Current MPP Students: Start Here
Key resources are available through your course D2L sites, your Student Centre in myUCalgary, and other platforms you will be introduced to during orientation. These will support you throughout your time in the program. Be sure to check them regularly for updates, documents and announcements.
The program's curriculum encompasses a comprehensive array of subjects within the public policy sector, ensuring a thorough understanding of its various dimensions. To complete the program requirements, students complete eight core courses (23 units), select a minimum of two elective courses (six units), and a capstone research project comprising two courses (four units).
As you look to advance your current field or pivot to a new opportunity, the School of Public Policy is here to help. Our graduate students benefit from an in-house Career Development and Engagement Specialist who will support you in your journey as an policy professional. Students also benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities deigned to build confidence, sharpen job-ready skills, and expand industry connections.
In addition to in-house professional development and career support, students also have access to UCalgary’s Career Services and its online platform, Elevate. This tool allows you to browse and apply for job opportunities, schedule interviews, register for events and coaching sessions, and access a wide range of career development resources.
Forum is a cornerstone of life at the School of Public Policy, an open door to the conversations shaping our world. Each week, students, faculty, alumni, and leaders from across sectors come together over a lunch hour to engage with the ideas and challenges shaping our world. From climate change and governance to innovation, security, and global development, Forum connects you to the people and dynamics shaping change locally and globally, and invites you to be part of the dialogue.
Academy is a professional development series with specialized sessions focused on critical, transferable skills. From leadership, communication, and problem solving to digital literacy, metacognition, and management, we’ll help you build capacity beyond the classroom. A blend of interactive workshops and practical learning, Academy develops the mindset and skills to navigate complexity and drive change. Why? Because real impact comes from more than academic knowledge; it comes from how you show up and make things happen.
UC Campus Community
Your time on campus is about more than academics. From health and wellness support to academic advising, cultural programming, and volunteer opportunities, the University of Calgary provides a wide range of services designed to help you thrive and stay connected throughout your graduate journey.
During and after your degree, the My GradSkills team is a source for academic support and career development. They connect you with workshops and resources to help you navigate grad school, internships, entrepreneurial training, and opportunities for personal growth to help you prepare for life after grad school.
The Chancellor Cuthbertson Student Success Centre (SSC) provides inclusive advising and academic support services. They welcome graduate students at all levels of their skill development. They strive to offer student-centered resources, and create a space where you can ask questions and learn more about strategies that support your learning.
Student Accessibility Services works to foster an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students. Graduate students registered with SAS can access a range of supports to help remove barriers and enhance their academic experience.
The Graduate Students' Association is a student-led, not-for-profit organization empowering graduate students at the University of Calgary with the resources, opportunities, and support needed for academic, social, and professional success. Key Offerings:
- Advocacy: Your voice represented at the university and beyond.
- Support Services: Health and dental plans, financial aid, and more.
- Community Building: Events, workshops, and graduate student groups to foster connections.
Student Wellness Services is your on-campus resource for health and wellness support, with a wide range of service options. Visit them for medical and mental health care, as well as chiropractic and massage appointments with their team of professionals.
The Campus Food Hub at the University of Calgary is a collaborative initiative between Student Experience and Support, Ancillary Services, the Students’ Union, and the Graduate Students’ Association. Designed as an inclusive and student-centered space, the Food Hub addresses the critical issue of food insecurity by providing access to healthy, fresh, and culturally appropriate food.
In addition to offering food, the Campus Food Hub provides educational resources to help students nourish both their bodies and minds, fostering well-being and resilience within the campus community.
The SU Campus Food Bank is committed to supporting the UCalgary community by working toward food security for all. Whether you are facing an emergency or a chronic issue, the Food Bank is here to ensure nobody has to go hungry or worry about their next meal.
You can support this vital service by donating non-perishable food items or making monetary contributions, which help provide perishable essentials like eggs and dairy. Together, we can make a difference in achieving food security on campus.
Writing Symbols Lodge is dedicated to supporting the success of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students at the University of Calgary. By offering academic, personal, and cultural support services, it provides a welcoming and culturally appropriate environment that fosters growth and learning. Writing Symbols Lodge also serves as a space for the entire campus community to connect, learn, and celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions.
International Student Services (ISS) provides advice and programs to support all international students as they adjust to their UCalgary studies and life in Canada.
The Faith & Spirituality Centre fosters a pluralistic community by promoting cultural and religious literacy, building connections, and inspiring social change as part of the student experience. It also manages multi-faith spaces on campus, offering students a welcoming environment to reflect, connect, and support their well-being. These spaces are available for drop-in use or can be booked for specific needs.
The Women’s Resource Centre is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for students, staff, faculty, and the broader University of Calgary community. Dedicated to promoting equality and building connections, the centre offers opportunities to develop practical skills that complement feminist theory learned in the classroom. It is a supportive environment for growth, learning, and community building.
The Students’ Union’s Q Centre is a welcoming and inclusive space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at the University of Calgary. With a library, peer support services, and a variety of events, the Q Centre offers a safe environment to connect, find resources, and socialize. Everyone is welcome to drop by, hang out, and be part of the community.