Masters Degrees (Political Science)

The MSc in Political Science aims to provide its students with a deep and comprehensive understanding of political issues, focusing on the theme of ‘Conflict and C-ooperation’.

Specialisations

- International Organisation
- Political Science

Visit the website: http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/programmes/political-science-leiden/en/introduction

Course detail

As a student of the Political Science master, or its specialisation International Organisation, you will immerse yourself in the two most important phenomena of national and international politics: conflict and cooperation. You will be encouraged to do so from multiple perspectives. Whether you choose a national or international focus, adopt a comparative, philosophical or other approach, you will be stimulated to think like a social scientist and employ tried and tested methodology of the discipline. Your academic home hosts research and education programmes which are continuously evaluated and rank among the best in their field.

The specialisation International Organisation differs from the MSc Political Science in two respects: it features a specialisation course which is exclusively for IO students (‘Dynamics of International Organisation’), and a thesis seminar devoted to IO. These specialisation courses constitute roughly half of the programme. What the specialisation has in common with the MSc are a number of joint core courses, as well as its modular setup, with a large variety of elective seminars.

Careers

Because of its wide scope of academic expertise, the Institute of Political Science is capable of offering students an in-depth training in the most important subdisciplines of political science. The programme posits that careers in various applied settings – academia, government, public administration, politics, international organisations, media, consultancy, interest associations, non-governmental organisations, and business – demand academic training that includes sound analytical skills. All courses of the MSc Political Science curriculum thus seek to encourage the real-life application of the academic knowledge and training they provide. The high percentage of foreign teaching staff underscores the international outlook of the programme which prepares students for an increasingly international labour market in the Netherlands and elsewhere.

Why Political Science in Leiden?

- Leiden’s Institute of Political Science is one of the largest political science departments in Europe. It accommodates a wide range of (sub)disciplines and research interests.
- Your lecturers are high ranking specialists in their field.
- The modular set-up of the programme allows you to select the topics and courses which best suit your preferences.
- Besides studying interesting themes, you will also familiarise yourself with the state of the art in social and political science literature and methodology.
- The International Organisation specialisation offers you further differentiation, if you are intellectually and/or professionally attracted to the international domain.
- The city of Leiden is a popular student city, with attractive sights and a lively atmosphere.

How to apply: http://en.mastersinleiden.nl/arrange/admission

Funding

For information regarding funding, please visit the website: http://prospectivestudents.leiden.edu/scholarships

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Information on the Programme

The master programme Political Science consists of 120 ECTS- (European Credit Transfer System) Points and is designed as a 4-semester full-time programme. It is a consecutive master degree based on a bachelor degree related to political science.
The Core and Advanced Section, which contains 36 credit points, will cover methodical as well as content-specific basics of the major Political Science.
The Specialisation Section deepens and enhances the already acquired knowledge within the field of political science. This section also consists of 36 ECTS-Points, of which 9 will be completed through a colloquium.
The Supplementary Section serves as an additional section to develop a more specific profile – either by deepening and specialising or by diversifying knowledge. Further modules from social sciences as well as from business administration or economics are available to students. Altogether, a minimum of one and a maximum of two subareas have to be selected, in which at least 24 credit points will have to be obtained.

Detailed information concerning the curricular design is available on our homepage in the area of “study”.

Only the best for your career

The M.A. Political Science at the WiSo-faculty of the University of Cologne widens the knowledge gained in your bachelor studies and makes you an expert in your respective area. This qualifies for national as well as international thematically wide spread occupations for political scientists in the areas of the economy, media and political institutions.
For many managing positions of different industries and for certain professions in research and teaching, a master is indispensable. Besides offering the opportunity to future PHD-studies, the master programme in political science opens the door to exercise functions in political consulting or political functions in general. Furthermore, possible areas of employment can be found in administration and state institutions, as well as in political parties, political foundations and associations. On the parliamentary stage, political sciences often act as office managers or assistants to members of national or local parliaments. Additionally, international and European employers (like the EU) emerge as attractive perspectives of employment. International IGOs and NGOs offer job opportunities in project management or public relations for applicants with the respective profile. Also, public law and private media enterprises offer job opportunities to political scientists.
Take your professional future into your own hands and benefit from the theoretical and methodical-oriented approach of the WiSo-Faculty, which combines research as well as teaching with practical experience.

