Program Overview
The Political Science at McMaster University is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Political Science programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Hamilton, Canada
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Political Science programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Issues in Liberal-Democratic Theory
- Canadian Public Policy
- Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis: Frameworks and Models
- Social Policy Transformations
- Global Public Policy
- Comparative Politics of Health Policy
- Major Research Paper
- Theories of Comparative Politics
- Politics of Social Movements
- Politics of Developing Areas
- Politics of Western Democracies
- Issues in Comparative Politics
- Democracy and Diversity
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Admission to the MA program requires a clear B+ average or better in an honours political science Bachelors degree or a four year major political science degree.
The Department offers a regular MA program in the following areas: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy. There is also a collaborative MA program with the University of Guelph in Public Policy and Administration. We also offer an MA in International Relations.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 12,645 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 5,281 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact McMaster University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About McMaster University
McMaster University
Hamilton, Canada
public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
University Profile- Application Deadline Feb, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
