Conflict Analysis and Management

You understand that conflict is neither good nor bad, but that it exists in all relationships. So do opportunities to work with it, change it and use it for positive change.

The MA in Conflict Analysis and Management is a two-year, interdisciplinary graduate program. You'll examine the full spectrum of conflict, from interpersonal to international. You'll gain a holistic, systemic, cross-cultural approach to understand and manage it.

We help you create self-awareness of your own role in conflict, and how you can make a difference. You'll examine contemporary and innovative research. You'll apply that research to build skills in facilitation, negotiation and mediation. In learning to appreciate your strengths and limitations, you'll become a reflective practitioner in the expanding field of conflict management.

Program outcomes

Once you've completed this program, you'll have skills in facilitation, negotiation and mediation, and you'll be prepared to lead change within the fields of labour relations, community development, environmental management, international NGOs and many other settings.

Standard admission

• Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a relevant and related field*, with a minimum GPA of 'B+' (3.33/4.33), from a recognized post-secondary institution

* Relevant and related fields are defined by each program based on disciplinary and/or professional practices.  Applicants are required to address how they consider their academic education to be relevant and related to their desired program of study within the personal statement questions.

Flexible admission

• Applicants who meet the degree requirement, but not the GPA requirement, will be required to have a minimum 5 years of relevant* professional experience.
• Applicants without an undergraduate degree will normally require 10 years of work experience, with a minimum of two years of relevant* professional experience in a leadership or management position**, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• All flexible admission applicants will be required to complete "Academic Writing and Critical Thinking" several weeks prior to starting the program and obtain a minimum B+ (77%).

* Each program, based on disciplinary and/or professional practices, defines what is considered relevant professional experience.  Applicants are required to address how/why they consider their respective supervisory (and overall work experience) to be relevant and related to their desired program of study within the personal statement questions.

** Experience in a leadership or management position is considered on the basis of a holistic review of career progression, which demonstrates increasing competency and/or responsibility.  This can include, but is not limited to, supervisory functions, signing responsibilities, contributions to organisational change and/or implementation of organisational vision and mission.  Applicants are required to address how they consider their work experience to meet these requirements within the personal statement.

English language proficiency

• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Personal statement

The statement's purpose is to assess applicants' writing skills, as well as their interest and ability to complete the program. Your personal statement should be written as a three to four page narrative and must address each of the following questions using each question as a separate heading) 

• Why do you wish to enroll in the conflict analysis and management program?
• What academic courses and/or training do you have in the area of conflict management?
• What work experience do you have in the area of conflict management?
• What experience have you had with distance education and self-directed study?
• What special strengths do you bring to the program?

Letters of reference

Two letters of reference are required and may be provided by current or past employer(s) or by those who have known the applicant in an academic or volunteer setting.

Reference letters must attest to the applicant's suitability to this program, and particularly the applicant's ability to complete a demanding graduate program, including graduate level writing and research. The referee should indicate the length of time and context in which they have known the applicant, and should also consider the ability of the applicant to model appropriate behavior in the field as well as the personal attributes of the applicant.

In the case of an employer's reference, the letter should also attest to the applicant's performance in the context of current or previous employment. The letter should address such areas as work in the field of conflict analysis and management, as well as leadership potential.

Structured resume

Applicant's resume must include the following:

• Post secondary education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
• Training and professional development in the area of conflict analysis: List career related training and professional development programs. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
• Volunteer work experience: List and describe any voluntary employment and/or community service experience. Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
• Full-time work experience: Please include name of organization, position, length of service and brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
• Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.

If applicable:

• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.