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Political Science

Political Science

Critical thinking in action

Political science is the study of power, authority and governance in human affairs. We examine the social, economic, cultural, historical, geographical and other forces that generate conflicts in and between societies.

Do you want to understand how decisions are made at different levels of government? Are you curious about how social justice issues affect you and the world?

Join us and learn how to evaluate different points of view and think critically about the world around you.

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Study political science at UVic

From small class sizes to hands-on and international learning, learn why you should study political science at UVic.

Learn about our programs

Announcements

Limited Term Assistant Teaching Professor in International Relations

June 6, 2025

Department of Political Science, University of Victoria LIMITED TERM ASSISTANT TEACHING PROFESSOR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Start date: August 1, 2025 We acknowledge and respect the...

Could Canada join the EU? Amy Verdun comments

April 30, 2025

Could Canada join the European Union?  Amy Verdun, a professor of political science at the University of Victoria, who founded its European Studies Program in 1997, thinks it's...

Political Science Weekly Digest for Friday, May 23, 2025

April 25, 2025

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands,...

In memoriam - Warren Magnusson

April 22, 2025

Warren Magnusson 28 January 1947- 2 April 2025  We regret to report that Professor Warren Magnusson passed away in Vancouver on April 2nd. Warren joined the Department in 1979 and formally...

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Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences is a dynamic and multi-faceted community of people. We have more than 140 regular faculty members, 200 additional adjunct, emeritus and sessional faculty, and approximately 30 support employees. Our student community includes roughly 400 graduate students and more than 4,500 undergraduate students.

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Territory acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.