At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
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Language
PhD
Level
- 4 yearsTypical Duration
- $12 millionAnnual Graduate Student Funding
- Automatic funding considerationFunding Application
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Political Science is designed for students seeking advanced research and academic careers. Following the completion of a Master of Arts (MA) degree, the program typically takes around four years to complete. The initial year involves intensive coursework, including core seminars and professional development, while subsequent years focus on comprehensive examinations, dissertation proposal defense, and the independent research and writing of the dissertation.
Curriculum
The first year of the PhD program involves coursework, with students taking six graduate courses. At least one of these may be taken outside the Department of Political Science. Two of the courses must be 'field' seminars, designed to prepare students for candidacy examinations. Students typically take two candidacy examinations in their second year, followed by the preparation and defense of a dissertation proposal. The remaining approximately two years are dedicated to writing and defending the dissertation.
- Year 1
- Professional Development SeminarPOLI 600
- Field Seminar 1
- Field Seminar 2
- Other Graduate Courses (up to 2 outside department)
- Year 2
- Candidacy Examinations
- Dissertation Proposal Development
- Years 3-4
- Dissertation Writing and Defense
Careers
A PhD in Political Science prepares graduates for a range of careers in academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
- University Professor
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Political Consultant
- Government Official
- Think Tank Analyst
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical duration of the Political Science PhD program?
- The PhD program in Political Science is designed to be completed in approximately four years. The initial year focuses on coursework, followed by examinations, proposal defense, and dissertation research and writing.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Political Science PhD program?
- Tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term. International students are also subject to ancillary fees and a mandatory temporary medical insurance plan fee in their first term.
- What are the career prospects after completing a PhD in Political Science?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Typical roles include University Professor, Researcher, Policy Analyst, and Political Consultant.
- How do I apply for the Political Science PhD program, and what is the deadline?
- To apply, prepare your documents, identify potential supervisors, complete the online application, pay the fee, and submit everything by the January 15 deadline. Consult the Graduate Studies website for detailed instructions.
- Does the Political Science PhD program offer funding opportunities for international students?
- Yes, the program offers automatic funding consideration for admitted students through sources like UVic Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships. External awards also require separate applications.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Political Science PhD?
- A completed Master's degree is typically required for admission to the PhD program. Applicants should review the specific admission requirements on the University of Victoria's Graduate Studies website.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeA completed Master's degree is typically required for admission to the PhD program.
Applicants are encouraged to review the specific admission requirements for the Political Science PhD program on the University of Victoria's Graduate Studies website.
Fees
Tuition (international)PhD programs require a minimum of 7.5 fee installments over the course of the program. Specific fee amounts are determined by the program and charged per term.
Tuition (home)PhD programs require a minimum of 7.5 fee installments over the course of the program. Specific fee amounts are determined by the program and charged per term.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
Tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term (September, January, May). Ancillary fees for services like U-Pass, health insurance, and athletics are charged in addition to tuition. International students are also subject to a mandatory temporary medical insurance plan fee in their first term.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), curriculum vitae, statement of intent, and any other program-specific documents.
2. Identify and Contact Potential SupervisorsResearch faculty members whose research interests align with yours and reach out to them to discuss potential supervision for your PhD research. Confirmation of supervisor support can be a significant advantage.
3. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the University of Victoria's online application portal.
4. Pay Application FeePay the required application fee.
5. Submit ApplicationEnsure all components of the application, including supporting documents and references, are submitted by the deadline.
Scholarships
UVic FellowshipsUp to $20,000 per year (for most programs)
Teaching Assistantships—
Research Assistantships—
External Awards and Scholarships—
Bursaries—
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical duration of the Political Science PhD program?
+
The PhD program in Political Science is designed to be completed in approximately four years. The initial year focuses on coursework, followed by examinations, proposal defense, and dissertation research and writing.
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Political Science PhD program?
+
Tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term. International students are also subject to ancillary fees and a mandatory temporary medical insurance plan fee in their first term.
What are the career prospects after completing a PhD in Political Science?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Typical roles include University Professor, Researcher, Policy Analyst, and Political Consultant.
How do I apply for the Political Science PhD program, and what is the deadline?
+
To apply, prepare your documents, identify potential supervisors, complete the online application, pay the fee, and submit everything by the January 15 deadline. Consult the Graduate Studies website for detailed instructions.
Does the Political Science PhD program offer funding opportunities for international students?
+
Yes, the program offers automatic funding consideration for admitted students through sources like UVic Fellowships, Teaching Assistantships, and Research Assistantships. External awards also require separate applications.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Political Science PhD?
+
A completed Master's degree is typically required for admission to the PhD program. Applicants should review the specific admission requirements on the University of Victoria's Graduate Studies website.