Master of Peace and Conflict Studies

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) places a unique focus on the pivotal role that individuals within civil society play and the potential of civil society to advance peace through principled advocacy, effective programming, and dynamic engagement with the state and marketplace. The courses and opportunities available to those in the MPACS program allows students to tailor their degree to meet their exact needs and allow them to fulfill their passions. The MPACS program is comprised of coursework, an optional internship, and practical skill development courses, with options for Independent Research. This program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute to nonviolent peacebuilding efforts. Recognizing conflict as an inescapable part of the human experience, and a potential vehicle for positive change at local, national, and international levels, this master's degree offers a cutting-edge approach in which dynamic, sustainable, and creative solutions to conflict can be imagined, tested, and applied. Students in the MPACS program develop their abilities to use critical, analytical, and reflective thinking and reasoning in regards to conflict around the world.
The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program is a coursework-based, professional degree that empowers students with knowledge and skills to contribute to nonviolent peacebuilding. Combining rigourous interdisciplinary scholarship with experiential learning opportunities, the program provides graduates with tools to understand sources of conflict, polarization, and systems of violence, as well as to imagine and initiate transformative peacebuilding. Our distinctive focus is on civil society and community-led change.

The master's degree is typically completed in 16 months (four terms), consisting of coursework, an optional internship placement, and practical skill development courses, with options for independent research. Part-time studies are also possible.

A four-year undergraduate degree (a variety of disciplines are permitted, PACS graduates are not granted advanced placement) with a minimum average of at least 75% in the final 20 courses.
The Admissions Committee reserves the right to require additional preparation for students without significant academic background in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) or a related discipline. This additional preparation may involve completion of a required e-learning course or module, undergraduate course(s) or other appropriate requirement.
Previous experience in the field, while not required, will be looked upon favourably.
An interview will be required for entrance into the program.
Deferrals for admission and delayed entries will not be permitted.
Alternative admission requirements: PACS may grant alternative admission to a limited number of mature students who do not meet the regular academic admission requirements of a four-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Standardized graduate entrance examinations are not equitably accessible and appropriate as the basis for such admission. Therefore the admissions committee will be guided by the following alternative admission standards:
Minimum eight years of field experience related to peace and conflict issues. In order to show an appropriate level of academic and intellectual capacity for the program, the applicant will be asked to submit copies of reports, documents, manuscripts, or creative media that he/she may have prepared in relation to his/her field experience,
Evidence of successful participation in post-secondary education as documented by transcripts and other records,
References will be asked to comment on the applicant's academic and intellectual capacity and on the applicant's ability to do graduate work in English,
Applicants will be interviewed to assess the potential of their success in graduate studies and their contribution to the program,
Some applicants may be required to complete a specified qualifying program of PACS or related courses deemed helpful to prepare them for their proposed program of studies,
Probationary admission may be granted for a specified time to confirm the applicant's ability to succeed in the program.

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Supplementary information form (SIF)
The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
Transcript(s)
Writing sample
References
Three references are required, at least two academic
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)