Political Science is the study of the nature, causes, and consequences of collective decisions and actions taken by groups of people embedded in cultures and institutions that structure power and authority. In this program you'll learn how to understand, interpret, explain, and critically assess events, patterns, and structures of politics and government and generate observations of relevance to policy makers, their fellow citizens, and global communities.
This program is also offered at UBC's Okanagan Campus
Find out moreProgram information
Send details- Campus: Vancouver
- Faculty: Faculty of Arts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts
- Length 4 yrs
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Co-op
Yes
You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
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Honours
Yes
You can study intense specialization in a single field.
Political Science will increase your understanding of critical issues and developments that affect our lives. Examples of such issues are the nature of power, the causes of conflict, the tensions of Canadian federalism, security in the post-Cold War international system, globalization, critiques of liberal democracy, feminist analysis, democratization, and the rise of Asia. You can select a Major, Minor, or Honours degree in Political Science, or Combined Majors with Economics and Philosophy.
Campus features
A focal point for research in political science at UBC is the The Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions. The Centre seeks to advance research, teaching and the broad communication of ideas and knowledge about institutional innovation in democratic governance.
Send detailsYour future
A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving with your career over time.
UBC stories
Yasin came to UBC with the goal of creating positive change socially, economically, and politically, and using his BA as the foundation for a law degree and future career in politics or diplomacy.
Yasin Kiraga Misago, Political Science and International Relations Read the full story
Program requirements
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts