Political Economy (Research)

What is the relationship between politics and business, power and wealth, states and markets? Our department has particular strength in the study of these political economy questions with over ten faculty members researching in this field. Our faculty members bring a variety of perspectives to these questions and explore their relevance at the local, national, regional and global levels across various geographical contexts ranging from North America and Latin America to East Asia and the Middle East.  

• Politics and business
• Business, political influence and government policy
• International development and global poverty
• Political economy of social policy and the welfare state
• Politics and policy of economic reform
• International economic institutions and summitry (World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Financial Stability Board, Group of 20 (G20), Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRICs), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)
• Politics of public-private partnerships, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility 
• Political economy of global finance and money
• International trade policy and multinational corporations
• Relationship between environment and economy
• History and theory of political economy
• Comparison of national economic systems

Requirements

• An Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science with at least a 78% overall standing.
• Statement of Research
• Students with an Honours BA in a related discipline will be considered for admission but may be required to complete further work in Political Science before proceeding. Students with a General Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science may be admitted to a qualifying program, and then apply for admission to the Master of Arts (MA) program after completion of that program.
• Probationary students admitted to the program must achieve at least 75% in 2 predetermined courses in order to continue in the Winter term. Normally a student will not continue on probationary status for more than two terms.
• Transitional students admitted are normally required to complete additional predetermined undergraduate or graduate courses and achieve at least a 75% average.
• Résumé
• Supplementary information form
• Transcript(s)
• Writing sample
• 3 References normally from academic sources
• Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT) 90 overall, IELTS 7.0

Scholarships

• International Master's (IMSA) & International Doctoral Student Awards (IDSA)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS)

The Political Economy (Research) program at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the interactions between political institutions, economic policies, and societal factors that influence economic and social development. This interdisciplinary program combines rigorous coursework in economics, political science, and research methodologies, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, policy analysis, and international organizations. The program emphasizes empirical research, allowing students to develop strong analytical and quantitative skills necessary for conducting independent research and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in political economy. Students have opportunities to explore various topics, including public policy, economic inequality, globalization, institutional analysis, and the role of government in economic development. The research-oriented nature of the program requires students to undertake a substantial thesis project, supervised by experienced faculty members involved in cutting-edge research. This provides practical experience in designing studies, data collection, and analysis, as well as academic writing. The program also benefits from the university's strong connections with government agencies, research institutes, and international organizations, providing avenues for internships and collaborative projects. Graduates of the Political Economy (Research) program are well-equipped with analytical skills, research experience, and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to pursue doctoral studies, policy research, or roles in public and private sector organizations. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current trends and challenges in global and local economic and political issues, ensuring that students are prepared to address real-world problems. Overall, the program aims to cultivate critical thinking, advanced research capabilities, and a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping political and economic systems worldwide.