Program Admission

Prerequisite(s): N/A

Standard Admission

• Undergraduate degree
• Experience

Flexible Admission

• To be considered for Flexible Admission, applicants would normally require a minimum of 10 years related experience, with some at a senior level.

Additional Recommendations for Admission
The most important piece for assessment of an application is the applicant’s personal statement, CV and references.

Functional knowledge of a second language is highly desirable.  Significant cross-cultural experience gained through travel or work in foreign countries is highly preferred.

Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to:

• deal with ambiguity in a wide range of human situations;
• work in a non-Canadian or multi-cultural context, understanding other values, perspectives, methods and an appreciation of the implications e.g. cultural relativism with regard to human rights;
• function effectively and independently in a field environment which may be unstable, hostile, difficult and fragmented;
• be resilient, and learn from mistakes, be self-reflective, and self-sustaining;
• demonstrate critical thinking as well as be a flexible and creative problem solver;
• be enterprising and apply ingenuity to a wide range of problems;
• function individually as well as be an effective team member;
• be committed to action that contributes in the creation of conditions for progress towards reconstruction of civil society when necessary.

In addition, the following foundation skills are crucial and are seen as essential entrance requirements for the program:

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills used for diplomacy, mediation, negotiation roles; and
• information management skills, computer literacy including distance and internet applications information management skills including the identification of information needs and a practical understanding of information as a problem solving and networking tool.

Note: Academic writing skills are required for success in this program and an English composition course focused on academic writing is therefore recommended.  A completely online eight-week course that meets this recommendation is offered several times a year through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University:

• Introduction to Academic Writing and Critical Thinking - Continuing Studies

Application Requirements
Applicants should follow the general admission requirements along with the following program-specific requirements:

Letters of Reference
The letters may be provided by current or past employers or those who have known the applicant in an academic or volunteer setting.

The references 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 writer 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 human security and peacebuilding as well as leadership potential.

Personal Statement
Each applicant must submit a typed three to four page statement addressing each of the following questions under separate heading. The significance of the personal statement includes an assessment of the applicant’s writing skills as well as interest and ability to complete the program. These statements must be the original work of the applicant.

1. Why do you wish to enroll in the human security and peacebuilding program?
2. What academic courses and/or training have you done in the area of human security and peacebuilding?
3. What work experience have you had in the area of human security and peacebuilding?
4. What overseas experience do you bring to the program?
5. How is this program relevant to your career goals?
6. What experience have you had with distance education and self-directed study?
7. What special strengths do you bring to the program?

Structured Resume
Applicant's resume must include the following:

• Post-secondary education
• Training and professional development in the area of human security and peacebuilding
• Volunteer work
• Full-time work experience
• Experience related to conflict resolution
• Professional memberships/affiliations
• Other relevant information