Not international enough?

If this is the case, get information on our double master programme in Political Science in cooperation with the University of Maastricht.
Additionally, there is the possibility to apply for a semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities. Further information can be found on the homepage of our International Relations Center.

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How do political scientists explain political outcomes? How does normative theory inform the way researchers approach their work? How do political science approaches differ from historical accounts of political phenomenon? How can political science be used to analyse the real world?

Our MSc Political Science gives a general overview of such topics, and as our most flexible postgraduate course offers you a very wide choice of optional modules. You explore the main theoretical approaches to the study of politics and look at what the basic theoretical framework required to conduct research in political science is.

Your optional modules may cover topics including:
-Survey measurement and research methods
-The economy and the state
-Democracies in Europe
-Theories of justice
-Conflict resolution

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began. Ranked top 10 in the world for political science and international relations according to the Centre for World University Rankings (2017)

Our expert staff

Some of the biggest names in the field work at Essex, giving you unparalleled access to some of the best minds in politics. Our staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Our academic staff work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections, and from the obligations of the younger generation to why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters.

You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Specialist facilities

Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
Student societies for politics, debating, and Model UN
We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
A programme of seminars and events run by the department
Your future
All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

Our graduates from this course can expect to find jobs in market research, the media and central or local government. It also provides a foundation for further research in political science. You will gain key employability skills such as analytical reasoning, research design, and report writing.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:
-The Civil Service
-Local government
-The World Bank
-The United Nations
-NATO
-YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-MA Dissertation
-Advanced Research Methods
-Theory and Explanation in Political Science
-Comparative European Politics (optional)
-Conflict Resolution (optional)
-Contemporary Theories of Justice (optional)
-Ideology and Political Discourse (optional)
-Environmental Politics (optional)
-International Security Studies (optional)
-Political Economy (optional)
-Political Explanation (optional)
-Political Parties in Britain and Europe (optional)
-Political Theory (optional)
-Public Opinion and Political Behaviour (optional)
-Research Design (optional)
-Research Seminar in Political Theory and Methods (optional)
-Survey Measurement and Question Design
-Theories of International Relations (optional)

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How do political scientists explain political outcomes? How does normative theory inform the way researchers approach their work? How do political science approaches differ from historical accounts of political phenomenon? How can political science be used to analyse the real world?

Our MA Political Science gives a general overview of such topics, and as our most flexible postgraduate course offers you a very wide choice of optional modules. You explore the main theoretical approaches to the study of politics and look at what the basic theoretical framework required to conduct research in political science is.

Your optional modules may cover topics including:
-Survey measurement and research methods
-The economy and the state
-Democracies in Europe
-Theories of justice
-Conflict resolution

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We are rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began. Ranked top 10 in the world for political science and international relations according to the Centre for World University Rankings (2017)

Our expert staff

Some of the biggest names in the field work at Essex, giving you unparalleled access to some of the best minds in politics. Our staff are advising the CIA on counter-terrorism, training politicians and civil servants in democratising countries, and commentating on political events in national and international media.

Our academic staff work on topics ranging from international conflict and violence to British elections, and from the obligations of the younger generation to why authoritarian leaders welcome natural disasters.

You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Specialist facilities

-Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
-ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
-Student societies for politics, debating, and Model UN
-We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
-A programme of seminars and events run by the department

Your future

All Essex politics graduates have the distinction of a qualification from one of the world’s leading politics departments.

Our graduates from this course can expect to find jobs in market research, the media and central or local government. It also provides a foundation for further research in political science. You will gain key employability skills such as analytical reasoning, research design, and report writing.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:
-The Civil Service
-Local government
-The World Bank
-The United Nations
-NATO
-YouGov and YouGov America

We also offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields: government; ideology and discourse analysis; international relations; political behaviour; and politics.

