
Course at a Glance
- MasterDegree level
- 1.3 yearsDuration
- Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa, CanadaLocation
- September 2027Intakes
- Social Science and HumanitiesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Ontario Tech University, Downtown OshawaCampus
- Master of ArtsAwards
- $20,124Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
In the Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI), students hone and combine theory and methods from political science, legal studies, and communication and digital media studies and put them into practice by designing an innovative community engagement project that addresses a social problem. The Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) is an interdisciplinary program at the intersections of legal studies, communication and digital media, and political science.
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Each of these disciplines provides different tools with which to identify, analyze, and initiate action on the complex challenges of our contemporary social world. Graduate students in the MSPI program will take courses across the three disciplines to conceptualize practices which address social problems and build collaborations with diverse communities. Addressing social problems through social innovation involving the creation, development, adoption, and integration of new and renewed concepts, systems, and practices are core elements of this approach. The MSPI program culminates in a Major Research Project (MRP) aimed at public and community engagement. Through the MRP, MSPI graduates will be trained to formulate, develop and deploy effective and creative solutions to challenging and often systemic social and political issues in ways that can support social progress. For more inforamtion, visit the MSPI web page.
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
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Hold a undergraduate degree in Communication, Legal Studies, Political Science or a related field, with a minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent). Prospective applicants will be asked to demonstrate engagement with social innovation in their applications (e.g., through previous academic work, volunteer work, or work experience). Prospective applicants with undergraduate degrees from other fields who are able to demonstrate an impressive level of social engagement (e.g., Health Science) will also be considered, such as applicants whose professional work experience as managers or policy analysts demonstrates aptitude for social policy-oriented work. All applicants to graduate programs at Ontario Tech University must submit the required documents outlined in the checklist of required documents . Additional required supporting documents for MSPI applicants: A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) including the applicant's education, employment history, volunteer experience, publications if applicable, and other notable achievements; A sample of scholarly writing from an undergraduate course, or any other form of public communication (report, poster, video, performance, etc.) that was created for either an academic or other organizational audience; Two Letters of Recommendation: One recommendation from a faculty member from a previous degree-conferring program is preferable; alternatively, a letter from an employer/professional leader who can speak to the candidate’s analytical and communication skills will be accepted. The second recommendation may be from an academic or non-academic referee and should demonstrate the candidate’s commitment to community engagement. The second recommendation should reflect the candidate’s commitment to addressing social issues and may reference academic, work, or volunteer experiences; and A two-page, double-spaced (approximately 500-word) statement of interest in the MSPI program and its Major Research Project (MRP) requirement. The statement should demonstrate commitment to the social engagement goals of the program and should set out the potential focus of the candidate’s MRP. The statement should address academic, work, volunteer, or other experience that would contribute to the candidate’s ability to successfully complete such a project. Required test scores for English language proficiency See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program. · English: IELTS 6.5 · English test waiver: Waived if you have studied full-time for at least three years (or the part-time equivalent) in a university degree program where the language of instruction AND examination was English, or you have completed such a degree; enrolment in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program does not count toward the three years. Ontario Tech may ask for official verification. Applicants who meet every other admission requirement may instead enrol in an eligible English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through an Ontario Tech EAP partner. Source: https://gradstudies.ontariotechu.ca/future_students/application_process_and_requirement/step%203/english-language-proficiency.php · Deposit: Ontario Tech does not publish a deposit amount: 'To accept your offer of admission and secure your place in the program, you must submit a non-refundable tuition deposit. The deposit amount is listed in your official Letter of Acceptance and on the Applicant Portal.' International applicants must pay it before requesting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Source: https://registrar.ontariotechu.ca/fees-and-payment/ancillary-fees/miscellaneous-and-administrative-fees-2026-2027.php
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$20,124 CAD / year≈ $14,797 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsApplicants to research-based graduate programs studying full-time are automatically considered at the time of admission for entrance scholarships, minimum funding packages, and teaching, research and graduate research assistantships - no application required. Assistantships are available to both Canadian and international students (an international student who accepts a TAship, RAship or GRAship must obtain a Social Insurance Number). Part-time students are not eligible. External awards also exist but Ontario Tech states "the majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only". Sources:; the Funding tab of this program pageView scholarship 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: Published graduate application deadlines (priority deadlines; later applications are considered case by case if space remains). September 2027 intake - Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) 2: domestic April 1, 2027*, international February 1, 2027. The…
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 Social Practice and Innovation (MA) cost?
CAD 20,124 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
When does it start?
Intakes listed for this programme: September 2027.
How long is it?
1.3 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Hold a undergraduate degree in Communication, Legal Studies, Political Science or a related field, with a minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale or 73 to 76 per cent). Prospective applicants will be asked to demonstrate engagement with social innovation in their applications (e.g., through previous academic work, volunteer work, or work experience). Prospective applicants with undergraduate degrees from other fields who are able to demonstrate an impressive level of social engagement (e.g., Health Science) will also be considered, such as applicants whose professional work experience as managers or policy analysts demonstrates aptitude for social policy-oriented work. All applicants to graduate programs at Ontario Tech University must submit the required documents outlined in the checklist of required documents . Additional required supporting documents for MSPI applicants: A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) including the applicant's education, employment history, volunteer experience, publications if applicable, and other notable achievements; A sample of scholarly writing from an undergraduate course, or any other form of public communication (report, poster, video, performance, etc.) that was created for either an academic or other organizational audience; Two Letters of Recommendation: One recommendation from a faculty member from a previous degree-conferring program is preferable; alternatively, a letter from an employer/professional leader who can speak to the candidate’s analytical and communication skills will be accepted. The second recommendation may be from an academic or non-academic referee and should demonstrate the candidate’s commitment to community engagement. The second recommendation should reflect the candidate’s commitment to addressing social issues and may reference academic, work, or volunteer experiences; and A two-page, double-spaced (approximately 500-word) statement of interest in the MSPI program and its Major Research Project (MRP) requirement. The statement should demonstrate commitment to the social engagement goals of the program and should set out the potential focus of the candidate’s MRP. The statement should address academic, work, volunteer, or other experience that would contribute to the candidate’s ability to successfully complete such a project. Required test scores for English language proficiency See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program. · English: IELTS 6.5 · English test waiver: Waived if you have studied full-time for at least three years (or the part-time equivalent) in a university degree program where the language of instruction AND examination was English, or you have completed such a degree; enrolment in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program does not count toward the three years. Ontario Tech may ask for official verification. Applicants who meet every other admission requirement may instead enrol in an eligible English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through an Ontario Tech EAP partner. Source: https://gradstudies.ontariotechu.ca/future_students/application_process_and_requirement/step%203/english-language-proficiency.php · Deposit: Ontario Tech does not publish a deposit amount: 'To accept your offer of admission and secure your place in the program, you must submit a non-refundable tuition deposit. The deposit amount is listed in your official Letter of Acceptance and on the Applicant Portal.' International applicants must pay it before requesting a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Source: https://registrar.ontariotechu.ca/fees-and-payment/ancillary-fees/miscellaneous-and-administrative-fees-2026-2027.php
Is there a scholarship?
Applicants to research-based graduate programs studying full-time are automatically considered at the time of admission for entrance scholarships, minimum funding packages, and teaching, research and graduate research assistantships - no application required. Assistantships are available to both Canadian and international students (an international student who accepts a TAship, RAship or GRAship must obtain a Social Insurance Number). Part-time students are not eligible. External awards also exist but Ontario Tech states "the majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only". Sources:; the Funding tab of this program page View scholarship page
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