Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a one-year (three term) full-time program run as a cohort.

The program starts in September each year and is completed in August of the following year.  There is no January or May intake.

This is a one-year (three term) full-time program.

A 4-year degree is recommended to apply, but we will also consider applicants with a 3-year degree and relevant work experience.

No, transfer credits will not be accepted.  The program consists of six core courses and two elective courses, plus the internship.  

We require an undergraduate degree or equivalent in any Social Science discipline.

We require a minimum B average achieved during the two most recent years of academic study. Thus, you are still eligible to apply, although acceptances are competitive based on your full application.

We are training students for careers conducting policy- and practice-relevant research in government departments, not-for-profits, and the private sector. There is a wide array of job opportunities for researchers in all sectors, as demonstrated by recent studies we have conducted on the job market.

Many but not all of the internships will be paid positions. Our internship coordinator and program director will facilitate the process of applying for and securing internships.

Students can complete internships in government departments, not-for-profit organizations, and the private sector. The key is that the internship positions must be research positions in applied settings.

A “Statement of Interest” is not required as a separate component of the application but can be included as part of your resume. 

IETLS is recommended but Duolingo will be accepted by the program.  More information on language and English proficiency requirements and tests can be found on the website for the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

https://welcome.uwo.ca/admissions/english_language_proficiency.html

The application fee is currently $150 CAD.  This fee is subject to change, as determined by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Applications are reviewed by an admissions committee consisting of members of the program advisory committee.  Once the application process closes, all applications are compiled and sent to the program admission committee for review.  The committee reviews all aspects of each applicant, and prepares a primary list for offers and a waitlist. The full process can take 4-6 weeks. 

The program does compile a waitlist.  To check on the status of your application or position in the waitlist, please email mrpe@uwo.ca.

For help with the application process, please email gradapps@uwo.ca.  They are able to assist you with any technical difficulties.

Yes, all aspects of the application including relevant work experience are taken into account in evaluating applications.

Waiving of the English Language Proficiency requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Please email mrpe@uwo.ca for more information.

Waiving of the English Language Proficiency requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Please email mrpe@uwo.ca for more information.

Applications are only reviewed once they have been submitted.  If you have any questions about eligibility to apply, please email mrpe@uwo.ca.

Deferral requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  If you are offered admission to the program and need to defer your admission for one year, please email mrpe@uwo.ca  to request a deferral and include an explanation of why the deferral is required at this time.

Tuition fees for domestic and international students can be found on the Registrar’s Office website. https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_refund_schedules.html.  These fees are subject to change. 

Tuition fees for domestics students are approximately $21,000-$22,000 CAD per year

Tuition fees for international students are approximately $40,000-$42,000 CAD per year.

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Please note that the calculator is not a promise of funding, nor a place to access scholarship support or financial aid; it is intended to provide an accurate estimate of how much money is required to pay tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Students are eligible for the MRPE Program Bursary valued at $6,000 each and are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.  There are 6 bursaries available (2 for International students and 4 for Domestic students).  The bursary will be divided between the first and second term. Applications are completed on-line through the Western Student Centre portal.  Applications open in April.

MRPE Students are also eligible for SOGS Bursaries which are awarded each term (Fall, Winter, Summer)  to full-time members of the Society of Graduate Students who have demonstrated financial need.  Information on these can be found on the SOGS website.

Domestic students may also consider applying for the Graduate Work Study Program.  Details of this program can be found on the Registrar’s website. Applications open late August.

As a professional Masters program, the MRPE does not provide financial assistance. The internship in the final term may be a paid position which would then help students with costs.

You can expect ancillary fees that are in addition to tuition. Details and the breakdown of ancillary fees can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.  https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_refund_schedules.html.  These fees are subject to change. 

Students can also expect costs of textbooks in a range of $500-$750 per year.