Admission to the Specialist or Major Programs
Students are admitted to the International Relations Program only after successful completion of one year of study. Students inquiring about the Program from outside the University of Toronto should become familiar with some general requirements before reading further.
When students have satisfied the first-year requirements for entry into the International Relations Program, they must register via the University of Toronto subject POSt enrolment web site. Subsequently, students will be contacted to arrange for an entry interview with the Program administrator (usually in the summer). Students should contact Marilyn Laville, for additional information on the admission/interview process.
Important Notes on Course Selection
The following guidelines are of relevance for students enrolled in the International Relations Specialist and Major Programs
- It is advisable to pursue the Program chronologically (taking 200-level courses in the second year and so on). In this way students will benefit from the interrelations among the courses at the same level, meet prerequisites, and acquire a foundation for more difficult courses in later years.
- Students should consult the notice board outside the International Relations Program Office for updates on new courses.
- Students selecting fourth-year seminars may choose from three disciplines in the program. Reading courses, independent study courses and thesis courses will count towards the Program only if the projects are proposed in advance to, and approved by, the Program Director. Such courses can normally only be considered for study in the fourth year of the Program.
- Foreign language skills are crucial to the study of international relations. Experience has shown that a reading knowledge of French is important for many of the topics covered in fourth-year seminars. Study of at least one additional major modern language may also prove of great advantage. Foreign language skills acquired and sustained during the undergraduate years will prove to be a substantial asset, and in some cases a vital prerequisite, for the kinds of careers which students in the International Relations Program subsequently follow.
- Students in the IR Program are encouraged to acquire familiarity with the economic systems, history and politics of diverse regions of the globe, and to consider developing a special knowledge of one such region. All students must take at least one course on Canadian foreign relations. Many will want to explore issues of the conduct of Canada in the international system further. While the Program is best equipped to further knowledge of the international relations of the Western world (Europe and North America), it is highly desirable that students take at least one IR course dealing with aspects of the international relations of the non Western world.
- The significance of economic practices to the conduct and understanding of international relations cannot be over stressed. All IR students should consider doing extra courses in economics and/or commerce, especially if they are planning a future career in international business, banking or finance. Students should note that some ECO options specified for the Program have additional prerequisites at the 200-level. Please consult the Department of Economics on this matter.
- Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities for earning course credits through international study. It is essential, however, to discuss any such plans with the Director.
- All students should acquire or enlarge on their computer skills while studying in the IR Program. Basic familiarity with word-processing, software packages, and the internet are important skills for research and writing. Students may obtain access to an e-mail account via their College or through the University's Information Commons.
- Students may change from the Major to the Specialist degree, but only if they meet current Specialist requirements and if places are available.
Please also consult the list of Frequently Asked Questions by undergraduate students to answer any further questions you may have.