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-MA Dissertation
-Theory and Explanation in Political Science
-Advanced Research Methods (optional)
-Political Explanation (optional)
-Comparative European Politics (optional)
-Conflict Resolution (optional)
-Contemporary Theories of Justice (optional)
-Ideology and Political Discourse (optional)
-Environmental Politics (optional)
-International Security Studies (optional)
-Political Economy (optional)
-Political Parties in Britain and Europe (optional)
-Political Theory (optional)
-Public Opinion and Political Behaviour (optional)
-Research Design (optional)
-Research Seminar in Political Theory and Methods (optional)
-Theories of International Relations (optional)
-Survey Measurement and Question Design

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About the MSc programme

The MSc Political Science and Political Economy provides a sound professional training in formal political science and in quantitative oriented approaches to political economy. You will acquire the knowledge and techniques to analyse political processes, institutional design and public policy making in liberal democracies.

It offers courses in political economy, elections, legislature, executive governments, public policy, development, and international political economy within the framework of a political science oriented programme. This MSc will provide a set of skills which are highly sought after in public policy making, policy analysis, business, political consultancy and public affairs.

This programme is an excellent preparation for further research work (including a PhD or research in quantitative political science) or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector.

Graduate destinations

This programme is an excellent preparation for further research work or for a career in education, public administration or the private sector. It will also equip the students with the skills needed to pursue a PhD or conduct research in quantitative political science.

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Our Masters in Political Science is a general programme providing access to all the main intellectual strands of contemporary political science. Its core module is Advanced Political Analysis, and you have the option to choose additional modules from, for example, Introduction to Social Research, and Advanced Qualitative Research Methods.

This core pathway is designed for flexibility, allowing you to choose over half of the MA content from a wide range of optional modules.

In the School of Government and Society we offer much more than a degree. As a student here, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, you have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events, with some or all of the costs paid for by the School.

This programme offers you the chance to develop an advanced theoretical and research-based training, especially interesting for students wishing to pursue further postgraduate studies.

The MA / Diploma in Political Science is a general degree programme providing access to all the main intellectual strands of contemporary political science. Its core module is Advanced Political Analysis, and students have the option to choose from a broad range of additional modules, based on their specific interests.

Who is the programme for?

This degree will appeal to students seeking widely applicable training in pursuit of careers in government, non-governmental organisations, and many areas of the private sector.

Specialist pathways

British Politics and the State
Research Methods

About the School of Government and Society

The School of Government and Society is one of the leading UK and International centres for governance, politics, international development, sociology, public management, Russian and European studies.
Established in 2008, the School comprises three Departments: Politics and International Studies (POLSIS); International Development (IDD) and Local Government Studies (INLOGOV).

POLSIS: The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS), one of the largest and most academically vibrant departments of Political Science and International Studies in the UK. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) Politics and International Studies at Birmingham was ranked the 6th best in the power rankings highlighting the large number of staff in POLSIS producing world-leading and internationally excellent research.

IDD: Be part of global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Contribute to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. Help build capacity of nations and communities to adapt to climate change. Study with us to gain the skills and knowledge essential for working in international development in the 21st Century.

INLOGOV: The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) is the leading academic centre for research and teaching on local governance and strategic public management. We enrich the world of local public service with research evidence and innovative ideas, making a positive difference.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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A broad, research-oriented degree programme
Does diversity jeopardise the welfare state? How is political radicalisation prevented? Why are Scandinavians more trustful than others? At the Department of Political Science our objective is to choose the right research strategies, methods and theoretical concepts that will enable us to answer such questions. This may involve conducting surveys, statistical modelling or interviews, spending hours at the library or going on field trips to the Middle East.

The MSc in Political Science is the flagship degree of our top European political science department, whose high ratings and research attract academics from around the globe to its vibrant community of scholars. This is a high-quality, two-year programme for those who seek a comprehensive political science education focusing on research design and methodology. The programme gives students the possibility of specialising in the subfields of comparative politics, political theory, political sociology, international relations, public policy or public administration.

Quality teaching in an informal learning environment
The MSc in Political Science is dedicated to the highest-quality teaching in an informal and egalitarian learning environment. Students are always welcome to approach the teaching staff, whose doors are open to anybody wishing to propose a supervised reading course, for example. Students are expected to engage actively in classroom debates. They also collaborate in small-scale comparative projects that make the most of the international study environment.

