Political Science (MA)
Our MA program in political science will develop your analytical capacities, theoretical understanding and research skills.
You’ll engage in coursework as you research and write an original thesis or major research paper. You can focus your research on a variety of topics such as Indigenous land claims and treaty rights, social movements, privacy and surveillance, democracy and international law.
You have the option of combining this program with the interdisciplinary Cultural, Social and Political Thought MA or the graduate certificate in Indigenous Nationhood.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 years (3-6 academic terms) | Yes | Yes |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Graduates with an MA in Political Science will:
- have demonstrated analytical capacities, theoretical understanding and research skills necessary for further work as a political scientist
- have demonstrated a degree of mastery over a body of scholarship within the discipline
- have shown they can apply that knowledge to a study that they have defined and focussed well
- pursue careers in policy analysis, diplomacy, journalism, social activism, policy advocacy or public service
Find a supervisor
All graduate students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:
- you are advised to list a potential supervisor on your application
- one faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission
To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.
Arthur Kroker
Adjunct and Professor Emeritus Contemporary French and German political theory, technology
Claire Cutler
Professor Emerita International relations theory, international law and organization
Colin Bennett
Adjunct and Professor Emeritus Comparative politics, public policy, politics of information
James Tully
Adjunct and Professor Emeritus Political philosophy, Canadian political theory, constitutional theory
Michael Webb
Adjunct and Professor Emeritus International political economy, globalization, Canadian foreign policy
RBJ (Rob) Walker
Adjunct and Professor Emeritus Contemporary social and political thought, international political theory
Reeta Tremblay
Adjunct and Professor Emerita Comparative federalism, public policy, identity politics, Global South (South Asia)
Program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Program details
Application deadlines
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
It’s preferable if your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is in political science.
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a 1-2 page statement of intent which:
- includes a brief summary of the your prior education and experience
- indicates the field(s) of political science you want to specialize in
- discusses one or two possible thesis topics
- explains how your application relates to your long-term goals
- a writing sample
- two reference names and their email addresses
- post-secondary transcripts
Program specific requirements
It’s preferable if your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is in political science.
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a 1-2 page statement of intent which:
- includes a brief summary of the your prior education and experience
- indicates the field(s) of political science you want to specialize in
- discusses one or two possible thesis topics
- explains how your application relates to your long-term goals
- a writing sample
- two reference names and their email addresses
- post-secondary transcripts
Completion requirements
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Related programs
Need help?
Contact Rachel Richmond at poligrad@uvic.ca or 250-721-7486.