Master of Arts - Island Studies (Course-based) at University of Prince Edward Island - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) at the University of Prince Edward Island is a distinctive, interdisciplinary, and policy-driven graduate program. It focuses on the unique aspects of islands, including their culture, environment, economy, geography, and politics. This program is designed for students from diverse backgrounds who have a keen interest in researching islands and aspire to work in various sectors, including public policy, administration, and resource management. The MAIS program encourages students to explore their interests and develop their talents while preparing them for impactful careers in local, regional, national, and international organizations.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in Island Studies program offers a course-based stream that spans several semesters, allowing students to engage in both theoretical and practical learning experiences. The program structure includes:

Program Length: Typically spans over two years.
Students can start in either the Fall (September) or Winter (January) semesters.
In-person and/or hybrid model delivery courses, combining face-to-face, online, and video-based instruction.
Specializations available in:
- Island Tourism
- Sustainable Island Communities
- International Relations (Island Studies) and Island Public Policy
Experiential learning through work-study courses, allowing students to conduct applied research projects with island organizations.

This structure ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are essential for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Arts in Island Studies program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Work-study opportunities that allow students to engage in applied research projects with island organizations.
Access to the Institute of Island Studies and the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, providing additional resources and support.
Courses delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Networking opportunities with professionals in the field of island studies and related sectors.
Field experiences that connect students with real-world challenges and solutions in island communities.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Island Studies program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Policy Analyst: Work with government agencies or NGOs to analyze and develop policies related to island communities and their unique challenges.
Community Development Officer: Focus on enhancing the social and economic well-being of island communities through sustainable practices.
Tourism Manager: Oversee tourism initiatives and strategies that promote sustainable tourism in island destinations.
Environmental Consultant: Provide expertise on environmental issues affecting islands, including climate change and resource management.
Researcher: Conduct studies on various aspects of island life, contributing to academic knowledge and practical solutions for island communities.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to island studies and related fields.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Prince Edward Island official website

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the Master of Arts in Island Studies program at the University of Prince Edward Island are as follows:

The minimum requirement for admission is a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in an honours or majors program from a recognized university or college.
Applicants are expected to have achieved an average of at least second class (“B”, i.e. 70% to 79.9%) standing in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years.
All official post-secondary transcripts must be mailed or couriered directly from the institution to UPEI.
A "Statement of Research Interests" is required, which should be a 1-3 page statement indicating your motivation for applying to this particular program.
A sample of written research work (in English) from prior university or professional experience must be submitted.
Two (2) letters of recommendation from professors or those familiar with your professional work are necessary.
A resume or curriculum vitae must be included in the application.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

The application deadlines are as follows:

Fall term: July 1 (all application materials must be received by July 8)
Winter term: November 1 (all application materials must be received by November 8)

It is advised to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is processed in time. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements for Graduate Programs

At the University of Prince Edward Island, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is a crucial requirement for all academically admissible applicants, regardless of their country of origin or citizenship status. This requirement ensures that students can successfully engage with the language of instruction, which is English. Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of two ways:

Possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the University of Prince Edward Island, where the language of instruction is English. Proof that the instruction for the degree was in English may be required and will be confirmed by the UPEI Registrar’s Office.
A satisfactory score on one of the following approved English language examinations:

TEST	REGULAR OFFER (ALL PROGRAMS EXCEPT THOSE NOTED IN NEXT COLUMN)	REGULAR OFFER (NURSING, EDUCATION, DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, DOCTOR OF APPLIED HEALTH)	*conditional offer
IELTS (Academic)	7 in writing and no band lower than 6.5	7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening	6
TOEFL Paper-based test	600 TWE 6	600 with minimum TWE 6	500 TWE-4
TOEFL Internet-based test	100 with a minimum of 25 in speaking and writing; 22 in reading and listening	100 with no band lower than 25	61
CAEL (including CAEL Online)	70	70	50
PTE	66	66	50
Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency	185 in writing and no skill lower than 176	185 in writing and speaking; 176 in reading and listening	154
GTECCBT	>1250	>1250	1100
CELBAN for Nursing only	Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 7; Speaking 7

* Applicants meeting this requirement may be offered a conditional admission offer, which requires the prospective student to provide updated English language test results satisfying the minimum Unconditional English Language Proficiency requirements before being permitted to enroll in Graduate level courses or participate in Graduate program activity.

Prospective students with a conditional offer of admission for English language proficiency conditions must submit their updated test results by the following deadlines:

Admitted to a Summer Semester Start – April 1
Admitted to a Fall Semester Start – August 1
Admitted to a Winter Semester Start – December 1

Any exam should have been written within the last two years. If not written in the last two years, students should make arrangements to take the test at least three months before the semester opening date.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!