MA in Political Studies - Canadian Politics in Kingston Canada | Queen's University

The department provides two Master's programs: a one-year MA in Political Studies and a one-year MA specializing in Political and Legal Thought. Canadian politics has undergone significant changes recently, characterized by various key developments: policy challenges ranging from environmental issues to global interconnectedness; ongoing shifts within the party system; evolving dynamics in federalism and national unity politics; redefined perspectives on Canada's global role; growing debates around civil and social rights; among other notable trends. Together, these shifts have reshaped the political environment, introducing pressing new questions for both practitioners and analysts of politics. Canadian political studies have always been a core focus within the Department of Political Studies, a tradition maintained through the research and teaching of current faculty members. The department supports graduate learning and guidance across all fundamental aspects of Canadian politics: governmental structures, constitutional matters, policy development, federalism and national cohesion, electoral systems, and economic policy. Additionally, the department excels in specialized areas such as Charter of Rights and Freedoms legislation, voter behavior and public sentiment, welfare state politics, gender in politics, and political messaging. Students in the Political Studies graduate program also gain from strong connections with the School of Policy Studies, as well as the Women’s Studies and Philosophy departments.