Variety and opportunities
The MSc in Political Science is flexible, giving students the opportunity to design their own course programme. Talented students may even be offered a chance to work as research assistants on on-going projects. Some students will spend a semester abroad at one of our partner institutions or do an internship in a company or organisation.

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Political Science is a research intensive and teaching oriented department, offering students a dynamic and engaging environment in which to pursue graduate studies. Faculty involved in the graduate program pursue a wide range of research interests, including: human rights and development, international relations, peace and conflict studies, constitutionalism and law, gender and identity, and public policy and administration. Our faculty members are widely published, and are active in obtaining grant funding from SSHRC and other sources. The department also has a strong track record in helping graduate students obtain research funding of their own, including SSHRC, OGS, and Trillium. Many of our faculty engage in field work in a number of regions including Africa, Latin America, Asia, Oceania and the Pacific, the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

MA Program

The Department of Political Science offers three programs of study leading to the MA degree. Graduate students in the Department of Political Science are accepted into one of the following options:
-MA in Political Science
-Guelph-McMaster Collaborative MA

Program in Public Policy and Administration Graduates of the MA in Political Science are engaged in a wide range of careers in academia, government and industry. Graduates of the Guelph-McMaster option enjoy successful careers in the public services of Canada, Ontario and other provinces, as well as local governments, and pursue careers in the private sector as well as the non-profit sector. A number of graduates have pursued PhDs and now teach in universities and colleges. The department also participates in a collaborative MA program in International Development with students obtaining a specialization in International Development along with the Political Science degree. IDS graduates hold positions in government in Canada and abroad with nongovernment organizations (NGOs), international organizations and private consultancies.

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The Master of Arts program offers students in a wide range of disciplines the opportunity to earn a master’s degree by writing a thesis and successfully completing a limited number of courses. The number and details of the courses are determined within the first semester of the student's program.

Students may complete their degrees in either a full- or part-time capacity. Full-time students complete a 24-month program while part-time students complete a 48-month program. Part-time students will normally complete all required course work in the first 24 months, with the subsequent months committed to continued research and production of the Thesis.

Although degrees are awarded in specific disciplines, the program is administered centrally by the School of Graduate Studies, rather than by individual departments or Faculties.

Graduate degrees traditionally have been awarded for the successful completion of a satisfactory Thesis. The Thesis route expresses the fundamental tradition of academic scholarship. It also relates to the University’s undergraduate programs, because the creation of a Thesis in any discipline calls for a range of skills which are central to the liberal education tradition, including analysis and synthesis of ideas, empirical investigations, the construction and articulation of arguments, and writing skills.

Because of the nature of the M.A. program, the Thesis forms the central requirement of the program. At the master’s level, a Thesis involves close collaboration between supervisor and student. Consequently, it is necessary for a candidate to establish contact with potential supervisors prior to application for admission. Candidates seeking potential supervisors should contact either the relevant academic department or the School of Graduate Studies.

Individualize Your Graduate Experience

The University of Lethbridge recognizes the importance of quality graduate education for students and offers graduate degrees in diverse disciplines. Within the Department of Political Science this includes:

-Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
-Individualized Multidisciplinary Major (MA or MSc)

Collaboration with the University of Calgary

The Department of Political Science has developed a cooperative arrangement with the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary. Students enrolled in the MA Program at the University of Lethbridge can take graduate courses at the University of Calgary as part of their degree requirements. We can also draw on faculty from Calgary to serve on graduate committees at the University of Lethbridge. Similarly, the Political Science department there can draw on our faculty and resources to help with the delivery of their graduate program. The goal of this collaboration is to improve the experience of students and the quality of graduate studies at both institutions.

Why study at the University of Lethbridge?

As a graduate student at the University of Lethbridge, you’ll find yourself at the centre of a student-focused environment that nurtures innovation, critical thinking and creativity.

The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions.

At the foundation of our graduate programs is a multidisciplinary and personalized experience. A collaborative environment is encouraged between faculty and students. This means you have flexibility in decisions regarding the research and learning path you take.

At the U of L, we are committed to helping every one of our students thrive. From aiding with financial support to one-on-one mentorship to individualized career advice, you’ll find support every step of the way.

When you graduate, you will have the confidence you need to succeed in whatever you do, whether that means pursuing further education, teaching in an academic setting or establishing a professional career.

