Overview

Key features

The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program at University of Waterloo 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.

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 learn with field-experienced faculty, developing their critical, analytical, and reflective thinking skills, and preparing to plan and implement effective programming, principled advocacy, and innovative peace initiatives.

Equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills of peacebuilding, MPACS graduates are ready for careers in the non-profit, public, or private sectors, as agents of peaceful change at community, institutional, and systematic levels. Common careers paths include: conflict management, community development, mediation and restorative justice, education, human rights work, research and advocacy, and social change entrepreneurs.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

International Relations
Peace and Conflict
History
Security and Terrorism
Communication

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

7

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PTE Academic

63

TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

International Relations View 24 other Masters in International Relations in Canada

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

IELTS

7

Schedule an IELTS test!

PTE Academic

63

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Pass IELTS with Swoosh English! Sign up for a free writing masterclass or claim your exclusive 25% Studyportals discount and accelerate your preparation by taking a course designed by experts to get you the results you need.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

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

Other requirements

General requirements

Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended.
A current resume or Curriculum Vitae.
A five to eight page (1,500 - 2,000 words) writing sample that highlights your research and writing ability.
A Supplementary Information Form - You will be asked to answer four questions of up to 500 words per answer. These questions are:
Why are you interested in this particular program? How will it prepare you for your long-term goals?
Elaborate on the relevance of the academic and work experience that you bring to the program.
Describe an experience related to peace or civil society development that was particularly meaningful to you and how it relates to this program.
What else would you like us to know as we evaluate your application?
Three references, at least one of which must be an academic reference and at least one of which must be a professional reference. Referees will be contacted directly

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

21884 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 10942 CAD per semester during 12 months.
National

4508 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2254 CAD per semester during 12 months.

Living costs for Waterloo

810 - 1447 CAD /month

Living costs

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.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Peace and Conflict Studies.

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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