Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Political Science at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

+40

Program overview

Explore the dynamic world of politics with the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Political Science program at Waterloo, one of Canada's leading universities. This program is designed for those passionate about understanding and influencing the political landscape, from civil unrest to global trade negotiations. Students will develop essential skills in analysis, writing, critical thinking, and research through a blend of lectures, seminars, and workshops. With opportunities to specialize in areas such as International Relations, graduates will be well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in today's complex world.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Political Science program offers a comprehensive structure that allows students to tailor their educational journey. The program length is four years, with options for co-op placements that provide valuable work experience. Key features of the program structure include:

Co-op program available, allowing students to gain practical experience while studying.
Regular program option for those who prefer a traditional academic path.
Flexibility to choose electives from over 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
Opportunity to specialize in International Relations or pursue minors in various fields.

Students will alternate between study and co-op terms, integrating classroom learning with real-world experience, ensuring they graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Political Science program at Waterloo offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and career readiness:

Co-op placements that provide up to 20 months of paid work experience.
Engagement with top scholars involved in international policy debates.
Hands-on learning through workshops and seminars that encourage critical thinking.
Access to a wide range of topical courses, including Chinese foreign policy and global security.
Opportunities to work on real-world challenges in small class settings.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Political Science program can pursue a variety of rewarding careers in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies for government or organizations, focusing on social, economic, and political issues.
Public Affairs Coordinator: Manage communication strategies and public relations efforts for organizations, ensuring effective messaging.
Research Analyst: Conduct research and analysis on political trends, providing insights to inform decision-making.
Trade Policy Officer: Work with government agencies to develop and implement trade policies that affect international relations.
Legal Counsel: Provide legal advice and representation for organizations, focusing on compliance and regulatory issues.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, equipping them to make significant contributions in various sectors, including government, non-profits, and private industry.

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

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Political Science program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses: Not clearly mentioned.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following requirements are noted:

General requirements include the Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate).
Specific program requirements include English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each, and an overall average of 8.3.

It is advisable for students to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary deadlines. For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

Notes

If you completed your four most recent years of full-time education in an English-language school system and you also provide a failing English language test score, we reserve the right to withdraw your Offer of Admission or to place you in the BASE program.

We reserve the right to withdraw an offer of admission if you fail to meet the minimum English language requirements for the program to which you have applied.

All English language tests will be verified for authenticity. If evidence of fraudulent documentation is found, we reserve the right to cancel your application or revoke any offer of admission.

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!