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Politics Degree in Canada

Introduction to studying a politics degree in Canada

Politics is the study of governance, political systems, and global affairs on national and international levels. Studying a politics course equips individuals with analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to comprehend complex societal issues. It is a powerful discipline that can foster a sense of civic responsibility among citizens and empower them to engage actively in the democratic processes of a country or any place. An educational program can provide insights into policy-making, international relations, and power dynamics for students genuinely interested in politics, eventually preparing them for diverse careers in public service, diplomacy, advocacy, or academia.

Canada is usually considered one of the best places to study politics as it has an inclusive and diverse society, which serves as a microcosm for the study of political structures, policies, and the challenges faced by modern democracies worldwide. This multicultural backdrop facilitates a nuanced understanding of identity politics, immigration policies, and the role of diverse communities in shaping the political landscape of a nation. The academic experience offered to students is also renowned worldwide, as many prestigious universities in Canada provide exceptional political courses. International students who wish to study political science in Canada can find various pathways to start their education and also actively work during and after graduation in the country’s political environment as Canada respects the multicultural fabric of its society, allowing its residents from other countries to take up positions within the government.

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Types of Degree

Bachelor’s in Politics

Studying politics at the undergraduate level gives students a comprehensive education covering various topics, including political theory, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, and Canadian politics. They can also expect to engage with theoretical frameworks, historical analyses, and contemporary issues shaping the country’s political landscape.

Canadian universities offering bachelor’s in politics provide a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies to specific areas of interest within the field. Moreover, these programs encourage critical thinking, research, and effective communication skills. Students are generally required to complete a specified number of credits, and the program may be completed after students take up a capstone project or an internship, allowing them to learn the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during their university years.

Course duration: 3-4 years
Course fees: CAD 25,000-60,000
Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a high school diploma with specified academic prerequisites and showcase proficiency in the English language.

Master’s in Politics

Master’s programs in politics serve as graduate study options, offering an advanced level of education. These programs generally cater to students with a background in political science or a related field while allowing them to delve into advanced topics. The overall curriculum involves coursework dealing with advanced topics in political science, research methodologies, and critical analyses of political systems.

The best universities for political science in Canada offering master’s degrees allow students to specialize in political theory, international relations, public policy, comparative politics, or Canadian politics. Given Canada’s multicultural society and its position in global affairs, the master’s programs are renowned for providing a unique perspective on domestic and international political issues. Many courses also involve interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to integrate insights from other disciplines, such as economics, sociology, or environmental studies, into their political analyses. Some graduate programs emphasize research skills, entailing students to complete a thesis or a major research project as part of their degree requirements.

Course duration: 2 years
Course fees: CAD 16,000-30,000
Entry requirements: All applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in a related field. Some universities also ask for GRE test scores in addition to English language proficiency test scores, which are generally mandatory.

PhD in Politics

Students who wish to attain the highest educational credentials while studying politics courses in Canada can opt for PhD programs in Canada. These doctoral-level courses offer an intensive academic experience, which leads to individuals finding career opportunities in the field of research and educators, apart from options to take part in the governing systems of the country.

Most of the PhD programs are known to provide a comprehensive understanding of political theory, public policy, international relations, comparative politics, and other specialized areas within the discipline. Pursuing a PhD in politics enables students to engage in original research and develop advanced theoretical perspectives on polity.

Duration: 4-6 years
Fees: CAD 6,000-20,000
Entry requirements: Candidates need a master’s degree in politics or a related field with a strong academic record. Some programs may also require GRE scores besides language proficiency test scores.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available at various levels for students who want to offset some of the costs of studying in Canada. These scholarships also aim to attract high-achieving individuals, promote diversity, and facilitate the exchange of ideas in the field of political science in Canada.

Global Affairs Canada Scholarships: Through its various programs and partnerships, Global Affairs Canada offers scholarships to students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between Canada and other countries, making them applicable to politics and international relations studies.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: These are among the most prestigious scholarships in Canada, funded by the government. Vanier scholars are selected based on their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills, making it an attractive option for those pursuing a PhD in politics.
Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation offers doctoral scholarships to outstanding international students engaged in research related to humanities and social sciences, including political science.
Canadian government scholarships for developing countries: Canada provides scholarships to students from developing countries through programs like the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED).
University-specific scholarships: Canadian universities offer scholarships for international students enrolled in political programs. Each university’s eligibility criteria for processing these scholarships must be researched in advance.

Jobs and Careers

A degree in politics from Canada is valued globally and offers students several career opportunities after graduation. They can find employment in different industries as political science is a versatile field that instills critical thinking, research, and communication skills among the graduates. Following are some careers that individuals with a background in politics can pursue after completing their studies in Canada:

Policy Analyst
Government Relations Specialist
Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
Political Consultant
Intelligence Analyst
Journalist/Political Reporter
Researcher/Research Analyst
Non-profit/NGO Manager
International Development Specialist

Salary

Politics graduates can get career opportunities in several fields owing to their specializations and the experience level they gather over the years. The overall remuneration of individuals in Canada differs in many ways. However, individuals starting entry-level positions can expect to earn around CAD 49,000 annually. The mid-career professionals in roles such as policy analysts or government relations specialists can earn around CAD 71,000 per year. Those with advanced degrees and extensive experience, such as political consultants, professors, or senior government officials, may command salaries exceeding CAD 110,000.

Where can I study Political Science in Canada?

To learn more about the best politics universities in Canada, find details on the top ranking Politics programs in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:

Study Politics in Canada

If you want to study a politics program in Canada or learn about the Canadian application process for studying abroad, book a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

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FAQ

How long does it take to study politics in Canada?

The duration of studying politics courses in Canada usually varies on the academic level pursued. An undergraduate degree takes three to four years, while a master’s degree can be completed in two years. PhD programs can take around 4-6 years.

How much does it cost to study politics in Canada?

The overall cost of studying politics in Canada usually depends on the educational credentials one seeks. For a bachelor’s degree, students can expect to pay CAD 25,000-60,000, while for a master’s degree, they may need to pay around CAD 16,000-30,000. To pursue PhD in Canada, students must pay around CAD 6,000-20,000.

How do I apply for politics courses in Canada as an international student?

To apply for politics courses in Canada as an international student, you must find the university and program that suits you best. After zeroing in on the courses, check the admission requirements and gather the necessary documents before applying online on the university’s website.

What are the career prospects for politics graduates in Canada?

Politics graduates in Canada can enter various industries and have diverse career prospects. They can pursue roles in government, policy analysis, international relations, journalism, public affairs, or advocacy.