BA Political Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University

Programme overview

Political Studies at Mount Saint Vincent investigates political change, governance and cultural movements from the local to the global level, and how governments make decisions. Strengths include Canadian politics, women and politics, public policy, politics and culture, political philosophy and international affairs.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

What you will study

Areas of emphasis are Canadian national and regional politics, women and politics, public policy, politics and culture, classical and contemporary political philosophy, and international affairs. Sample courses include CULS/POLS 3310.

Career pathways

Graduates have become lawyers, Canadian Armed Forces communications managers and intelligence analysts, teachers and journalists; other paths include public service officer, NGO worker, parliamentary researcher, lobbyist, public policy analyst, political aide and survey poll analyst.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Arts (Mount Saint Vincent University): high school graduation with a minimum of five university-preparatory Grade 12 courses, an overall average of 70% or higher with no individual grade below 60%, and Grade 12 academic English at 65% or higher. Applicants with Grade 12 averages of 65-69% are reviewed individually and may be required to complete Student Success Programs. Preference is given to students with strong, well-rounded high school programs. International applicants whose first language is not English need IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 86-92 (no score below 21), PTE 59 (no band below 54), CAEL 60 or Duolingo 115.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Undergraduate entrance terms: January, May and September.

January 2027 entrance: international applicants November 6, 2026 (extended), domestic applicants December 1, 2026. May 2027 entrance: international January 4, 2027, domestic April 1, 2027. September 2027 entrance: international May 3, 2027, domestic August 2, 2027; entrance scholarship candidates March 1, 2027; Education program December 7, 2026. January 2028 entrance: international August 2, 2027, domestic December 1, 2027.

Application fee is $40 domestic and $80 international (Bachelor of Education: $90 domestic, $130 international). First-year confirmation deposit is $100 (BEd $300, international $500).

Apply through the official page: https://www.msvu.ca/future-students/admission-requirements/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities