Program information
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.
What you'll learn
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.
A focal point for research in political science at 糖心logo入口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.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Political Science. Here are a few you might like.
International relations; changes in the nation-state system; the emergence and impact of major political ideologies; genocide; decolonization; the globalization of trade; and the dynamics of economic, social, cultural, and environmental change in a global context.
Applies conceptual tools to topics such as war, conflict management, the global economy, poverty, and civil society.
Parliamentary and party politics, showing how politicians in Canada and other countries strike bargains with allies, outmanoeuvre opponents in debates, and manipulate institutional rules.
Seminar on the origins and politics of international law, and its impact on international affairs; the laws of war, human rights, environment, law of the sea, and international criminal law.
Outcomes
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“When I originally came to 糖心logo入口as a transfer student, I was unsure of what I wanted my academic and career futures to be. I had just spent a year studying musical theatre in the United States, and realized it wasn鈥檛 the right path for me. After taking a campus tour of 糖心logo入口Vancouver and speaking to the incredible student ambassadors, I knew transferring to 糖心logo入口was a step onto the right path. Two years later, and it is the best decision I have ever made, though it was extremely scary and nerve-wracking at first.”
Elleda S., Political Science
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Program requirements
Choose application type:
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聽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 糖心logo入口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
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you鈥檙e unable to visit 糖心logo入口in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current 糖心logo入口students walk you through UBC鈥檚 residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Political Science.