Political Science
Qualifications
BA, CertArts, BA(Hons), MA, MIntLaw&Pols, PhD, GradDipArts
Introduction
Political Science is the study of politics, governments, public policies and political processes, of political systems, institutions and behaviour. Political Science can also be thought of as the study of relations of power. Political scientists use both humanistic and scientific perspectives and tools, and a variety of methodological approaches, to examine local, national, regional, and global political processes and dynamics and to consider how we ought to live as political communities.
Are you interested in New Zealand politics? International affairs? Critical policy issues such as health, the environment, human rights? Theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interest? If so, you should study Political Science.
The Political Science programme at the University of Canterbury has attained national and international visibility for the strength of its academic programmes, staff members, and scholarship.
Recommended background
Political Science students come from a wide variety of interests and backgrounds. In addition to Arts students, Political Science has proved to be of interest to students from Law and Commerce. The main requirement is an enquiring mind.
100-level courses
There are five introductory 100-level POLS courses. Each first-year course has two hours of lectures and a one-hour tutorial per week.
200-level and beyond
Political Science specialisations include comparative politics, international politics, political behaviour and public policy, and political theory. Students are advised to take courses from at least two specialisations to attain a broader understanding of the discipline.
At 200 and 300-level students have a wide choice of courses drawn from across the range of political science specialisations and inspired by the research and teaching interests of individual staff. Topics include: international relations; the military in politics; media and politics; nationalism; power; environmental politics; science and tech-nology politics and policy; the politics of race and ethnicity; national and regional politics in East Asia, Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and New Zealand; and the history of political thought.
Further study
The BA(Hons) in Political Science requires passes in four courses normally taken over one year of full-time study. Students can also study towards the BA(Hons) in Diplomacy and International Relations, a qualification unique to UC.
The Master of International Law and Politics is by coursework and a short dissertation. MA and PhD degrees are by thesis only.
Career opportunities
Political Science students gain a versatile set of skills that can be applied in a wide range of exciting careers both within politics (international, national and local political institutions, such as the UN, humanitarian intergovernmental organisations, parliaments, city councils) and in more diverse areas such as law, business, education and journalism.
Recent graduates and postgraduates have been employed in the ministries of foreign affairs and trade, defence, immigration, justice and by the Treasury; Te Puni KÅkiri; Parliament; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; news media; trade union organising; teaching; and in banking and investment. A number of our senior students have also gone on to further study and to teach at prestigious overseas universities.
For further career information, please go to www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
Contact
School of Social and Political Sciences
Telephone: +64 3 364 2099
Email: jill.dolby@canterbury.ac.nz