Waterloo,
ON,
Canada
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo
|
Waterloo Canada
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
CAD
34,470
(c. USD24,740.7)
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
16 months
The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) program emphasizes the crucial contributions of civil society members and their capacity to promote peace through ethical advocacy, impactful initiatives, and active collaboration with governmental and economic sectors. MPACS students can customize their academic journey with specialized courses and experiences that align with their personal interests and professional aspirations. The curriculum combines theoretical study, optional practical internships, skill-building workshops, and independent research opportunities, equipping graduates with essential competencies for nonviolent conflict resolution. Acknowledging conflict as an inherent aspect of human interaction that can drive positive transformation across various scales, this innovative program fosters the development of creative, sustainable approaches to conflict resolution. MPACS students cultivate advanced critical thinking and analytical skills for examining global conflicts.
The MPACS is a professional graduate program that prepares students for peacebuilding work through academic study and hands-on experience. By merging interdisciplinary theory with practical applications, the program enables graduates to analyze conflict origins, societal divisions, and violent systems while developing constructive peacebuilding strategies. The curriculum particularly highlights grassroots movements and community-driven transformation.
Students typically finish this master's program in 16 months (four terms), engaging in coursework, optional field placements, and practical training, with possibilities for self-directed research. Flexible part-time enrollment options are available.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 7.5
Qualification 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.
Resume
Supplementary information form (SIF)
The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
Transcript(s)
Writing sample
References
Three references are required, at least two academic
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)
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.
Resume
Supplementary information form (SIF)
The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
Transcript(s)
Writing sample
References
Three references are required, at least two academic
Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)
Tuition
CAD
34,470