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Graduate admissions

Community Development (MACD)

This program will develop your capacity as a leader in civil society and social economy. You'll gain skills and knowledge that will be applicable to careers around the world. You'll learn how to apply these skills to social change and social justice. You'll finish your degree with a research project or thesis that is applicable in the field of community development.

Our online distributed program is perfect for working professionals. Your original research project or thesis will be supervised by a faculty member. You'll defend it in an oral examination.

The program is delivered through online courses with on-campus summer residencies of 1-2 weeks in each of the first three years. You'll start in May and take courses year-round.

Expected length Project or thesis Course-based
7 academic terms Yes No

Quick facts

Program options:
Master's
Study options:
Part-time study
Program delivery:
Blended, Other: Combination of online courses and on-campus residencies
Dynamic learning:
Co-op optional

Outcomes

The MACD program's unique focus on the application of learning outcomes means that you will graduate:

  • with a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the historical and political underpinnings, key concepts and spheres of practice embedded in the social economy and civil society
  • equipped to lead transformative change efforts
  • able to build and manage effective projects, organizations, enterprises and networks
  • able to demonstrate initiative, leadership and originality in identifying challenges and opportunities for organizations and the broader social economy
  • able to understand key global trends, challenges, threats and opportunities communities face and strategies to address them
  • able to engage in a community-based approach to social change and social justice

Find a supervisor

You are not required to find a supervisor before applying to this program.

Program details

Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:

Program details

This information assumes you are . If this is incorrect, please update your information.

Application deadlines

May entry – November 15

May entry – November 15

Admission requirements

  • Completion of a relevant 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.
  • Equivalent of a minimum B (5.0 G.P.A.) average in the final two years of your degree.
  • Mature students – You may be admitted as a mature student if it’s been four years from completion of a baccalaureate degree. You may also be admitted as a mature student if your grade point average is below 5.0 (B), provided you have four years relevant professional experience since completing your degree. You must submit a résumé to determine eligibility as a mature student. Recommendations must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • A minimum of four years of professional experience, paid or volunteer, in one of the four streams of the broader community development sector (community economic development, cooperative, non-profit or international)
  • If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Review our general admission requirements for more information.

Program specific requirements

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • At least two assessment reports from academic referees. If it has been more than five years since you last attended a post-secondary institution, we recommend that you include three assessment reports from work-related supervisors in place of academic referees.
  • Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
  • A detailed resumé listing your professional experience and other relevant experience.
  • A 750-1000 word statement of intent outlining why you are seeking an MA in Community Development and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals.
  • If you do not have a Canadian undergraduate degree, you will need to write and submit your official GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) scores.
  • Completion of a relevant 4-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.
  • Equivalent of a minimum B (5.0 G.P.A.) average in the final two years of your degree.
  • Mature students – You may be admitted as a mature student if it’s been four years from completion of a baccalaureate degree. You may also be admitted as a mature student if your grade point average is below 5.0 (B), provided you have four years relevant professional experience since completing your degree. You must submit a résumé to determine eligibility as a mature student. Recommendations must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
  • A minimum of four years of professional experience, paid or volunteer, in one of the four streams of the broader community development sector (community economic development, cooperative, non-profit or international)

If your first language is not English, you must provide proof of language proficiency. Learn more about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Review our general admission requirements for more information.

Program specific requirements

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • At least two assessment reports from academic referees. If it has been more than five years since you last attended a post-secondary institution, we recommend that you include three assessment reports from work-related supervisors in place of academic referees.
  • Official copies of all post-secondary transcripts.
  • A detailed resumé listing your professional experience and other relevant experience.
  • A 750-1000 word statement of intent outlining why you are seeking an MA in Community Development and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals.
  • If you do not have a Canadian undergraduate degree, you will need to write and submit your official GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) scores.

Completion requirements

View the minimum course requirements for this program.

View the minimum course requirements for this program.

Funding & aid

Tuition & fees

Estimated minimum program cost*

* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.

Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.

Ready to apply?

You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.

Apply now    How to apply

Faculties & departments

Need help?

Contact Stephen Leckie at paservice1@uvic.ca or 250-721-8074.

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