MA program

The Master's program consists of course work and a Master's thesis of approximately 100 pages. The program is designed so that students can complete it in 12 months, although most take up to 2 years.

The thesis component is an important part of our MA program. While many universities have eliminated or downgraded the thesis component, we believe that it is essential for students to gain experience in developing their own research projects.

For more information about the graduate programs in Political Science, refer to the Political Science Graduate Handbook.


Explore research areas

The program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to work closely with a thesis supervisor. Candidates for the MA program should look carefully at the areas of expertise and research interests of the various faculty members. Students with other interests should consult the before applying.


Improve your skills by becoming a teaching assistant

Many of our graduate students are able to participate in our teaching assistantship program. Teaching assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to incoming students. All candidates applying to our Master's program by the January 15 deadline are automatically considered for a teaching assistantship. More information about financial support.


Consider an interdisciplinary graduate program

The Department of Political Science also participates in two interdisciplinary programs.

The Cultural, Social and Political Thought Program is offered in conjuction with the Departments of English, History, and Sociology. The program involves additional course work in the form of interdisciplinary CSPT seminars and typically takes 24 months to complete. There is a separate admissions process for CSPT and interested students should direct their inquiries to the Director of the CSPT Program, .

The Certificate in Indigenous Nationhood examines the intersections of law, politics and governance and is designed to be completed in 1-2 years. Interested students should direct their inquiries to the Director of the IN Certificate Program, .


Join British Columbia's Legislative Internship

The Department participates in the British Columbia's Legislative Internship Program. Interns may receive 3 units of credit for a research report related to their work. This program is open to selected graduates of BC universities.

The BCLIP faculty coordinator for 2017-18 is .