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Master of Arts (MA) Course-based in Political Science at University of Calgary

University of Calgary, Canada

Programme overview

The course-based MA is a continuous full-time program with no scheduled break, appropriate for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies. It includes significant independent research and is SSHRC-eligible. It requires at least 24 units of coursework and a major research paper of up to 9,000 words.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts  |  Department: Department of Political Science  |  Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What you will study

A minimum of 24 units of coursework including at least 18 units of graduate political science courses, 6 to 9 units in a primary field (Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Indigenous Politics, International Relations or Political Thought), up to 6 units of reading courses, POLI697 (major research paper) and POLI691.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Deadline for the submission of completed applications is available on the Future Students website: . In addition to the Faculties of Graduate Studies and Arts requirements , the Department requires: a) A minimum grade point average of 3.40 on a four-point scale over the last 60 units taken in the applicant’s undergraduate program. b) Normally a four-year BA in Political Science or a strong background in Political Science of at least 30 units in Political Science courses. Special consideration may be given to those who have not achieved this background. c) All students whose primary language is not English are required to take a language proficiency test: TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum score of 105 (5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026); IELTS with a minimum score of 7.5; a CAEL score of 70 with no section less than 70; or a PTE with a minimum score of 75.

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.

Graduate academic term start dates are Fall (September 1), Winter (January 1), Spring (May 1) and Summer (July 1); intake terms vary by programme.

The graduate application fee is $125 for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents and $145 for international students, per application; applications are made online and deadlines are set by each programme.

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