Program description
Political Studies examines the dynamics of human interaction in which individuals and groups compete, and cooperate, to achieve their goals, in the context of competing visions, values and interests. It is therefore a study of power, particularly in connection with law and public policy.
Because people often disagree about, say, civil liberties, sustainable development, and distributive justice, they divide themselves into various groups: nations, political parties, trade unions, business associations, environmental organizations, to mention but a few. Political studies tries to understand what happens when individuals and groups struggle with one another to achieve their different goals. Within states there are mechanisms called governments to oversee and guide political struggle, and studying politics can help us better appreciate why various types of government behave the way they do.
Program options
Degree options
B.A. Bachelor of Arts, Political Studies - 3 years
B.A. (Adv.) Bachelor of Arts, Political Studies Advanced - 4 years
Professional opportunities
- Government agencies
- Teacher or professor
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Politician
Admission requirements & prerequisites
Direct entry option
Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the Advanced entry option section for more information.
Advanced entry option
24 credit hours in U1 (or approved bachelors program)
This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.
High school prerequisites
High school prerequisites: none
Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.
More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Arts apply for admission page.
What is unique about this program at the U of M?
- Committed and dynamic faculty
- Small student-faculty ratios
- 5 major subfields covered
- Legislative internship programs
- Annual student conferences
Important links
Faculty of Arts
Department of Political Studies
Graduate Programs
