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Studies & Degrees in Atlantic Canada Studies

Atlantic Canada Studies is the interdisciplinary study of Canada's Atlantic region. The Government of Canada counts four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The subject looks at this region through its history, culture, literature, economy, politics and natural environment, instead of through one single discipline.

It is a small, specialised field. Saint Mary's University (SMU) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has taught it since 1975 and added a master's degree in 1983. The university states that the programme is unique to Saint Mary's. Its teaching staff come from departments across the Faculties of Arts, Commerce and Science.

What students learn

SMU describes three perspectives on the region: socio-scientific, ecological and cultural-historical. The introductory course, Making Sense of Atlantic Canada, covers cultural industries, health and social services, environmental issues, economic development and the way the region is represented. Other courses in the academic calendar include Atlantic Provinces History, Atlantic Canada Film and Television, African Nova Scotian Culture, The Atlantic Canadian Economy, and Atlantic Canada Ecology and Resources. Students can also take introductory Mi'kmaw and Scottish Gaelic, two languages with a history in the region.

According to the university, the programme develops critical and analytical thinking, writing and communication, organisation, and the ability to work with complex data. Students may combine the major with a second discipline, and the academic calendar points out the career advantage of a double major.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor of Arts, major. Within the Bachelor of Arts, the major requires 48 credit hours in Atlantic Canada Studies courses. An honours programme requires 60 credit hours and includes an honours seminar.
  • Minor and concentration. Each requires 24 credit hours.
  • Certificate in Atlantic Canada Studies. A programme of 24 credit hours that SMU describes as a one-year option, intended both for students from the region and for international students. Applicants must have completed 30 credit hours of undergraduate study at an accredited university or show a demonstrated interest in the field. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at Saint Mary's.
  • Master of Arts. A two-year, research-oriented degree with three areas of specialisation: the culture of the region, its political economy and resource development. It requires 24 credit hours, of which the thesis counts for nine, and every student must complete a thesis. The normal entry qualification is an honours degree in Atlantic Canada Studies or in another discipline with relevant course content. The degree may also be taken part-time.

For the master's degree, SMU lists an application deadline of 1 February for international applicants and a start in September.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists one active school for this subject: Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada. The university states that it has more than 5,500 students from over 117 countries. Teaching is in English. Undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English may need a language test. SMU accepts, among others, IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5 and no individual score below 6.0, and the Duolingo English Test with a score of 115 or higher. Graduate applicants have separate language requirements, published by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Exchange and visiting students with a year in Halifax can look at the certificate, which was designed with international students in mind and mixes courses on the region with classes that give a wider Canadian context.

Careers

The subject does not lead to one regulated profession. SMU says graduates may be employed by government, non-governmental organisations, universities, museums and cultural organisations, research companies, or businesses that need knowledge of Atlantic Canada. The career paths it names include policy analyst, political analyst, researcher, city or provincial planner, lawyer and social worker. Some of these, such as law and social work, require a further professional qualification. The academic calendar also mentions teaching, trade and industry, and the provincial and federal civil services.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I study Atlantic Canada Studies?

At Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which offers it as a major, honours, minor, concentration and certificate within the Bachelor of Arts, and as a Master of Arts. The university states that the programme is unique to Saint Mary's.

Can international students follow the subject for one year?

Yes. The Certificate in Atlantic Canada Studies has 24 credit hours and is described by SMU as a one-year programme of study that suits international students. Applicants need 30 credit hours of previous university study or a demonstrated interest in the field.

How long does the master's degree take?

The Master of Arts is a two-year programme for full-time students, and thesis work can extend beyond that. It starts in September and can also be taken part-time.

What level of English do I need?

For undergraduate study, SMU asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 with no individual score below 6.0, or an equivalent test result, from applicants who did not graduate from an English-language secondary school.