Essential information for the Security and Defence Studies program

​​​​​​It is a 12-month, course-based program. There is no thesis or major research paper. Please see the program requirements.

The program consists of ten courses, each worth 3 course units, totalling 30 units.

There are four compulsory courses plus six optional courses.

Please see the program requirements for a complete list of courses. Please note that not every course will be offered each semester. They are offered on a rotational basis.

Yes, there is a part-time option. Part-time students will be expected to complete the program requirements within two years.

Please see academic regulation C-1.2.3 and  academic regulation C-6.2 for more information. 

For information on ways to finance your studies, please visit the Awards and Financial Support page. We also recommend visiting the Tuition fees page for an approximation of how much will cost your studies. Please note that these tuition fees do not include housing, food or any other personal expenses. Once you are ready to apply, please visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ website, for Step-by-step instructions.

This degree does not provide access to the Co-op or the Embassy Internship programs, due to the short duration of the degree.

If you wish to take advantage of the Co-op and Embassy Internship programs, please consider registering for our two-year MA in Public and International Affairs.

Most GSPIA students pursue careers in the public sector, either in the federal government or in provincial or local governments. A smaller but substantial proportion find work in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and business.

To qualify for admission, candidates must hold an honours undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) in political science, sociology, economics, international relations, criminology, peace and conflict studies, international development, anthropology or a related field, with at least a 75% (B+) average (calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines). If applicants do not have degrees in these fields, candidates that have relevant work experience in international, national, and/or human security issues will also be considered. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be considered, depending on the relevance of their previous degree to the MASD program.

Please see the admission requirements.

As a condition of admission, all applicants must be able to speak and write in either French or English. Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of official language proficiency. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

No, there is no requirement to take a course in the other language.

However, one of the great advantages of uOttawa is that it is a bilingual university. You may wish to take the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of the other official language of Canada.