University of Waterloo campus

Arts & Humanities

Peace and Conflict Studies - Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) (Conrad Grebel University College) at University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo, Canada

Programme overview

Turbulent times like ours call for people who understand systems of violence and conflict, and who are prepared to build peace with justice. The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program combines rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship with experiential learning opportunities to empower you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to nonviolent peacebuilding. In this coursework-based professional degree based out of Conrad Grebel University College (a University of Waterloo-affiliated university college), you’ll learn to identify and transform systems of violence, marginalization and oppression, including racist, gendered and colonial violence at home and around the world.

Faculty: Conrad Grebel University College  |  Department: Peace and Conflict Studies  |  Duration: 16 months (full-time), 60 months (part-time)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: Fall (September - December); application deadlines: February 1 (for admission in September)  |  Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Research fields: Peace Integration. Study option(s): Coursework.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

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.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Terms run fall (September to December), winter (January to April) and spring (May to August). Programmes are currently accepting applications for fall 2027; intake terms vary by programme.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program, paid in the applicant portal. Deadlines are set by each programme (for example MDSAI part-time: fall January 15, winter July 1). Apply two to four weeks ahead of the programme deadline.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

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