The department offers two MA programs: a twelve-month MA in Political Studies and a twelve-month MA with a specialization in Political and Legal Thought. It also offers a twelve-month MA in Political Studies with a concentration in Nationalism, Ethnicity, Peace, and Conflict (NEPC).
The department offers five fields of study within the MA in Political Studies program:
- Canadian Politics
- Comparative Politics
- Gender and Politics
- International Relations
- Political Theory
In addition, the department has particular strengths in the study of divided and diverse societies as well as peace, conflict, and security.
Applicants must have a four-year undergraduate degree in political science or equivalent and a minimum B+ average. Approximately 25 students are accepted into the MA in Political Studies program each year. The objective of the program is to refine and hone critical and analytical skills, primarily through coursework and a major piece of written work. Completion of the MA in Political Studies at Queen's requires students to take six half-courses and complete a Master's Research Project by the end of the Spring/Summer term.
Exchange Opportunity: Universitat der Bundeswehr Munchen
The department has an exchange agreement with the Universitat der Bundeshwehr Munchen, which offers two MA students the opportunity to spend the Fall Term (October-December) in Munich. Queen's Tuition covers the cost of studies and the hosts will also provide accommodation for visiting students. More information on the university can be found on the Universitat der Bundeswehr Munchen website.
Students interested in being considered for the exchange should contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator.
MA in Political and Legal Thought
The MA in Political and Legal Thought is a twelve-month collaborative graduate program that allows students to specialize in social, political, and legal theory by taking designated courses from Political Studies, Philosophy, and the Faculty of Law. This program builds on Queen's recognized strength in political philosophy, providing an exciting opportunity for interdisciplinary engagement with leading scholars in a lively intellectual community.
Students complete four term-length courses in the field of Political Thought (out of a total of six required courses) as well as a Major Research Paper in an area relevant to the specialization. More information may be found on the School of Graduate Studies website.
Students wishing to be considered for this specialization should use the regular application process for an MA in Political Studies and make a note of their preference in the area designated for field of interest.
Concentration in Nationalism, Ethnicity, Peace, and Conflict (NEPC)
The concentration in Nationalism, Ethnicity, Peace and Conflict allows students to specialize in the study of national and ethnic conflict by taking designated courses from the Political Studies offerings. This program builds on the department's recognized strength in this area, providing an exciting opportunity for engagement with world-renowned, award-wining scholars in a vibrant intellectual community.
Students complete three term-length courses in the field of NEPC (out of a total of six required courses) as well as a Major Research Paper in the area.
Students wishing to be considered for this concentration should use the regular application process for an MA in Political Studies and make a note of their preference in the area designated for their field of interest.
Funding
Students who are accepted into the Master’s program will be provided financial assistance. Each offer of admission includes a funding package that guarantees a minimum level of funding for the duration of the student’s period of funding-eligibility (one year for MA students). This funding typically consists of a Queen's Graduate Award and a Teaching Assistantship but may include a Research Assistantship, or a Queen’s internal award. We strongly encourage applicants to apply for additional funding through external scholarships (SSHRC, OGS, etc.). Incoming graduate students who win federal government tri-council awards are automatically provided a one-time top-up award by Queen’s.
International students with guaranteed funding from their home country/government are eligible to apply for admission to the Master’s program. In addition each year a small number of international students without funding can be considered for admission and could be provided with limited funding.