Political Studies (Co-op Available)
Trent’s versatile Political Studies program introduces students to a variety of political topics, while encouraging you to dive deeper into one of three concentrations in world politics, Canadian politics, or political theory. In small seminars, you’ll sharpen your analytical skills and enhance your understanding of how to make a positive impact in the world as you participate in lively discussions about democracy, power relations, and relationships between the state, business, and citizens. Define where you stand on issues of local, national, and global importance, building the confidence and skills for success in a variety of careers. Interested in a career in law? You can also pursue a degree in Political Studies as part of the Trent/Swansea Law Dual Degree program.
Degrees Offered:
- B.A.
- B.A. (Honours)
- B.A. Co-op (Peterborough Only)
Locations:
- Peterborough
Specializations:
Resume Boosters:
- Graduate with 12 months of paid work experience putting politics into practice in a variety of workplace settings through the co-op stream, earned through three full-time paid work terms during your four-year degree
- Lead your own research with real-world applications as part of a community engagement project, field placement, or research practicum
- Get practical experience through Trent’s Leadership Lab, and the Public Policy Field Placement courses, collaborating with local municipal government staff and elected officials
- Deepen your knowledge of leadership, learning alongside Trent’s inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust & Political Leadership
"Don't be afraid to get involved - and look at all of the opportunities that are before you. There are limitless opportunities."
Career Paths:
Featured
International Relations Specialist
Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, industry, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.
Career Opportunities
- Policy Analyst
- Government Relations Specialist
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Communications Manager
- Media Consultant
- Entrepreneur
- NGO Staffer
- Public Relations Professional
- Ministerial Assistant
- Lobbyist
- Political Researcher and Consultant
- Political Campaign Organizer
- Health & Social Policy Researcher
- Campaign Manager
Popular Courses:
- The Contemporary Political Imagination
- Global Threats in a World at Risk
- Poverty, Politics & Protest
- Leadership Lab: Research & Practice
- Green Politics
- Globalization and Politics of Work
- Populism in the Twenty-first Century
- Causes of War
- Democratizing Canada
- Gender, Diversity and Intersectionalities
- Power, Resistance and Hope
- Law & Constitutional Issues
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Requirements:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program specific prerequisites
Program Requirements:
- A minimum 70% overall final average
- ENG 4U with a minimum of 60%
Co-op Requirements:
- A minimum 80% overall final average
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