Political Science - PhD at University of Victoria - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at the University of Victoria is a research-intensive program focused on the completion of a dissertation. This program is designed for students with a keen interest in various areas such as Canadian politics, comparative public policy, contemporary political theory, and international politics. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to connect with other units and centers, enhancing their research experience. Students will develop critical thinking skills and engage deeply with political scholarship, preparing them for a range of career opportunities in academia and beyond.

Program structure

The PhD in Political Science program at the University of Victoria is structured to provide a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience. The program is designed to be completed in 4 years and offers the following features:

Research-intensive focus with a dissertation requirement.
Full-time study option available.
On-campus program delivery.
Optional co-op program to gain practical experience.
Interdisciplinary options available, including the Cultural, Social and Political Thought PhD and a graduate certificate in Indigenous Nationhood.

This structure ensures that students not only engage with theoretical frameworks but also apply their knowledge in practical settings, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Featured Experiences

Research-intensive program with a strong emphasis on dissertation work.
Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities with the Faculty of Law and the Centre for Global Studies.
Optional co-op program to gain real-world experience in political science.
Access to a diverse range of faculty members with expertise in various political science subfields.
Engagement with a community of scholars and practitioners in political science.

Career Options

University Professor: Teach and conduct research in political science at the university level, contributing to academic knowledge and mentoring students.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies for government agencies or NGOs, providing insights based on political research and data.
Political Consultant: Advise political candidates or organizations on campaign strategies, public relations, and policy positions.
Researcher: Conduct research for think tanks, academic institutions, or governmental organizations, focusing on political trends and issues.
International Relations Specialist: Work with international organizations or governments to address global political issues, fostering diplomatic relations and policy development.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Political Science PhD program at the University of Victoria, applicants must meet specific academic requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies as well as the individual program requirements. Here are the key points to consider:

Completion of an acceptable master’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.
Any requirements specific to the Political Science program of study.

Alternatively, applicants may be considered if they have the equivalent of an A- average in the last two years of a bachelor’s degree, along with any specific program requirements.

For international students, it is essential to review the international applicant information provided by the university. This includes understanding the evaluation of transcripts, which may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is advisable for prospective students to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process and requirements.

Language Requirements

To attend the University of Victoria (UVic) for the Political Science - PhD program, you must demonstrate English language proficiency. The following tests are accepted as proof of proficiency:

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
- A score of at least 70 with no component below 60.
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)
- A score of at least 180 with no component below 170.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- A score of at least 6.5 with no section less than 6.0.
- Only the academic IELTS is accepted, not the general version.
- IELTS Academic One Skill Retake is accepted.
MET (Michigan English Test)
- A score of at least 64 with no section less than 60.
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- A score of 65 with no skill less than 60.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- For tests taken after January 21, 2026: a score of at least 4.5 with no section less than 4.0.
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: a score of at least 90 with no section less than 20.
- Both the TOEFL iBT taken at a test centre and the iBT home edition are accepted.
- TOEFL MyBest Scores are accepted.
- UVic’s TOEFL institution code is 0989.

Official test score reports must be sent directly to UVic by the testing agency. Please note that we cannot accept test scores more than two years old.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!