INTS Frequently Asked Questions
Review the FAQscarefully. If you still have questions, ask us!
We welcome students with backgrounds in the social sciences. Students with background in the natural sciences, business, arts, and/or practitioners are also welcome to apply and may be admitted with additional course requirements. In addition to the admission application requirements outlined in Section 1.0 of the Graduate Academic Calendar, applicants must also supply a sample of written work (essay or course paper) as part of their application.
Follow these steps to apply.
Tips on Applying to the MA in International Studies
Undertaking graduate studies is one of the most significant steps you will take in your life. As a result, applying for graduate studies is a major and important undertaking! Below are some tips to make your application to the MA in International Studies (MA INTS) as strong as it can be.
- Get the info.
Read the pages on the MA INTS website (http://www.unbc.ca/international-studies-graduate-program) and look over the UNBC Graduate Calendar (http://www.unbc.ca/calendar/graduate) to ensure you have an understanding of the programs and graduate studies at UNBC.
- Learn about the application process. Make sure you become familiar with UNBC’s electronic application process (http://www.unbc.ca/apply/graduate) before you apply.
- Start your application early—preferably ten weeks in advance.
Putting an application together is complicated and time-consuming. You will need to write a statement of academic interest, order transcripts, prepare a writing sample, request letters of references, contact a potential supervisor, and/or apply for external scholarships. You should start at minimum 10 weeks before the application deadline in order to ensure you put together a high quality application. Remember: the application process is highly competitive, and a sloppy or incomplete application will reflect poorly on you. - Contact your referees early—a month or more before the deadline.
Referees need time to write solid letters of reference. Make sure to contact referees at least a month before the application deadline. If you have started on your application 10 weeks before the deadline, as suggested above, you will be able to share your Statement of Interest with your referees. This allows them to write stronger, more focused reference letters. - Draft a compelling Statement of Interest.The Statement of Interest is a critically important part of your application. You should approach it like a mini-essay of 500 to 750 words (single-spaced, please). Like an essay, the Statement of Interest should be drafted, revised, and polished until it shines. It should show the Admissions Committee who you are, how you are prepared for our program, and what you hope to achieve in the program and in the future. Be sure to include:
. A brief academic and intellectual autobiography detailing your background, experiences, and training;
. The area of academic interest and/or topic you wish to research while in the program (be sure to mention any academic, volunteer or professional work you have done related to the area/topic);
. How your past education and other experiences have prepared you to be successful during your MA studies;
. How the MA INTS fits with your academic/research interests (i.e., if your research interests relate to one of the streams of our program and/or the research areas of our faculty); and
. Your longer-term career goals and aspirations.
- Include your best work as your writing sample. You are required to submit a writing sample (maximum ten pages) with your application. Select one of your best academic papers or professional works. Try to choose something that showcases your skills and interests and is relevant to Global and International Studies.
- Look into funding. Applicants are encouraged to apply for scholarships. You should spend time identifying which internal (UNBC) and external scholarships you may be eligible for and apply for as many as you are eligible for. You should also apply for teaching assistantships as soon as you are admitted. If you have specific questions about UNBC scholarships contact the Graduate Awards and Project Officer in the Office of Graduate Programs (see http://www.unbc.ca/graduate-programs)
- Get the checklist (and check it twice). Finally, make sure you provide all the materials requested by the Office of Graduate Studies checklist for the MA INTS (http://www.unbc.ca/graduate-application-checklists)
Good luck!
If you have any questions, please contact us at internationalstudies@unbc.ca
Revised: 29 July 2021
Application deadlines are:
- January 15th for September admissions; and
- There will be no intake for the Winter 2025 semester