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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.

students sitting on steps

Study political science at UVic

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

Announcements

Spotlight on PhD student Aly Tkachenko!

December 6, 2024

Congratulations to Aly Tkachenko, PhD student, and winner of a prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral Program (CGS-D) SSHRC! Aly Tkachenko is a PhD student in International Relations and...

Summer 2025 timetable available

November 27, 2024

The tentative (subject to change) Summer 2025 timetable is now available! Each year we offer a wide range of courses in the Summer terms (May-June and July-August). Questions? Ask a Political...

Job Posting: CAPI China Chair. Closing date 2 January 2025

November 13, 2024

CAPI China Chair Academic Appointment Advertisement Department: History/Political Science/Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives (CAPI)Rank: Associate/Full ProfessorStart Date: 1 July 2025 We...

Political Science Weekly Digest November 22, 2024

POLITICAL SCIENCE ANNOUNCEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS TO MARA MARIN!Mara’s most recent article has just been published on FirstView: “Structural Responsibility” American...

News

Open Experts on US election

Experts on US election

On Nov. 5, Americans will go to the polls to elect the 47th president of the United States. The following University of Victoria experts are available to media to discuss issues relating to the US...

Open Experts on BC election

Experts on BC election

The following University of Victoria experts are available to media to discuss issues relating to the Oct. 19 BC election.

Open Oceans as sources of law

Oceans as sources of law

As an Indigenous law student at the University of Victoria, Andrew Ambers has found himself reflecting a great deal on the laws governing the waters around him.

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A UVic researcher studies kelp immersed in a wet suit in the ocean.

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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Territorial acknowledgement

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