We’re here to help as you find the answers to your questions. As Alberta’s Destination University, the U of L gives you room to think, create and explore, providing a university experience unlike any other.

How to apply

In order to apply, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Academic Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Letters of Reference
• Letter of Intent
• English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All applications and supporting documents must be provided through the online portal: https://www.uleth.ca/future-student/graduate-studies/apply

Co-operative Education & Internships Option

The Co-operative Education/Internship Option is available to students for the Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) programs. Co-operative education is an educational model that formally integrates academic study at the master’s level with relevant, paid work experience in appropriate employment fields such as government, institutions, and industry. The University, the employer, and the student are in partnership to ensure an enriching experience toward the student's professional development.

More information: http://www.uleth.ca/artsci/coop/co-operative-education-internship-option-graduate-studies

Funding

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.uleth.ca/graduate-studies/award-opportunities

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How do political scientists explain political outcomes? How can political science be used to analyse the real world? Our MRes gives you additional rigorous training in research design and methods compared to an MSc or MA, preparing you for PhD research in any sub-field of political science.

You learn how to ask questions across political science, developing theories, conducting research, analysing data and exploring the empirical implications of theoretical models empirical methods. You learn to draw your own conclusions as to which approaches are appropriate for the questions they want to ask and answer, and gain a thorough and rigorous understanding of such research tools.

You study modules on theories of political explanation, research design, and empirical and mixed research methods across your two years, whilst developing a 35,000-word dissertation.

Our Department of Government is one of the most prestigious in Europe, with an outstanding record of teaching, research and publication. We’re rated top in the UK for research (REF 2014), and have consistently been the highest-rated politics department in the country since national assessments began. Ranked top 10 in the world for political science and international relations according to the Centre for World University Rankings (2017)

Our expert staff

Some of the biggest names in the political science work at Essex, giving you unparalleled access to some of the best minds in the field. You join an active and prolific research team, with the opportunity to work alongside a member of staff on their research instead of completing a dissertation; some of these projects have even resulted in joint staff/student publications.

Our key academic staff for this course are Professor Jonathan Slapin, who specializes on political organizations and political parties and whose research has received multiple awards. Dr Simone Dietrich, who uses laboratory, field, and survey experiments to study foreign aid provision and its effect on economic and political development around the world. Dr Daina Chiba, who has interests in the areas of militarised conflict, international institutions, and political methodology. Dr Anna Getmansky, who works on the electoral impact of terrorism. Laura Montanaro, who works on democratic theory in the area of non-electoral representation and Dr Alejandro Quiroz Flores, who studies the political economy of natural disasters as well as research methods.

Specialist facilities

-Laboratories of networked computers featuring extensive software for political analysis
-ESSEXLab provides opportunities for experimental lab research
-Student societies for politics, debating, and Model UN
-We organise the Essex Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis
-A programme of seminars and events run by the department

Your future

An MRes puts you in a particularly strong position to succeed in a research degree. We offer supervision for PhD and MPhil in the following fields:
-Government and politics
-Ideology and discourse analysis
-International relations
-Political behaviour
-Political economy

Our academic reputation is illustrated by the fact that many of our graduates now teach or research at universities, colleges of higher education and schools. For example, recent graduates are now research fellows and academic staff at: Mannheim, Germany; ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Duke University, USA; NATO/SHAPE, Belgium; and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Other recent graduates have gone on to work for the following high-profile organisations:
-The Civil Service
-Local government
-The World Bank
-The United Nations
-NATO
-YouGov and YouGov America

We also work with the University’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of intellectual excellence that encompasses 14 academic departments and 80 degree programs. Its more than 2,500 students are engaged in a wide variety of challenging courses and hands-on learning experiences that extend across all areas of the humanities and sciences – from the great philosophers and classic literature to the world economy and environmental sustainability.

At the core of each department are faculty members who have garnered national acclaim for their best-selling books, ground-breaking research and creative endeavors. Together, students and their professors explore globally significant subjects and work towards the goal of improving every aspect of the way in which human beings live. To learn more about a specific area of study, click on the left-hand navigation bar for a full listing of academic departments.

