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PCJ's multidisciplinary program attracts top-achieving students, who go on to take positions in prominent international organizations, work with social justice-oriented non-governmental organizations, and pursue graduate degrees in law and social science. Our students conduct original research, engage with some of the world’s top experts on the causes and consequences of violence, and participate in internships that provide hands-on experience.
About the application process
While the PCJ program seeks students with diverse experiences and qualifications, this is a limited enrollment program that can only accommodate a small number of students. Admission is determined by a range of criteria, including a student’s academic background, statement of interest, a writing sample and, at a later stage in the process, a personal interview by invitation. In some cases, reference letters may also be requested.
In the past, enrollment in Peace, Conflict and Justice has proven to be extremely competitive across all these dimensions, and an applicant’s success in any one of these dimensions does not guarantee admission to the program.
To apply, you must have completed 4.0 FCE.
The application process: Step by step
Please review these instructions carefully as the application process has changed. Questions related to your application must be directed to pcj.admissions@utoronto.ca.
The PCJ Program will accept applications for the 2023-24 academic year between March 1 - April 28, 2023!
Step 1: Request PCJ on ACORN
You can request a Peace, Conflict and Justice subject POST on ACORN between March 1, 2023 – April 28, 2023. You can request the major (ASMAJ1228), specialist (ASSPE1228), or both.
Step 2: Prepare your supplementary materials
After requesting the PCJ program(s) on ACORN, you must email the supplementary materials listed below to pcj.admissions@utoronto.ca.
Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their supplementary materials early before. Applications made via ACORN alone will NOT be considered.
A. In no more than 250 words for each response, please answer the following three questions:
1. Describe an issue, event or experience related to peace, conflict and/or justice that had an impact on you. How does it connect to the PCJ program?
2. Why are you interested in studying in the Peace, Conflict and Justice program, and how does it connect with your other professional, academic, or personal goals?
3. Beyond academics, how do you intend to get involved in the PCJ community and what will you contribute in terms of skills, talents, interests, etc?
B. Provide a writing sample from this past year in university. Maximum length of 10 pages (excluding bibliography/references).
C. CV highlighting, but not limited to, relevant professional, academic, volunteer, research, and leadership experience.
Note: If you are applying for both the major and specialist programs, please send two separate emails with the subjectPOST codes indicated in the subject line.
Step 3: Submit your supplementary materials
When emailing your supplementary materials, use the following naming conventions in order for your application(s) to be considered:
- The email subject line should read as Last Name, First Name – SUBJECTPOST CODE (eg. Smith, Jane – ASMAJ1228)
- Submit all documents in a single PDF or Word document
- Name the files as Last Name, First Name – SUBJECTPOST CODE (eg. Smith, Jane – ASMAJ1228)
Supplementary documents should be emailed to pcj.admissions@utoronto.ca at the time the request is made on ACORN
Step 4: Interviews
Not all students will be invited for an interview. If you are selected, you will receive an email with interview dates and times. Interviews will be held online in May and early June.
Step 5: Results
All applicants will be notified of their results between May 1 – June 9 on ACORN. Some students may be placed on a waitlist; however, this does not guarantee admission into the program.
Step 6: Registration
If you are invited to the program, you are responsible for accepting the invitation on ACORN by the deadline. Students who are admitted into the PCJ program have guaranteed entry into our core courses.
Please note that second round requests will not be accepted.