Which master's specialisation suits a graduate in Political Science applying to Canada?
A Political Science graduate applying to Canada should choose Public Policy and Public Administration for the strongest job prospects, International Relations for NGO or global governance careers, or Political and Legal Thought for a law school path, with co-op options like the University of Ottawa's MA improving local hiring chances.
Canada aligns political science fields closely with its labour market, so your choice should depend on whether your end goal is a government or corporate job, international NGO work, or a path toward law school.
Comparing your specialisation options
| Specialisation type | Best programs in Canada | Key career outcomes | Co-op availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy / Administration | University of Toronto, University of Ottawa | Government Policy Analyst, Data Analyst, Consultant | Yes, highly recommended for networking |
| International Relations | University of Calgary, UBC | NGO Worker, Foreign Policy Advisor, Journalist | Yes |
| Political and Legal Thought | Queen's University | Legal Consultant, Advocate, PhD Candidate | Mostly thesis or research based |
A few more specific routes worth knowing
- Applied Politics, such as Wilfrid Laurier's Master of Applied Politics, builds hands-on electoral data and polling skills for campaign management or public relations careers.
- Development Studies or Gender and Politics, offered jointly with Political Science at McGill, suits you if you are aiming at the non-profit sector.
- Indigenous and Aboriginal-State Politics, strong at UBC and the University of Northern British Columbia, is valuable if you want specialised government or environmental consultancy roles.
My Advice
If your priority is landing a paid job in Canada after graduation, apply specifically to programs offering a co-op stream, such as the University of Ottawa's MA in Public Policy, since the paid work terms give you the local Canadian experience employers ask for, which matters more for your job search than the exact specialisation title on your degree.
Looking for a specific course in Canada?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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