The department

As a political science or international studies major, you will examine worldwide political systems, economic systems, and social organizations from a variety of perspectives. You will engage in lively intellectual debates, learn how to develop persuasive arguments, and articulate your convictions with confidence and poise. You also will gain skills in research, analysis and critical thinking, which will ensure your marketability and success.

The Department of Political Science is very active in placing students in internships, including full-time, paid positions in the New York State Assembly and Senate in Albany in the spring of the students’ junior and senior years. Other internships are available to selected students in law offices, with judges, and at the United Nations.

Students are engaged in many extra-curricular activities, including the Political Science Association, the International Studies Association, the Pre-law Association, the Young Republican Club and Young Democrat Club. International Studies majors are active in the Model UN conferences held in New York City at which they have won several awards. Graduating seniors with excellent grade point averages may be eligible to be inducted into two national honor societies: Pi Gamma Mu and Pi Sigma Alpha.

M.A. in Political Science

The American system of self-government and political participation is one of the great stories of world history. From town and city councils to the Congress and the presidency, the institutions, political factions and social forces that drive our collective decision-making impact all of society and every individual. The 36-credit Master of Arts degree in Political Science at LIU Post examines domestic and foreign governments, the legislative process, the Constitution, government functions, and the role of governments and their impacts on people.

The graduate program offers a choice of four concentrations: American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations and Political Theory. Each concentration affords the student an in-depth examination of the fundamental forces, institutions and functions of public policy and governance. This program is ideal preparation for a wide range of careers or for doctoral study.

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Program Overview

The Department of Political Science offers opportunities for advanced study in the major fields of political science. It is a major centre for the study of Canadian politics with a strong core of faculty actively engaged in research touching on Canadian themes. The Department is a leading centre for the study of parties and elections in Canada. It has a long tradition of the study of federalism and the normative dimensions underlying Canadian politics. Much current work focuses on issues of public policy.

The University is one of North America's leading centres for Asian studies and the Department is an important element of that research strength with faculty members specializing in the study of China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Several department members are associated with the Institute of Asian Research on campus and play an active role in the editorial work of the journal Pacific Affairs, which is housed on campus.

The Department has highly regarded expertise in the area of international relations. Department faculty are affiliated with the UBC Center of International Relations, which is awarded yearly grants by the Department of National Defence as a centre of expertise under its Military and Strategic Studies Program. Department faculty are also active in the interdisciplinary Liu Institute for the Study of Global Issues.

In addition, the Department has recognized expertise in the study of democratization and democratic institutions from a variety of perspectives. The Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions is a focal point for research in the Department.

The Department also promotes research and teaching in political theory, political economy, research methodologies and public policy. Individual faculty members' interests cover a broad spectrum of political systems (including Russia, Latin America, the United States, and Australia in addition to those noted above) and embrace a variety of methodological approaches.

The UBC Library is one of North America's major university research libraries and is a depository for UN, Canadian, and BC Government publications, as well as many US Government documents. The Asian Research Library is a particularly important research centre. The Department and UBC Library hold joint memberships in the Inter-University Consortium for Political Research and the International Survey Library Association. The UBC Data Library has the largest collection of machine-readable material in Canada.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Arts
- Specialization: Political Science
- Subject: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Arts

Research focus

Fields of study in the Political Science program include:
- Canadian Politics: federalism, the Canadian electoral system, the constitution, the courts, electoral reform, parliamentary institutions, political parties, Canadian public policy, Canadian political thought, voting behaviour
- Comparative Politics: democratization and democratic institutions, state-society relations, comparative public policy, comparative political economy, constitutional design and comparative political institutions, executive politics, separation of powers, governance, non-governmental organizations, and immigration politics
- International Relations: International Relations Theory, International Political Economy, International Security, International Law and Organization, International Norms, Human Security, the politics of international law, and global governance
- Political Theory: democratic theory, liberalism, constitutionalism, human rights, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism, identity politics, critical theory, history of political thought

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The Department of Political Science at Windsor gives students the chance to be part of a growing and vibrant academic community. The department has exceptional resources available to fund its M.A. students, and offers two exciting paths to pursue graduate work: an M.A. degree, which can generally be completed in one calendar year (September to September) through the completion of courses and either a major research paper or a master's thesis; and the M.A. internship option that combines the M.A. coursework with a 6-month paid internship and valuable hands-on work experience.

