Person holding a globe in their hand

Why political studies?

The School of Political Studies, created by the University of Ottawa in 2003, is a hub of knowledge bringing together the study of political science and public administration.

Why study in International Studies and Modern Languages?

Do you want to work on the international stage and in organizations that have an international focus? Do you want to improve your knowledge of both official languages in Canada and learn a third language? The new program in international studies and modern languages will allow you to focus your studies in the field of international affairs while developing your language skills.

The baccalaureate in international studies and modern languages will help you develop a critical understanding of international issues, a capacity to analyze and synthesize complex questions, an ability to work in different disciplines, and a knowledge of several languages.

Graduates of this program will be able to pursue a variety of different careers in international affairs, whether working in government, for non-governmental organizations or in the private sector. They will be able to assume responsibility on a variety of international issues in the languages of the countries concerned.

Details of the International Studies and Modern Language program

International flags

Why study in Political Science?

Do you wish to learn how politics work at all levels? Do you want to hone your skills of critical thought and evaluation? Do you want to do all of this in a bilingual, multicultural environment that is just steps away from Parliament Hill?

Located in the heart of the nation's capital neighbouring Parliament Hill and the Quebec border, the Political Science program is the perfect place to study all aspects of contemporary politics. With an undergraduate program that allows students to take their courses in either official language and that has a diverse and multicultural student body, it is truly a microcosm of Canadian society. This context ensures that students who enrol in Political Science will get a distinctive view of the institutions, structures, norms and forces that make up contemporary politics. Students also benefit from the opportunities to work, volunteer, or hold co-op placements in a variety of public service, government and non-governmental organizations.

Details of the Political Science program

Most of our courses are organized around four profiles, though other courses are trans-profiles. These four profiles are:

Aerial shot of parliament

Canadian and Quebec politics

Located at the heart of our national capital, the School offers a unique opportunity for students wishing to study and experience Canadian politics. Students of Canadian politics will gain a more precise understanding of the main national institutions, the driving issues of Canadian politics and social movements, as well as the history and importance of the relationship between Quebec and the rest of Canada.

Map of the world

International Relations and Global Politics (INT)

Students interested in global politics will also benefit from the unique context of the School. The program is designed to allow students to better understand and critically analyze Canadian foreign policy, as well as the institutions that shape global and international politics, the history and development of transnational social movements, global environmental politics, and other key issues of global politics.

Cogs and ideas coming out of a man's head

Political Thought (PPT)

The program offers a strong training in the theoretical bases of political analysis. It emphasizes the importance of theoretical thinking, the role of ideas and critical analysis. Our courses provide students with the necessary skills to better understand and evaluate the central questions of power, authority, legitimacy, contestation and resistance that emerge in all political contexts.

Oxford University

Comparative Politics (COMP)

If you are interested in politics in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Middle East and the Arab world? We offer courses that cover all of these regions. Our program also allows students to better understand issues ranging from democratization and political regimes, to political violence, from the political economy of development to identities in politics, as they unfold in all these regions.

Gaith El Mohtar
Gaith El Mohtar, student

“The things that interest me most about Political Science are its abstract elements: why are power structures the way they are? Should we challenge them? Should we take them for granted?”

Gaith El Mohtar

— Student

Why study in Public Administration?

Are you interested in public policy, in management or reforms of the public sector, in relationships between governments and private or community sectors? Would you like to pursue a career in the public service? The program in Public Administration at the University of Ottawa offers the distinct advantage of allowing you to study next door to the federal public service, which is not only an employer, but also a university partner and the subject of much university research.

Through the courses, research and readings that make up this program, students can acquaint themselves with the operation of public organizations, the development of public policy, the management of public finance, the principles of general management and the principles of governance.

In addition, the University of Ottawa offers a bilingual environment where students can choose to study in French, in English, or in both languages. This allows students that wish to to develop their bilingualism, an essential requirement to advance in the federal public service today.

Details of the Public Administration program

For the supervision of master research paper (MRP) and PhD theses: view the research interests of the Public Administration professors