The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases.

PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees.
International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Political Science (M.A.)

Program Description

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science (Thesis) offered by the Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Arts is a research-intensive program that emphasizes innovative and targeted learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in visionary thinking, literature synthesis, and critical reflection to either continue their studies or pursue professional opportunities.

In addition to the primary program, it is possible to take one of the following options:

Development Studies option: gives graduate students a multi-disciplinary background through practice including a new seminar grouping together students from all six disciplines. The thesis or research paper must be written with a multi-disciplinary approach.

European Studies option: is open to students whose work is focused on Europe, in particular on issues relating to European integration.

Keywords: Canadian politics, Comparative politics, International Relations, Political Theory, methodology, qualitative research, qualitative research, institutions, government, power, political behaviour.

Unique Program Features

  • Students in the program may specialize in Canadian Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, or International Relations;
  • Faculty members are affiliated with various research centers and programs such as the Network on Peaceful Change, the Research Group on Constitutional Studies, and the Center for Peace and Security Studies;
  • Students in the Development Studies option will develop a unique set of tools to prepare them for the next chapter, whether it is working with development organizations or government agencies, or pursuing either a disciplinary-based or multi-disciplinary doctoral degree;
  • The Department of Political Science is a pioneer in the study of politics in North America (founded in 1901).

University-Level Admission Requirements

  • An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
  • English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

MA in Political Science website

Department Contact

Graduate Program graduate.polisci [at] mcgill.ca (subject: MA%20in%20Political%20Science) (email)

Available Intakes

Fall

Application Deadlines

Intake Applications Open Application Deadline - International Application Deadline - Domestic (Canadian, Permanent Resident of Canada)
FALL September 15 January 15 January 15
WINTER N/A N/A N/A
SUMMER N/A N/A N/A

Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

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