How to Apply

The deadline for application is January 15. Applications must be submitted online. Information for submitting your application and the necessary application links are available at Future Students—Political Science.

MA applicants must submit transcripts, two letters of reference, a resumé or cv, a statement of interest (500 words) and a sample of written work (normally a seminar paper of 15–20 pages).

PhD applicants must submit transcripts, three letters of reference, a resumé or cv, a statement of interest (500 words) and a sample of written work (normally a seminar paper or chapter from Master’s Research Paper or Thesis, of less than 30 pages).

The address for submission of these supplementary materials is available through the link above.

Because there is a great interest in the Graduate Program, and the number of places is limited, students should apply as early as possible.  Letters of recommendation can follow later, but files will not be considered until they are complete.  In certain circumstances, late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director, but no guarantee can be made that a place will be available.  Most admission decisions will be made before the end of March.  Candidates are only admitted to either degree program in September.

Note: Normally, the Admissions Committee will not look favourably on references written by Teaching Assistants, or Course Directors without a Ph.D. Similarly, applicants should be aware that letters from employers, friends/relatives or other non-academic references are not generally considered acceptable.

For both MA and PhD applicants, the statement of interest should convey your planned research, your background in Political Science (and how it has prepared you for graduate-level work) and why York Political Science is the appropriate program for you to pursue your particular research interests. Explaining why your proposed research is significant is an important element of the statement. Any additional information about extracurricular or other activities – especially insofar as these activities are related to your proposed research – should also be included in the statement. 

Applicants do not have to contact faculty in advance of their application to the program, and they do not have to secure a supervisor in advance. However, they should be familiar with our faculty’s research interests and be able to indicate at least one or two potential supervisors.

Applicants are required to complete the Supplementary Information Form, which can be found in MyFile. The form will ask you to indicate your areas of specialization. In order of your interest, please list two of the following five fields: Canadian Politics; Comparative Politics; International Relations (Security Studies or Political Economy); Political Theory; Women and Politics. Applicants should complete all five questions on the Supplemental Information Form to assist the admissions committee in evaluating their application.

Finally, applicants are reminded that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the expeditious transmission of letters of reference, transcripts, and other portions of the application lies with the applicants.