Masters of Asia Pacific Policy Studies at the University of British Columbia

The MAPPS program introduces students to the intellectual life of the Institute of Asian Research (IAR) as part of their graduate training. Guided by the theme of "Policy Relevance Informed by Local Knowledge", the IAR strives to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge about Asia to build understanding and shape policy options beyond the university. Developments in Asia constantly underline the importance of combining policy analysis with local knowledge that has historical, linguistic, and cultural dimensions. While information is boundless and now easily available in many areas, the MAPPS program aims to model the transfer of analytical social science skills to a wide array of policy challenges in the Asia Pacific region. At the same time, the program encourages students to identify policy-challenges and to build their graduate program on a search for solutions in Canada and the Asia Pacific region. In conjunction with the IAR's Research Centres, thematic Research Programs, lectures and seminars, the MAPPS program aims to encourage a generation of new leaders in Asian and trans-Pacific affairs.