Department of Political Studies

The UPSSA provides students with a common interest in political studies the opportunity to engage and participate in the growth and development of the community through talks, student representation and games nights.

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Training in political studies is valuable no matter what career you eventually pursue since politics is as pervasive within society as the air we breathe. A political studies background will also enhance your competence and skill for political participation. Greater awareness of the political process will mean a greater sense of personal involvement and more willingness to accept the responsibilities of democratic citizenship.

Political studies will improve your research and analytical skills and your ability to express your ideas orally and in writing. These are valuable assets for many jobs. Many worthwhile careers are open to a political studies graduate, though it should be stated that further training is often required.

Specialization in Canadian government and politics is good preparation for a career in the public service at the federal, provincial or municipal level. Students who wish to prepare for a career within the Department of External Affairs or the United Nations and its agencies would specialize in international relations.

An academic or teaching career is another option. High schools are beginning to offer politics courses and community college training in political studies has grown in recent years. In order to teach at the university level you would need a graduate degree.

Other career possibilities include law, where familiarity with the legislative process and government structures is valuable; journalism; certain posts in private industries and executive assistant posts to practicing politicians.

Use this guide to map out your career pathway from the start of your academic journey. Get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.

View the Political Studies Career Compass

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to work with our leading faculty researchers and gain valuable experience.

Hannah Guenther-Wexler didn’t let a lack of in-person research activities dampen her enthusiasm as she searched newspapers, periodicals and archival collections for pieces of Manitoba history.

The third-year political studies student in the Faculty of Arts was a 2021 Undergraduate Research Award (URA) recipient and worked under the supervision of Dr. Julia Smith, an assistant professor in labour studies. Together, their research shed light on the importance of strike action in advancing gender equality in the workplace.

• Read more about Guenther-Wexler's research experience working in Labour Studies

In 2021, political studies URA students, Connor Giesbrecht and Elizabeth St. John, interviewed Manitoba MLA's as part of their summer research. COVID-19 was a frequent topic of conversation. 

• Read more about their research experience interviewing Manitoba MLA's

Learn more and apply for a UM URA

This program was established in 1996 with a generous endowment from the Hon. Duff Roblin, PC, CC, OM. His intention was to enhance the study of Canadian government and public affairs through course offerings, research and outreach and to aid the educational development of younger scholars through the Duff Roblin Graduate Fellowship program, which is overseen by the Duff Roblin professor. Three fellowships are available.

For more information, visit Duff Roblin Political Studies Fellowship.

The study of global governance covers, but is not limited to, many issues and areas, including reforming the United Nations, especially the Security Council, the General Assembly, and the Secretariat; strengthening international law, especially human rights and humanitarian law, and international courts, such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court; human security; global civil society and citizenship; globalization of city governance and citizens’ movement in transforming global politics. Issues related to global governance can be studied from different theoretical perspectives. The aim is to stimulate debate and promote dialogue among scholars and practitioners in this field of study.

The MCGGS’s role is to help promote understanding and awareness of ongoing developments in the field of global governance, keeping in mind that global governance is not the same as global rule or world government. The Manitoba Chair is aimed at fostering knowledge both within the academic communities of students and faculty at both universities but is also aimed at reaching out to communities in Winnipeg and Manitoba. 

Funding is available to students or faculty members to support lectures, conferences, conference papers and other such academic endeavours that speak to the themes of global governance. Persons or groups at Manitoba universities and members of Manitoba communities are invited to apply. 

To apply, provide the following, with a maximum of two pages to Dr. Bryan Peeler, MCGGS board chair at bryan.peeler@umanitoba.ca:

• a brief summary of the event or initiative,
• an explanation of how the event/initiative involves global governance or international relations,
• a budget outlining expected spending including additional sources of funding.

Dr. Paul Buteux was an integral part of the UM community for over forty-five years. As a professor of International Relations, he was the leading Canadian scholar on nuclear weapons, nuclear deterrence, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Dr. Buteux was committed to academic excellence, education, and public debate on defence and security issues. He established the Centre for Defence and Security Studies in 1992, and served as its first director preceding Dr. James Fergusson and Dr. Andrea Charron. Through his efforts and initiative, the Centre established UM as a leading voice on international, strategic and Canadian defence issues. 

Dr. Buteux was a favourite among students because he was an outstanding teacher and mentor. Thanks to his commitment, many of his students have gone on to successful careers in academia, the private sector and government. Additionally, Dr. Buteux created the annual J.W. Dafoe Political Studies Students’ Conference in 1985— the longest standing student conference of its kind in Canada. His purpose was to provide valuable experience to students in organizing an international conference and exposing them to the leading national and international scholars and policy-makers. 

Dr. Buteux’s commitment to bringing together students, academics, the media, and practitioners to discuss new research continues with the Paul Buteux Memorial Lecture. 
 

2025 - Hon. Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Represenative of Canada to the United Nations in New York

2024 - Mr. Robert Baines, President and CEO, NATO Association of Canada

2023 - Ms. Madeleine Redfern

2022 - Dr. Valerie Oosterveld, Professor of Law, Western University

2021 - Asst Commissioner Jane McClatchy, RCMP - "D" Division

2020 - Andrew Parkin, Environics Institute 

2019 - Dr. Tim Cook, Military Historian

2018 - Kent Roach, Wilson-Prichard Chair in Law and Public Policy, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto

2017 - Mr. Paul Wells, Journalist