Master of Political Science–MPols 180 points Qualification regulations

1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MPols degree shall have:

(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate Diploma in Political Science, International Relations, or Public Policy, or relevant area with at least a B grade average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject or relevant area of study; and

(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

The course of study for the MPols shall consist of:

Part 1:

(a) POLS 586; and

(b) 60 points from POLS 400–489; and

(c) 30 further points from POLS 400–488, INTP 400–488 STRA 515, STRA 530–539.

Part 2:

Either:

(a) POLS 593; or

(b) POLS 589 and 30 further points from POLS 400–488, INTP 400–488 STRA 515, STRA 530–539.

4. The head of school may exempt from Part 1(a) a candidate who has mastered the material covered in that course through previous study and/or practical experience. Except where the material was covered in courses at postgraduate level, the candidate shall replace exempted courses with approved electives of equivalent points value.

6. A full-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements of the degree by 28 February in the year after first enrolling for it, and a part-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements for the degree by 28 February in the second year after first enrolling. The associate dean may extend those periods in special cases. 

7. The MPols may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as described in the Assessment Handbook.