Program description
You understand conflict from a unique perspective. You're interested in how conflict can be a necessary element of all relationships.
You understand that conflict is neither good nor bad, but that it exists everywhere, and so do opportunities to work with it, change it and use it. By examining the full spectrum of conflict, from interpersonal to international, you'll have a holistic, systemic, cross-cultural approach to understand and manage conflict.
The Graduate Diploma in Conflict Analysis and Management helps you create self-awareness of your own role in conflict and how you can make a difference.
In this one-year diploma program, you'll examine contemporary and innovative research. You'll apply that research to build skills like facilitation, negotiation and mediation. In learning to appreciate your strengths and limitations, you'll become a reflective practitioner in the expanding field of conflict management.
You can build from here
The courses in this program are the same as the ones taken by students in the related Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management.
You can apply to switch to the two-year MA while in your diploma program. Your credits will be transferred and you will receive the Master's level degree instead of the diploma.
Program outcomes
Once you've completed this program, you'll have skills in facilitation, negotiation and mediation, and you'll be prepared to work within the fields of labour relations, community development, environmental management, international NGOs and many other settings.
Program delivery
This program is delivered through a blend of online learning and on-campus residency.
The Graduate Diploma in Conflict Analysis and Management is delivered online over 12 months, with one two-week residency during the program.
Online learning
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
You’ll take one online course at a time for a period of nine weeks, followed by a two-week break. Each online course requires approximately 20 hours of work per week.
You'll start your program with a non-credit, but required, course about academic integrity.
Residency
This blended program has one two-week residency.
Residencies are intensive and immersive. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
You can build from here
The courses you will take are the same as the ones taken by students in the related Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management. This gives you the flexibility to complete a stand-alone diploma or transfer credits toward the master’s degree.
You can apply to switch to the two-year MA while in your diploma program. Your credits will be transferred and you will receive the Master's level degree instead of the diploma.
Courses
Faculty
Transfer agreements
Refine results
Standard admission
- Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a relevant and related field*, with a minimum GPA of 'B+' (3.33/4.33), from a recognized post-secondary institution
* Relevant and related fields are defined by each program based on disciplinary and/or professional practices. Applicants are required to address how they consider their academic education to be relevant and related to their desired program of study within the personal statement questions.
Flexible admission
- Applicants who meet the degree requirement, but not the GPA requirement, will be required to have a minimum 5 years of relevant* professional experience.
- Applicants without an undergraduate degree will normally require 10 years of work experience, with a minimum of two years of relevant* professional experience in a leadership or management position**, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- All flexible admission applicants will be required to take "Academic Writing and Critical Thinking" and obtain a minimum B+ (77%).
* Each program, based on disciplinary and/or professional practices, defines what is considered relevant professional experience. Applicants are required to address how/why they consider their respective supervisory (and overall work experience) to be relevant and related to their desired program of study within the personal statement questions.
** Experience in a leadership or management position is considered on the basis of a holistic review of career progression, which demonstrates increasing competency and/or responsibility. This can include, but is not limited to, supervisory functions, signing responsibilities, contributions to organisational change and/or implementation of organisational vision and mission. Applicants are required to address how they consider their work experience to meet these requirements within the personal statement
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.
Personal statement
The statement's purpose is to assess applicants' writing skills, as well as their interest and ability to complete the program. Your personal statement should be written as a three to four page narrative and must address each of the following questions using each question as a separate heading:
- Why do you wish to enroll in the conflict analysis and management program?
- What academic courses and/or training do you have in the area of conflict management?
- What work experience do you have in the area of conflict management?
- What experience have you had with distance education and self-directed study?
- What special strengths do you bring to the program?
- The Conflict Analysis and Management program is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. What experiences or abilities do you have to study or work with people from different backgrounds or worldviews?
Letters of reference
Two letters of reference are required and may be provided by current or past employer(s) or by those who have known the applicant in an academic or volunteer setting.
Reference letters must attest to the applicant's suitability to this program, and particularly the applicant's ability to complete a demanding graduate program, including graduate level writing and research. The referee should indicate the length of time and context in which they have known the applicant, and should also consider the ability of the applicant to model appropriate behavior in the field as well as the personal attributes of the applicant.
In the case of an employer's reference, the letter should also attest to the applicant's performance in the context of current or previous employment. The letter should address such areas as work in the field of conflict analysis and management as well as leadership potential.
Structured résumé
Applicant's résumé must include the following:
- Post secondary education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
- Training and professional development in the area of conflict analysis: List career related training and professional development programs. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
- Volunteer work experience: List and describe any voluntary employment and/or community service experience. Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
- Full-time work experience: Please include name of organization, position, length of service and brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.