Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management in Development Policy Studies (Rights and Human Development) (Honours)

Public policies affect every aspect of our lives. The decisions governments make (or do not make) affect the speed and extent of climate change and our ability to adapt to it. They affect society's level of prosperity and degree of inequality. They influence our access to housing, education and medical care. Public policies also influence Canada's role in the world and our response to global challenges. As a student in the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management program (BPAPM) program, you will learn about how, and why, governments make public policies. You will develop the knowledge of government institutions and the skills in policy analysis to contribute to the policy-making process.

The BPAPM develops your knowledge and skills through a curriculum that combines interdisciplinary study of civic institutions and processes with rigorous study of public policy. A selection of courses in political science, economics, law, communications and history is combined with public policy courses. Together, these courses will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what government, civil and business organizations do, why they do it and how they might do it better.

Admission Requirements

High school (secondary school) graduation is the normal minimum level of study to be considered for admission to the first year of an undergraduate program at Carleton University. If you have undertaken studies at a recognized college or university following your secondary school graduation, we will assess these post-secondary studies as your basis of admission, as your highest level and most recent studies. Academic performance in your previous studies is the main determining factor for admission.

You will need to provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, showing all courses undertaken and grades achieved, as well as any registration in courses in progress. If you have completed one year or less of post-secondary studies, please also submit your secondary school transcripts and any graduation exam results. If an application is submitted while studies are still in progress, we will review for an early/conditional offer.

You do not need to apply as a transfer student the application process is the same for all
Advanced standing (transfer credit) If you have taken university courses and wish to be considered for credit, please be sure to submit official course descriptions (and translations if necessary) from your university detailing content of the courses completed. These will be assessed on a course by course basis for credit. An audit will be provided after admission showing the Carleton credits granted.


International Baccalaureate
You will need the full IB (three standard [SL] and three higher level [HL] subjects), with a minimum of 28 points (please note that some programs are more competitive, and will require higher scores).
You may have one subject with a grade of 3, provided it is offset by a grade of 5 or better. Prerequisite subjects must have a grade of 4 or better.
IB students may be awarded advanced standing (transfer) credit for HL subjects with a grade of 5 or better subject to the discretion of the appropriate faculty, to a maximum of 3.0 credits.
If you are currently completing the IB in a Canadian high school, please refer to the admission requirements and application deadlines for your province.

Transcripts from your most recent/highest level of education
English as a Second Language (ESL) test score
IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 IELTS (min 6.0 each band)
TOEFL Internet Based (iBT) - 86 (22 in writing and speaking, 20 reading and listening)