The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Political studies examines the dynamics of human interaction and the ways in which individuals and groups compete to achieve their goals. The study of politics involves consideration of the interactions between the individual, the state, government, public affairs and public policy. Politics is a study of conflict among competing interests and how they achieve compromise and cooperation; it is a source of conflict in the world and also a mode of activity seeking to resolve strife and create better societies.
Students of political studies gain skills that apply well to careers in teaching, law, journalism, the public sector and private industry.
Learn about what to expect in your first year of study, typical courses and career opportunities.
As a political studies student, you can take advantage of opportunities and supports.
Discover the variety of scholarships, prizes and awards for undergraduate and graduate students of political studies. Bursaries are also available.
This program offers six 10-month long internship opportunities each year to recent graduates of universities who are permanent Manitoba residents. Gain first-hand experience in the legislative process and work with MLAs and their caucuses in policy research. The application deadline is in February of each year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our faculty participate in a wide-range of research activities including a number of centres and groups affiliated with the Department of Political Studies.
Serves as a focal point for research methodologies and policy-related activities in the social sciences. Provides training, support and infrastructure to UM students, faculty and staff and the wider community.
Advance the knowledge, understanding and debate on defence and security issues through research, teaching and outreach. Research areas include the Arctic, NORAD, ballistic missile defence, terrorism and more.
This Indigenous Governance and Community Based Research Space reflects and respects Indigenous peoples, and their cultural, political and intellectual traditions. Mamawipawin actively engages the process of decolonization and takes up the responsibility to search out solutions to real problems.
This policy research institute conducts research and analysis about nations and their relation to the world economy. It undertakes research projects through collaboration between UM faculty and students and scholars, and also provides research and mentoring opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
The Duff Roblin Professor of Government, established in 1996, enhances the study of Canadian and particularly Manitoba government and public affairs.
Susan Prentice, Professor of Sociology and a former Margaret Laurence Chair in Women’s and Gender Studies, was named to the Duff Robin Professorship in 2020.
Past professors include:
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 Manitoba Chair of Global Governance Studies (MCGGS) works to help promote understanding and awareness of ongoing developments in the field of global governance. It is a joint program between the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.
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 four pages to Dr. Bryan Peeler, MCGGS board chair at bryan.peeler@umanitoba.ca:
This annual lecture brings together students, academics, the media and practitioners to discuss new research in the areas of international relations.
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.
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
Free and open to the public, this annual conference features distinguished Canadian and international speakers exploring issues in international affairs and their implications for Canada. The conference aims to challenge conventional wisdom in the field and present policymakers with alternatives for the future.
Carmela Cianflone, Administrative Assistant
530 Fletcher Argue Building
Phone: 204-474-9521
Carmela.Cianflone@umanitoba.ca
Shauna Kapusta, Graduate Office Assistant
532 Fletcher Argue Building
Phone: 204-474-9733
Shauna.Kapusta@umanitoba.ca
Department of Political Studies
532 Fletcher Argue Building
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V5 Canada
