Overview

The Geography programme at the University of Ottawa offers an advanced exploration of the complex relationships between human societies and the natural environment. Students engage with diverse subfields, ranging from urban geography and social transformations to polar environments and climate change. This academic path is designed to foster critical thinking and high-level research skills through a structured, thesis-based approach.

The curriculum is governed by general graduate regulations, ensuring a rigorous academic standard throughout the period of study. Candidates benefit from a scholarly environment that emphasises the interplay between spatial data and social culture. The department provides a supportive framework for students to specialise in areas such as geomatics, remote sensing, and environmental sustainability.

Why Geography at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa is ranked among the top research institutions in Canada, providing an ideal setting for graduate inquiry. Located in the national capital, the institution offers proximity to significant policy-making bodies and research centres. Students have access to specialised facilities, including the Morisset Library and the Institute for Science, Society and Policy.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 9721 per semester
National fee: CAD 2844 per semester

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Graduate Study in Geography
The Anthropocene
Selected Topics in Human Geography
Place and Social Transformations
Data Analysis and Modelling
Practical GIS for Graduate Studies
Spatial Data Science
Directed Readings
Preparation and Presentation of the M.A. Thesis Project

Careers with Geography

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional roles across various sectors. The skills acquired in spatial data analysis, environmental modelling, and social research are highly valued in government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private consultancy firms. Many alumni pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, and policy analysis.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Selected Topics in Human Geography

Place and Social Transformations

Selected Topics in Physical Geography

Environmental Change in Cold Regions

Advanced Geomatics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2028-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in French

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

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PTE Academic

60

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Geography View 35 other Masters in Geography in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

92

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

60

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The student must hold an BA with honours in geography or in a related discipline with an academic record indicating at least (B+) or the equivalent.

Candidates whose bachelor's degree with honours (or the equivalent) is in an area other than geography may be admitted for a qualifying period, during which they must take selected courses required in the department's BA with honours program.

Resume (must include chronological academic history)

Letter of intent stating your interest and research project (one page)

2 Recommendation letters

Transcripts

English Proficiency

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Ottawa and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

19442 CAD / year

≈ 19442 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5688 CAD / year

≈ 5688 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario residents: $2,456.70/ semester

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Geography.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Ottawa

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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