Political Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet Jane Kovarikova, PhD candidate in Political Science

“The best piece of advice I can give to someone considering studying at Western is to be prepared to work hard; it is worth it”

Supervisor: Laura Stephenson

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
I decided to attend Western for a number of reasons. First, Western is a highly reputed university. Second, the faculty members are well-published, world-class educated, and have real-world experiences. Third, the program offers competitive funding for graduate students.

Where’s your favourite place on campus?
My office is my favourite place on campus. Peer support is high when you are occupying the same space with colleagues at the same stage of study. It keeps you motivated and on track.

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
Yes, I am a TA. This experience is fundamental to any academic career. This is where you discover whether an academic route is suited to you. Also, many professors allow you the opportunity to gain experience by hosting a guest lecture. It is also rewarding to be part of undergraduate student’s success.

Do you engage in volunteer activities?
I observe elections on behalf of Canadian and Czech governments. Recently, I have observed in Ukraine, Russia and Macedonia.

What one thing would you like people to know about you?
At the provincial legislature, I was part of a team that put child rights for 16 and 17 year-old youth in need first time on the government’s agenda. New legislation will address the service gap that presently shuts these youths out of the child welfare system.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Teresa McLauchlan (tmclauch@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Advisor

Department of Political Science

Western University
Social Science Centre Rm 4150
London, Ontario N6A 5C2

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 83657

Western's Political Science Department is known for the outstanding quality of its research and teaching in Democratic Engagement, Global Justice, Urban Politics and Local Governance, and Research Methods. Our faculty offer expertise and training in all of the traditional subfields, such as Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Local Government, and Political Theory but also value and encourage work that cuts across and challenges those boundaries. Not only do our faculty and students draw upon multiple theories and methods to solve a wide range of pressing domestic and international problems, we also invent new ones to expand the discipline’s analytical and explanatory power. If you share these values and want to acquire the skills necessary to put them into practice, we invite you to apply to our PhD program.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program creates career-ready graduates with the Power Skills necessary to excel in their studies and achieve their future goals. Assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth and focus on what you want to get out of your time here at Western. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms (4 years)

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants (domestic and international) are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships:

Admission Requirements

  • An MA in Political Science with superior standing. Candidates must demonstrate a high level of academic performance.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • February 1 - Acceptance notification in April, concluding in July