World Class Scholars

The department currently has over a dozen full-time faculty members, all of whom are actively engaged in research. Joining the M.A. program will give you the opportunity to participate in and learn from the wide array of research undertaken by our faculty.

The department is also home to two major research centres: the Jerusalem Old City Initiative and the Cross-Border Institute. Several graduate students have worked with the Jerusalem Old City Initiative since its inception, and have participated in high level meetings and ongoing research projects tied to Track II diplomatic efforts centered on the status of Jerusalem. If you are interested in learning more about JOCI and graduate opportunities available in connection with this initiative, please contact Dr. Tom Najem.

The Cross-Border Institute is housed within the Department of Political Science and is headed by Dr. William Anderson. This ambitious research center puts students at the center of North America's transportation infrastructure, and within sight of the world's busiest border crossing at the Ambassador Bridge. Funding opportunities are available. Students interested in pursuing an M.A. in political science with a focus on transportation policy should contact Dr. Anderson.

Excellent Funding Opportunities

The university and the department are committed to funding students in the M.A. program. Over the past several years, the department has been able to offer a graduate teaching assistantship to all students who entered the M.A. program full-time. The university offers the possibility of a Tuition Scholarship to students who enter with an undergraduate cumulative average of A- or better. The department also has exceptional funding opportunities for students entering the program. Click here to read more about funding and scholarships.

Great Career Prospects

Graduates from our M.A. program have an exceptional record following completion of their degrees. Our graduates work for Canadian MPs and Senators, in the provincial legislature, and for a number of municipal governments. Many also work for federal government agencies such as CSIS, Health Canada, and the diplomatic service. Others have gone on to become lawyers and journalists, while still others go on to Ph.D. programs. Recent graduates of the program have gone on to undertake Ph.D. research at Carleton University, the University of Victoria, the University of Michigan, and the University of Chicago, among others. The skills you will develop in our M.A. program will assist you in securing a place in a Ph.D. program.

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Acadia’s 12-month program in Political Science helps you unite great ideas and urgent practice. Our rigorous program will prepare you for work in the public and private sectors or further graduate study at the PhD level.

Acadia’s graduate program in political science fosters a close relationship between graduate students and faculty in order to offer you a flexible and rigorous academic foundation. You will receive comprehensive instruction in the fields of Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, and will work on an extended research project under the supervision of one or more of our faculty. You will experience rigorous training in the discipline, preparing you to continue your studies at the PhD level. This training also prepares you for work in the public and private sector and in the areas of journalism, advocacy, international development and organization, education, and law.

Be Inspired

In Acadia's small and selective political science graduate program you will benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention while having access to faculty with a diverse set of research interests. Many of our students are attracted to the small scale of both Acadia University and the Town of Wolfville - an intimate community located in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley. With a vibrant cultural scene, a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and great locations for outdoor activities, Wolfville and the surrounding area offer you a welcoming and stimulating home.

Research Interests

-Aesthetics of international politics
-Canadian politics and government
-Civil society and social movements
-Comparative public policy
-Continental political thought
-Democratic citizenship in theory and practice
-Discourses of culture and technology
-Discursive democracy and social justice
-First Nations Peoples in Canada
-Gender and development
-Identity politics in Canada
-Indigenous epidemiologies and political contexts
-International political theory
-Intersectionality of oppressions in Canada
-Labour rights, especially for women, migrants, and public sector employees
-New media technologies
-Northern studies in Canada
-Public administration
-Place-based knowledge and narrative
-Philosophy of space and time
-Politics of the Americas
-The role of culture and ideology in environmental politics, with a focus on water issues
-Social construction of scarcity
-Sovereignty and pre-emptive governance
-Workers' activism

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The Master of Arts program is designed to satisfy the diverse interests of students who wish to pursue a year of graduate study in political science. Students admitted to the MA program may choose from three fields: Political Theory, Political Science, and Political Economy of International Development. Students whose interests are primarily normative and philosophical may choose the field of Political Theory.

The Combined Juris Doctor/Doctor of Philosophy program enables students to acquire a PhD in Political Science as well as a JD in Law.

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