Co-op Contact: ids-coop@utsc.utoronto.ca
Enrolment Requirements
Enrolment in the program is limited. The minimum qualifications for entry are 4.0 credits and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Most students are accepted into the program directly from secondary school. Transfer students and current UTSC students may also apply for admission but require a minimum of 4.0 credits up to a maximum of 6.0 credits.
An interview is required. Interviews are normally held from January until May for students who pass the initial screening. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong academic performance, language skills, extra-curricular involvement, and demonstrated an interest in international development.
Current Co-op Students:
Students admitted to a Co-op Degree POSt in their first year of study must request a Co-op Subject POSt on ACORN upon completion of 4.0 credits and must meet the minimum qualifications for entry as noted above.
Prospective Co-op Students:
In addition to requesting the program on ACORN, prospective Co-op students (i.e., those not yet admitted to a Co-op Degree POSt) must also submit a Co-op Supplementary Application Form, which is available from the International Development Studies Co-op Office in HL410, or visit the International Development Studies Co-op Office website. Submission deadlines follow the Limited Enrolment Program Application Deadlines set by the Office of the Registrar each year. Failure to submit both the Supplementary Application Form and the program request on ACORN will result in that student's application not being considered.
Program Requirements
The program requires a total of 15.0 credits, 4.0 credits of which must be at the C- or D-level, including at least 1.0 credit at the D-level. Students must complete components 1-5 of the program requirements as described in the Specialist Program in International Development Studies (Arts).
In addition, students must complete:
6. Co-operative, Language and Thesis Requirements (2.5 credits)
1.0 credit in a second language
IDSC01H3 Research Design for Development Fieldwork (must be taken prior to co-op placement)
IDSD01Y3 Post-placement Seminar and Thesis
Co-op Work Term Requirements
To be eligible for placement, students must have completed 14.5 credits, including IDSC01H3, IDSC04H3 and 6.0 credits from Requirements 1. through 4. as noted above. It is highly recommended that students complete courses towards fulfilling their specialized courses from Requirement 6., as well as the required 1.0 credit in a second language when completing the remainder of the 14.5 credits that are required prior to placement.
Students are required to submit bi-monthly progress reports every 2 months and begin work on a major research project.
In addition to the academic course requirements, students are required to complete three additional non-credit courses: COPB30H3/COPD02H3), COPB31H3/(COPD04H3), and COPB33H3. Students entering the program prior to Fall 2021 will have two non-credit courses: COP30H3/(COPD02H3), and COPB31H3/(COPD04H3). These courses are taken in the first and third year of the program with the aim of providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully navigate the placement experience. These credits are in addition to the 20.0 credits required for the degree. Work terms are evaluated by the program faculty, the co-op office, and the employer. A grade of CR (credit)/NCR (no credit) is recorded on the transcript.
For information on fees and status in Co-op programs, and certification of completion of Co-op programs, see the 6B.5 Co-operative Programs section or the International Development Studies Co-op section in the UTSC Calendar.
