African Studies York University

Overview

The African Studies programme at York University provides a unique academic platform for students to explore the richly diverse histories, economies, and cultures of Africa and its global diasporas. This interdisciplinary degree encourages learners to re-imagine the continent's evolution and its central role in world history as a vital site of knowledge production.

Why African Studies at York University?

Students join the longest-running programme of its kind in Canada, benefiting from a deep institutional commitment to both academic inquiry and the well-being of African peoples. The curriculum is delivered by expert faculty from across the university, ensuring a pedagogical breadth that equips graduates with the agility required for complex global environments. Practical learning is a cornerstone of the experience, with connections to the Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on Africa and its Diasporas. Students also engage with international seminars and vibrant student-led organisations, such as the York University Black Students Alliance, to foster local and international research links.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 41526 per year
• National fee: CAD 8536 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Swahili
• Indigenous culture and language
• Climate change and society
• History of evolution
• Knowledge, truth and reality
• Contemporary arts in Africa
• Afrofuturism
• Race and technology
• Pan African creative phenomena

Careers with African Studies

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths that require a nuanced understanding of international relations and social policy. Potential career destinations include roles as diplomats, international development officers, and policymakers. The programme also supports outcomes in programme management and activism, where graduates apply their expertise to address contemporary socioeconomic and political challenges within global organisations and government agencies.