You are reading the 2024/25 Academic Calendar. The 2023/24 version remains in effect until August 31, 2024 and is available here.

Global Studies Theme

Theme Overview

Degrees Offered: (M.A., Ph.D.)

The Theme focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to research in Global Studies. For participating faculty, see the Global Studies website.

The Global Studies Theme offers full-time, research-based degrees. For research interests of Theme faculty members, consult the Global Studies Theme Guide.

Theme Admission Requirements

The overarching IGS requirements are the minimum standards required for admission to the Theme. Evidence in the application for admission that the research interests and scholarly background of the applicant are topically relevant to the Theme, and agreement of a faculty member who participates in the Theme to serve as the applicant’s supervisor, are also required. Refer to the Global Studies website for a list of potential supervisors.

Theme Requirements

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies Theme

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, students in the Global Studies Theme must complete 30 credits for the M.A. as follows:

  • a 12-credit Master's Thesis (IGS 599);
  • 3 credits of IGS 524;
  • IGS 587;
  • IGS 588;
  • at least 3 credits in a methods course selected from the following: IGS 501, IGS 503, IGS 505, IGS 515, or another methods course approved by the student’s supervisory committee; and
  • 6 credits of additional coursework selected by the student in consultation with and approval of his or her supervisor, of which no more than 6 credits can be at the 300/400 level, and none may be at the 100/200 level.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies Theme

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out by the College of Graduate Studies, the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. are:

  • 3 credits of IGS 524;
  • 3 credits of IGS 587;
  • 3 credits of IGS 588;
  • at least 3 credits in a methods course selected from the following: IGS 501, IGS 503, IGS 505, IGS 515, or another methods course approved by the student’s supervisory committee;
  • successful completion of comprehensive requirements;and
  • successful defence of the doctoral dissertation IGS 699 (0) Doctoral Thesis.

Contact Information

Complete details regarding the Global Studies Theme are available on the IGS website, or by contacting the Theme Coordinator.

For current information, consult the Theme Website.


UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Chats Two speech clouds. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Pencil A pencil indicating that this is editable. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.