Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science

The Doctor of Philosophy program offers courses in the fields of Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy. The Department believes that all PhD students should have a degree of methodological literacy, regardless of their area of interest. It provides a half course devoted to statistical methods, as well as courses on research design, quantitative methods, and qualitative methods. The Department has a large and academically diverse research oriented faculty, well represented in the various sub-fields of the discipline (Political Theory, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Development Studies, Canadian Politics and Public Policy). The Department also participates in a wide range of interdisciplinary graduate programs. Although the Department is one of the largest Political Science departments in the western world, it is committed to fostering a collegial environment for graduate students and personal interaction between faculty and students.

Applicants must have completed an MA degree in political science (or its equivalent) by the time of enrolment.

Applicants are expected to have achieved grades averaging A– or better in their most recent degree.

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Exceptional students who have completed an appropriate bachelor's degree with a concentration in political science by the time of enrolment. Such students who receive less than an A– average in their first four courses will be recommended to SGS to transfer to the MA program. If the transfer is approved, these students will graduate with a terminal MA, provided their grades meet the requirements for the MA degree and provided they meet the course requirements of one of the three MA fields.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Required score: 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Including Writing and Speaking Sections: Overall score: 93; Writing: 22; Speaking: 22
Academic English Level 60: Required score: B
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Online: Required score: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): Required score: 76 minimum total with at least 22 in each component and 32 in writing
Cambridge Assessment English: Required score: minimum 185 overall with at least 176 in each component.