Masters Degrees in Halifax, Canada

Halifax is a city in Canada, located on the coast of the eastern province of Nova Scotia. Despite its comparatively remote location, the city is a busy cultural and academic hub, with several local universities alongside various other higher education providers. The largest university in Halifax is Dalhousie University, established in 1818.

What’s it like to study a Masters in Halifax?

Originally established as a colonial town during the British exploration of Canada, Halifax went on to become a substantial regional port and trading centre. The modern city is a still an important centre for shipbuilding and ocean fishing, with urban areas concentrated around its harbour, but is also home to a substantial business sector.

Postgraduate students in Halifax live and study in a striking northern location, benefitting from all the facilities of a large modern city, but with the unspoilt coastline and landscapes of the rest of Nova Scotia only a short journey away.

Local attractions include a range of heritage sites associated with the region’s history during and prior to the colonial era. Many of the city’s museums also celebrate its legacy of immigration and ethnic diversity. The most notable of these is the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Port 21 – Port 21 being the Canadian equivalent of the USA’s Ellis Island.

Universities in Halifax

Dalhousie University is a public university that maintains three campuses in the city. First established in 1818, Dalhousie is routinely ranked as a top Canadian university and a global top 300 institution.

Other universities in Halifax include Saint Mary’s University, which is the second-oldest Canadian English-language university (Halifax is also home to the oldest, King’s College University, but this institution primarily offers undergraduate courses) and Mount Saint Vincent University, which offers a small number of specialised Masters courses in addition to its undergraduate programmes.

French-language programmes are also offered in Halifax, at the local campus of the Université Sainte-Anne.

Careers in Halifax

Halifax’s location on Canada’s Atlantic Coast makes it an important port and logistical centre – one of the biggest in the country. Other major business sectors in the city include financial services, IT and ocean technology, while the Canadian government is also a significant local employer.