The Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies Program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, giving students opportunities to connect academic knowledge with real-world challenges.
Through hands-on projects, community partnerships, internships, and international experiences, students apply the concepts and analytical tools developed in the classroom to practical questions related to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and justice. These opportunities allow students to work directly with organizations and communities while gaining insight into how institutions and civil society actors address complex social and political problems.
A central component of this approach is PCJ362H1: Experiential Learning in PCJ, a required course typically taken in the winter semester of the third year. In this course, students collaborate with partner organizations on applied research or policy projects connected to peace, conflict, and justice issues. Working in teams, students engage with a real client and develop practical recommendations informed by the knowledge and frameworks learned in the PCJ curriculum. Through readings, assignments, and class discussions, the course also examines how organizations pursue community goals, how grassroots politics and social networks operate, and how collective action can contribute to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the pursuit of justice.
In addition to PCJ362H1, students may pursue other experiential opportunities. PCJ499H1: Peace and Conflict Studies Independent Study allows students to design an independent research project under faculty supervision, and may include internship-based learning. The program collaborates with a wide range of partner institutions and works closely with the Centre for Community Partnerships to develop meaningful service-learning opportunities. While placements vary from year to year, the program strives to match students with organizations that align with their interests and career goals. Past projects have involved organizations working on issues such as:
- accessibility services
- conflict resolution training
- environmental protection and conservation
- health and community wellbeing
- Indigenous rights and reconciliation
- legal assistance and advocacy
- minorities and multiculturalism
- refugees and immigration
- social justice advocacy (religious or secular)
- homelessness and employment services
- women’s rights and gender equality
- youth development and support programs
Study abroad
Students are also encouraged to explore international experiences through study abroad programs offered by the Centre for International Experience. With program approval, transfer credits earned while on academic exchange may count toward PCJ program requirements, allowing students to broaden their academic and global perspectives while completing their degree.
IS YOUR ORGANIZATION INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH US?