Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Political Science.
View full program detailsProgram information
Gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape law, society, the economy, and politics. At UBC’s Okanagan campus, you’ll develop in-depth knowledge of political systems while you learn to conduct research, present arguments, and work and lead effectively.
Program overview
- Campus
- Okanagan
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculty
- Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
What you'll learn
This program explores democratic and non-democratic systems of governance, placing Canadian public affairs in a comparative and international context. Political Science can prepare you for professional programs ranging from law to journalism.
Political Science will develop a set of critical and analytical skills about public affairs. It will furnish students with an understanding of constitutions and the rule of law, limited government, distributive justice, public interest groups, human rights, economic development and the environment, conflict and conflict-resolution.UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to several renowned experts in political science, working with students and community stakeholders on some truly exciting research and community events. This includes the annual Roger Watts Debates and a recent symposium on Nuclear North Korea that brought in leading experts to share their views on one of today’s most critical global issues.
Experiential learning and research
Advanced courses give you the opportunity to apply your education to real-life situations. You can also complete advanced coursework where you will be guided in the practical application of research methods for planning and carrying out program evaluations, including developing your own evaluation designs. Directed studies courses give you the opportunity to conduct an investigation of a research problem, which will require a written report of your findings. The Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences holds the annual Undergraduate Research Conference on UBC’s Okanagan campus to showcase student research projects.
Campus features
UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. UBC’s Okanagan campus is home to several renowned experts in political science, working with students and community stakeholders on some truly exciting research and community events. This includes the annual Roger Watts Debates and a recent symposium on Nuclear North Korea that brought in leading experts to share their views on one of today’s most critical global issues.
Program advantages
Develop an understanding of responsible democratic and global citizenship in political science – ideal preparation for ongoing studies in law, business, politics, social work, and public administration. Put your classroom learning to the test with co-op job placements throughout the region and beyond.
Courses
There are hundreds of courses you can take within Political Science. Here are a few you might like.
Introduction to the broad field of political science. Noteworthy issues from the subfields of political science will be addressed, including Canadian politics, global politics, comparative politics and political philosophy.
Examination of the fundamentals of law and politics, including the judicial system, legal institutions, constitutional and administrative law.
Introduction to both qualitative and quantitative methods used in political science.
Seminar on birth, expansion, success, and failure of social movements around the world.
Outcomes
A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving.
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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 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 UBC 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’re unable to visit UBC 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 UBC students walk you through UBC’s residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Political Science.
View full program detailsGet a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time UBC international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all eligibility criteria.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences website to learn more about Political Science.
View full program details