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Dalhousie University

Political Science (BA)

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Campus

    Halifax

  • Intl. Tuition

    CA$37,992 (2026-27)

  • Intake

    September 2027

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Course Overview

Political Science (BA) at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Student life (indicative)

Halifax is one of Canada's most beloved student cities — a legendary bar and pub scene, live music everywhere, a beautiful harbour, beach access, and an incredibly welcoming community that makes it feel like home instantly.

The University at a Glance

Staff Ratio

16.0:1

Career Prospects

Avg Starting Salary

£37,920

First-year earnings

Placement Year

✓ Available

Work experience option

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

CA$37,992

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

City & Location

Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Political Science (BA)
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Political Science (BA) topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Political Science (BA)
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Staff Ratio

16:1

Students per staff

Campus at a Glance

City Size

Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Cool maritime

Safety Index (indicative)

8.5/10

Transport

Moderate (coach or indirect connections)

Social Scene

Friendly community

Student Life & City (indicative)

Halifax is one of Canada's most beloved student cities — a legendary bar and pub scene, live music everywhere, a beautiful harbour, beach access, and an incredibly welcoming community that makes it feel like home instantly.

  • Halifax is one of Canada's most beloved student cities — a legendary bar and pub scene, live music everywhere, a beautiful harbour, beach access, and an incredibly welcoming community that makes it feel like home instantly.

What Students Love

  • Active pub & club scene
  • Beach lifestyle
  • Active music scene
  • Thriving student social scene

University Stats

Student-to-Staff Ratio16:1
Safety Index (indicative)8.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Avg Starting Salary

£37,920

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✓ Available

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs. Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

  • Politics graduates enter government, the civil service fast-stream, think-tanks, political consultancy, international organisations, journalism and NGOs.
  • Many proceed to law conversion, postgraduate research or the diplomatic service.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Healthcare
  • Engineering
  • Law

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

CA$37,992

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

CA$151,968

For the full programme

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

MEDIUM

This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)CA$37,992per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£749/mo
Food & Groceries£294/mo
Transport£75/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£1,297
Annual living costs£15,566/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,642/month budget (housing $949, food $373, transport $95) covers everything comfortably. Halifax punches well above its weight for student value — a brilliant city that costs far less than Toronto or Vancouver.

  • One of Canada's more affordable student cities — a $1,642/month budget (housing $949, food $373, transport $95) covers everything comfortably.
  • Halifax punches well above its weight for student value — a brilliant city that costs far less than Toronto or Vancouver.