Social & Political Thought (Thesis Based)
Acadia University Campus, Canada
Master of Arts in Social and Political Thought (Thesis Based)
Acadia University
Social & Political Thought
Program Overview: MA in Social & Political Thought
Acadia University's MA in Social and Political Thought (SPT) invites you to explore political and social life through deep theoretical engagement. Founded in 2007, the SPT program is the first interdisciplinary theory program in Atlantic Canada and the only one of its kind east of Ontario.
The program is genuinely interdisciplinary, connecting political thought, social theory, philosophy, postcolonial thought, literary criticism, media studies, cultural studies, environmental studies, and gender studies. You will work closely with faculty across multiple disciplines while developing your own unique research agenda culminating in a completed master's thesis.
As a small, personalized graduate program without a PhD program above it, Acadia's SPT offers an exceptional level of faculty-student interaction and mentorship. You will benefit from small class sizes, a co-supervised thesis model with a supervisor and a second reader from another discipline, and a vibrant intellectual community that includes a biennial graduate conference and a yearlong colloquium series.
Key Program Highlights
- Only interdisciplinary Social and Political Thought MA program east of Ontario in Canada
- Co-supervised thesis model pairing a primary supervisor with a second reader from another discipline
- Small cohort sizes ensuring high faculty-to-student interaction and personalized mentorship
- Yearlong SPT Colloquium featuring local, regional, and international speakers alongside professional development
Curriculum and Modules
The SPT program combines interdisciplinary coursework in the first year with intensive thesis research and writing in the second year. Students engage with a core colloquium, seminars spanning multiple disciplines, and develop a significant piece of scholarly research under co-supervision. Students should aim to complete their thesis within 12 months of finishing their coursework.
A yearlong foundational course that serves as your home base, exposing you to the diversity of theoretical research in the program and beyond. It includes guest speakers, faculty research talks, and training in grant writing, conference preparation, and thesis development.
An advanced seminar exploring key theoretical frameworks in social and political thought, covering canonical and contemporary thinkers across multiple disciplines and traditions.
An interdisciplinary course examining major currents in critical theory, continental philosophy, and their applications to contemporary social and political questions.
Explores postcolonial theory, global political thought, and the intersections between culture, power, and knowledge production in international contexts.
Provides training in qualitative and theoretical research methodologies appropriate for interdisciplinary inquiry in the social sciences and humanities.
Elective Areas of Focus
Admission Requirements
Acadia's SPT program welcomes applications from students with backgrounds in relevant disciplinary programs such as Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and English, as well as interdisciplinary programs like Communication and Cultural Studies, Environmental Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies. All applications are considered on an individual basis through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeHonours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline or interdisciplinary program
- Minimum GPAContact Uni4Edu for current data; candidates with lower GPAs may be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Written Work SampleA sample of recent academic writing representative of your scholarship and research skills (maximum 15 pages)
- Research StatementMust include your proposed research topic, thesis statement, connection to departmental research, and a suggested supervisor
- Academic ReferencesTwo letters of academic reference from faculty familiar with your scholarly work
Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTS AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current minimum band score requirements
- ExemptionsApplicants from countries where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Acadia University provides several funding opportunities for graduate students in the SPT program. The program regularly awards teaching assistantships, and eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply for external funding through federal research councils. Contact Uni4Edu for the latest information on available funding packages.
Acadia Graduate Teaching Assistantship (AGTA)
The SPT program regularly awards two AGTAs to incoming students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in each of the last two years of undergraduate study. Recipients contribute approximately 12 hours per week as teaching assistants.
SSHRC Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Masters)
CAD 27,000 for 12 monthsA prestigious federal scholarship for high-caliber scholars in eligible master's programs. Students with first-class honours in each of their last two undergraduate years are strongly encouraged to apply. SSHRC funding decisions for Acadia applicants are made locally.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA in Social and Political Thought develop advanced critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are highly valued across academic, public, and private sectors. The program provides comprehensive preparation for those wishing to pursue doctoral studies as well as those entering professional careers in policy, advocacy, and beyond.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Acadia University is one of Canada's most respected primarily undergraduate institutions, consistently recognized for its strong academic programs, award-winning faculty, and exceptional student experience. Located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Acadia has been ranked in the top five of its category in Maclean's magazine for over 30 years.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | #47 in Canada |
| Faculty Awards | Maclean's | #2 in Canada |
| Reputation | Maclean's | #2 in Canada |
| Primarily Undergraduate Universities | Maclean's | Top 5 (30+ consecutive years) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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