Political Science
Critical thinking in action
Political science is the study of power, authority and governance in human affairs. We examine the social, economic, cultural, historical, geographical and other forces that generate conflicts in and between societies.
Do you want to understand how decisions are made at different levels of government? Are you curious about how social justice issues affect you and the world?
Join us and learn how to evaluate different points of view and think critically about the world around you.
Study political science at UVic
From small class sizes to hands-on and international learning, learn why you should study political science at UVic.
Announcements
Colin Bennett joins initiative to save Canada's "digital sovereignty"
September 5, 2025
Colin Bennett joined a group of 70 leading Canadians and civil society groups to ask Carney to protect Canada's "digital sovereignty". From the CBC coverage: "Dozens of experts, academics...
Dr. Alison Brysk, POLI 2025 Lansdowne Visitor
September 5, 2025
POLI 2025 LANSDOWNE VISITORDR. ALISON BRYSK, Chair and Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Global Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara Department Seminar:...
Faculty spotlight: Claire Cutler!
September 5, 2025
Congratulations to Professor Emerta, Claire Cutler, who has been selected as the recipient of the 2024-25 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Faculty of Social Sciences! The citation reads:...
Faculty spotlight: Andrew Wender
September 5, 2025
Congratulations to Teaching Professor, Andrew Wender, who has been selected as the recipient of the 2024-25 Teaching Excellence Award in the Faculty of Social Sciences! The citation reads:...
Urban Affairs - essays in tribute to Warren Magnusson
September 2, 2025
Warren Magnusson (1947–2025) was a political scientist, son of Manitoba, trained at Oxford, and long-time faculty member at the University of Victoria, who was best known internationally...
2026-27 Political Science Sessional Teaching Posting
August 29, 2025
The Department of Political Science at the University of Victoria seeks Sessional Instructors for 2026-27 Appointments within CUPE 4163 (Component 3) The Department of Political Science...
Political Science Weekly Digest for Friday, September 25, 2025
August 29, 2025
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands,...
News
Faculty of Social Sciences
The Faculty of Social Sciences is a dynamic and multi-faceted community of people. We have more than 140 regular faculty members, 200 additional adjunct, emeritus and sessional faculty, and approximately 30 support employees. Our student community includes roughly 400 graduate students and more than 4,500 undergraduate students.
