
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1 yearDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- Security and DefenceField of study
- bilingualLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- $29,446Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Master of Arts in Security and Defence Studies (MASD) is an interdisciplinary, French and English, practice-oriented degree that provides students with a comprehensive approach to security and defense. Because working in this field requires an understanding of the connections between international, national and human security, and because security and defence issues touch upon several different disciplines, the MASD will offer an interdisciplinary degree that examines the multiple dimensions of security as well as the practical challenges of preventing and responding to threats.
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Students will also benefit from unique opportunities to interact with Ottawa based security professionals. Students will emerge from this multi-faceted degree with an advanced understanding of contemporary issues pertaining to international, national, and human security, as well as the analytical and practical skills needed to succeed in the security and defence fields. The MASD is a course-based master’s degree. Students will be required to complete four compulsory courses and six additional courses from a list of electives, for a total of 30 units. Fulltime students in the MASD will be expected to complete the degree requirements within 12 months. Part-time students will be expected to complete the program requirements within two years. For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. 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. 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
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeFull-time; Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements: 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.; 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. Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): A letter of intent outlining the candidate’s interest in the program and relevant academic and practical experience. For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. 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. 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 offi Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 92 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$29,446 CAD / year≈ $21,651 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational students enrolled in a French-language master’s program may be eligible for the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship. Graduate awards and financial support are listed under uOttawa Awards and financial support. Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Fall: December 1 (international applicants).
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Master of Arts in Security and Defence Studies cost?
CAD 29,446 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1 year, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum requirements: 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.; 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. Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): A letter of intent outlining the candidate’s interest in the program and relevant academic and practical experience. For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. 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. 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 offi Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 92 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
Is there a scholarship?
International students enrolled in a French-language master’s program may be eligible for the Differential Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship. Graduate awards and financial support are listed under uOttawa Awards and financial support. Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
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