Overview

The Geography - Science, Society and Policy programme at the University of Ottawa provides a sophisticated platform for examining the complex relationships between human society and the physical environment. Students engage with critical questions regarding how scientific evidence is utilised in policy design and how governance structures influence the scientific enterprise. This interdisciplinary specialisation ensures that graduates are equipped to navigate the challenges of modern decision-making within a global context.

Why Geography - Science, Society and Policy at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa is ranked among the top research institutions in Canada, offering a unique location in the nation's capital just steps from Parliament Hill. This proximity provides students with unparalleled access to the heart of Canadian policy-making and federal scientific organisations. The Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics boasts specific strengths in polar environments, urban geography, and climate change, supported by advanced facilities for GIS and remote sensing.

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
• Decision at the Interface of Science and Policy
• The Anthropocene
• Human Geography
• Place and Social Transformations
• Data Analysis and Modelling
• Practical GIS for Graduate Studies
• Spatial Data Science
• Science and Technology Governance and Communication

Careers with Geography - Science, Society and Policy

Graduates of this programme are prepared for professional roles where science and public policy intersect. The training provided enables students to evaluate the ethical dimensions of policy implementation and the governance of emerging technologies. Potential career paths include roles within government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and private sector firms focused on environmental regulation, innovation policy, and scientific communication. The programme's emphasis on data analysis and spatial science also supports careers in research and environmental consultancy.