities based on their skill set and interests. The course will include presentations from International Development Studies placement partners, group exercises, and individual assignments designed to prepare students for the placement experience. Pre-departure orientation activities will include intercultural learning, health and safety issues, placement research, and other key topics. A weekend retreat with returned placement students (fifth-year) provides an opportunity for sharing first-hand experience and knowledge.

Prerequisite: COPB30H3 and COPB31H3 (if taken Fall 2021 or later)
Exclusion: COPB31H3 (if taken Fall 2020 or earlier)
Course Experience: University-Based Experience
Note: Restricted to students enrolled in the Specialist (Co-op) Programs in International Development Studies.

COPC09H3 - International Development Studies Co-op Work Term

The purpose of the work term placement is for students to gain experience in the professional world of development while applying knowledge gained in the classroom to real life experiences. The majority of students secure work terms with Canadian NGOs, research institutes or private sector consulting firms. Work terms are 8-12 months in length. The location and duration of the work terms will vary according to each student’s disciplinary and regional preferences, their experience and abilities, the availability of positions, and the practicability and safety of work.

Prerequisite: COPB31H3/(COPD04H3) and IDSC01H3 and IDSC04H3; restricted to students in the International Development Studies Co-op programs.
Course Experience: Professional Work Term

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