Political Science (PhD)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program overview
The PhD in Political Science expands your training in the field as you work alongside experts in political theory, international relations and public policy. You will conduct primary research through surveys, archival data collection and fieldwork in order to make original contributions to the discipline. The program provides a stimulating environment in which to examine disciplinary subfields, allowing you to specialize in two areas of your choice. Our research-active faculty members will help you refine your analytical and writing skills, enabling you to better prepare your research for publication in top-ranking peer-reviewed academic journals such as the Canadian Journal of Political Science and the Review of International Studies. You will benefit from inter-institutional research networks, such as the Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship (CSDC) , the Center for Immigration Policy Evaluation, engAGE, the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS), Latin American Studies Network of Montreal (RÉLAM), and the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en philosophie politique de Montréal (GRIPP). Our students have funded their research through fellowships and awards from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Fonds de recherche du Québec and GRIPP Montreal.
Program details
- MA in political science, political studies, international relations, public policy, or another relevant field from an accredited university.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
All students will select two areas of specialization (for example Canadian Politics and International Politics).
21 credits – Coursework
6 credits – Core Courses, one in each of the two chosen areas of specialization.
POLI 801-805 - Advanced Seminars
6 credits – Elective Courses, one in each of the same two chosen areas of specialization.
POLI 811–815
3 credits – Core Course in Public Policy
Where public policy is one of the two chosen areas of specialization, the elective course is to be selected from a third area.
POLI 805 - Advanced Seminar in Public Policy and Public Administration (3 credits)
3 credits – Elective Course
From any area of specialization or a cognate course in a related field.
3 credits – Methods Course
POLI 844 - Research Design (3 credits)
12 credits – Comprehensive Exams
POLI 885 - Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)
POLI 886 - Comprehensive Exam (6 credits)
3 credits – Thesis Proposal
POLI 889 - Thesis Proposal (3 credits)
54 credits – Thesis
POLI 890 - Thesis (54 credits)
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (2 pages, single spaced) should:
- provide a synopsis of your research interests and goals
- identify your particular fields of interest (i.e., intended fields of specialization)
- explain how a PhD in Political Science from Concordia University will help you achieve your goals
- identify at least one tenured or tenure-track faculty member with whom you would like to work. NB: students do not have to find a supervisor prior to admission
- highlight how your research interests fits with ongoing research in the department
- explain what makes you a good candidate for the program
- Writing sample. You may submit any of the following as your writing sample:
- introduction and one chapter of your master’s thesis;
- a peer-reviewed publication for which you are the sole author;
- a conference paper for which you are the sole author;
- a MA-level term paper for which you received an “A” grade
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
Examples of special topics courses include:
- Ageing and Public Policy
- Development Policy and Administration
- Ethics, Morality and Justice
- Feminist Critiques of Public Policy
- Gender and Global Politics
- Immigration Politics and Policy
- Indigenous Peoples and the State
- International Organizations
- Judicial Politics and Policy
- Nationalism and Ethnicity
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Students are guaranteed teaching assistantships for the first three years of their studies, valued at approximately $6,000 per year. Research assistant positions also exist for funded research but cannot be guaranteed. Individual faculty members determine if work opportunities are available based on their own research initiatives.
The opportunity to teach courses may also be available to students who have defended their dissertation proposals. These positions are awarded on a competitive basis and are valued at approximately $8,000 per semester.
Other awards available through the Faculty of Arts and Science include:
- Concordia Merit Scholarship
- Concordia University Graduate Fellowship
- Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence
- JW McConnell Memorial Doctoral Fellowship
- John W. O'Brien Graduate Fellowship
- Conference Travel Awards
Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all new students.
Please also consult The Department of Political Science’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards.
Environmental politics and policy
- Biodiversity and conservation
- Energy policy
- Natural resources
- Sustainable development
Immigration and social diversity
- Indigenous peoples
- Social integration of immigrants
- Politics of the Charter
- Value diversity
Gender and Feminist Studies
- Feminist and critical policy studies
- Gender based analysis and gender mainstreaming
- Gender politics
- Transgender kids
Global South (Africa, China, India, Latin America, Middle East, South Asia)
- Clientelism and patronage politics
- Development policy and administration
- Electoral politics
- Ethnicity and nationalism
- Politics of violence
History of Political Thought
- Ancient to modern political thought
- Political emotions
- Political literature
- Political rhetoric
- Religion and science
International Relations
- European Union
- International political economy
- Non-governmental organizations
- Strategic studies
- United Nations
Social Policy
- Ageing and social service
- Biotech policy
- Health policy
- Reproductive policy
Learn more about research areas and consult the list of graduate faculty research interests.
Review an inspiring list of thesis topics and read about some of our exceptional graduate students.
The Political Science Graduate Student Association (PSGSA) provides a platform to stimulate opportunities for all members in a variety of cultural, intellectual, political, recreational and social activities.
Recent initiatives of the PSGSA include a graduate student conference in which students from Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada present their work and foster dialogue across multiple fields and disciplines. Past conference themes have included “Political and Economic Crises and their Implications,” “Challenges, Disconnects, and Clashes in Political Studies” and “Trends and Dynamics in Global Politics.”
Our alumni are well positioned to find success in a wide range of professional careers in policy research, political analysis, applied work, policy consulting and academia. Recent graduates can currently be found teaching at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, as well as working as senior managers and technical advisors at the International Aviation Transport Association and Micronutrient Initiative.
Read about our alumni career stories
