War Studies Post Graduate Degree Programme
Applications to the Master of Arts Program in War Studies
Overview
When pursued full-time, the Master of Arts (MA) in War Studies normally requires four academic terms (i.e., two years). There are three study patterns – the thesis pattern, the directed research project or the course pattern.
In addition to the instructions in this document, interested applicants should read Section 4 (Admissions) and Section 5 (Academic Regulations) of the Graduate Studies and Research Division Calendar .
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the MA Program in War Studies must have an Honour's Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with a B+ average.
The War Studies Admissions Committee follows the established practice of Ontario universities in admitting the occasional candidate who has a three-year degree (non-honours) provided that the individual is a very high quality applicant with other types of educational and developmental exposure of substantial nature. Such candidates will be expected to do additional work beyond the normal degree requirements for a candidate possessing a four-year Honours Baccalaureate degree. Normally such students will be admitted with Provisional Status.
Probationary and Provisional Status
On occasion the War Studies Admissions Committee admits students on Provisional or Probationary Status. These categories are described in Section 5 (Academic Regulations) of the Graduate Studies and Research Division Calendar.
Provisional and probationary students must meet the terms and conditions set out in the letter of offer from the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students failing to meet these conditions will be required to withdraw from the program.
Advanced Standing
Candidates with suitable education and/or experience may apply for advanced credit. This application should be made in writing to the Chair of War Studies at the time the candidate is applying to the program. This application will normally require the candidate to provide documentation on the achievement for which credit is sought. The Chair of War Studies will assess the eligibility for advanced standing and make a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies who will determine if advanced standing is authorized. RMC’s Graduate Studies Committee will review the advanced standing status of specific courses regularly. At present, the following courses qualify for advanced credit:
- Canadian Forces College courses:
- Joint Command and Staff Programme (JCSP)
- Advanced Military Studies Programme (AMSP),
- National Security Studies Programme (NSSP)
See Article 16.4.1 at RMCC - Graduate Studies Calendar for the number of credits available.
Transfer Credits
An applicant may apply for transfer credit for graduate courses taken at other recognized universities. An application for a transfer credit will be considered where a student has taken a course similar to a course offered in the War Studies program and obtained a mark of at least 70% in that course. A request for transfer credit should normally be made in writing to the Chair of War Studies at the time of entry into the program. The Chair of War Studies will assess the eligibility for transfer credit and make a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies, who will determine if the transfer credit is authorized.
Application Documentation
To be considered for admission to the MA Programme, applicants must submit to the War Studies Programme the following documents:
A completed application form (forms are available on the RMC Web site ).
An official transcript from each post-secondary institution you have attended.
A definitive Statement of Purpose outlining in precise terms your area of interest and plans for study in the graduate program so that the War Studies Admissions Committee can determine if we offer courses in your area of interest. This should take the form of an essay of approximately 1000 words covering the following:
- Why you are interested in the RMC War Studies program.
- The field or discipline in which you are interested.
- How your academic and practical experience prepares you for War Studies.
- For those planning on pursuing the thesis pattern (i.e., completing a thesis), please include your intended area of thesis research and the faculty supervisor(s) with whom you wish to work.
A paper you have written that is substantial in content and analysis in your area of interest, which the War Studies Admissions Committee can use to assess your analytical ability and writing skills.
Completed Referee Assessment Forms from three academic references.
The Referee Assessment Form is available on the RMC Web site. In addition to completing the Referee Assessment form, referees may also attach a letter of reference or other comments, if they wish.
Normally, Referee Assessment forms and letters of reference should be written by academic faculty. References will also be accepted from non-academic supervisors, commanders and others who are in a position to observe your work and judge on your ability to complete graduate studies.
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Incomplete Applications
The War Studies Admissions Committee will not consider incomplete applications.
It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that their application is complete by the deadline.
Deadline
The War Studies Admission Committee conducts two MA selection boards each year. The first is the primary selection board where most of the MA positions are filled. The second board considers applicants for those positions left unfilled after candidates selected by the first board have accepted or rejected offers to enter the program. To be considered by the first board your complete application must be received by 15 February 2012. To be considered by the second board, your complete application must be received by 15 June 2012.
How to Contact the War Studies Program
By mail:
War Studies Programme
Royal Military College of Canada
PO Box 17000, Station Forces
Kingston, Ontario CANADA
K7K 7B4
Phone
By phone: 613-541-6000 ext 6862
By fax: 613-541-6219
Military (CSN): 271-6862
