Build a broad understanding of politics while developing your own perspective on the issues shaping societies worldwide. Study topics such as political protest, global threats, green politics, populism, power and constitutional issues, with the option to specialize in public policy, world politics or political theory. Put your knowledge to work through research, community engagement projects, and opportunities to engage directly with political leaders and policymakers.
- Take on real research and policy questions through the Leadership & Democracy Lab working alongside Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Political Trust & Leadership.
- Gain an international perspective through the U.K. Summer Democracy Experience. Observe live debates, examine constitutional and policy issues, and connect with senior politicians and scholars.
- Gain paid professional experience with 12 months of work experience through Trent’s Political Studies co-op.
- Earn a B.A. and LL.B. in just six years through the Trent/Swansea dual-degree pathway, combining political studies at Trent with the opportunity to live, learn, travel, and experience life abroad in Wales.
Sharpen your thinking on democracy, power, and society through small seminars and hands-on experiences that build practical skills that prepare you for diverse career possibilities.
Gain valuable career experience while earning academic credit.
Requirements
If you are coming straight from high school in Ontario or are a recent grad, the general admission requirements are:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- A minimum of six Grade 12 4U or 4M courses, including program-specific prerequisites
- ENG4U with a minimum of 60%
| Admission Requirements | Recommended Admission Requirements | Estimated Admission Average | Co-op Admission Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG4U | 70-75% | 80-85% |
Requirements
Students from across Canada can use their grades from their home province to apply to Trent.
Requirements
International students from outside Canada can apply based on the curriculum of their home country.
Requirements
Mature students can apply to Trent based on previous education and professional or volunteer experience.
Requirements
With many transfer agreements and flexible pathway options, Trent University makes it easy for students to make the most of the credits you have already earned.
Whether you're graduating from an Ontario high school, looking to study in Canada, or training for a second career, Trent has clear pathways for students to apply and be admitted to study at either of our campuses.
- Graduate with paid work experience completing three 12–16-week work terms in the summer of years two and three, and the fall of year four, all as part of your four-year degree.
- Work in areas such as community development, evaluation and research, media and communications, policy analysis, and public service.
- Participate in faculty-led research practicums connected to ongoing research programs, or join the Leadership & Democracy Lab to research, write, and present on democracy, global affairs, and political leadership in a think-tank-style environment.
- Conduct community-based research, working with local organizations on research, planning and community-development projects for course credit.
- Take your Trent education global. Spend a semester or year studying at one of Trent’s international partner universities, participate in a summer field course, or gain international experience through a placement or internship.
- With opportunities in more than 35 countries, you can broaden your academic perspective, experience new cultures, and build skills that prepare you for a global career.
- Join the U.K. Summer Democracy Experience and connect with senior politicians and scholars, observe live debates, and examine constitutional and policy change firsthand.
- Put political and policy knowledge to work through a field placement, working with a government office, non-profit, law clinic, community organization, or policy think tank. Past placements have included municipal offices, federal and provincial political offices, and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
- Gain professional workplace experience through a paid internship with a business or organization, including opportunities with the Ontario Public Service, Ontario Legislature, Canadian Parliament and federal public service.