Global Governance - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Entrace to the Centre for International Governance Innovation

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) in Waterloo, location of the Balsillie School of International Affairs

The world faces increasingly complex problems that have taken on global significance, including conflict and peace-building, humanitarian crises and intervention, international economic inequality and instability, and global environmental change.

Examine power and authority in the global arena through an interdisciplinary approach with the PhD in Global Governance program, offered jointly by the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University.  

In the program, you’ll examine the variety of actors, institutions, ideas, rules, and processes that contribute to the management of global society while contributing new knowledge and assessing new approaches for addressing current and future challenges through the completion of a thesis. Gain relevant international work experience as a visiting scholar at a top-ranked university, a fellow at a leading think tank, or as an intern with an internationally recognized non-governmental organization or in the UN system.

You’ll be prepared to pursue a career in this rapidly growing field in nation-state governments, international organizations, the non-governmental sector, or the private sector.

Research fields

  •     Conflict and Security
  •     Global Environment
  •     Global Justice and Human Rights
  •     Global Political Economy
  •     Global Social Governance
  •     Multilateral Institutions and Diplomacy

Program overview

Department/School: Balsillie School of International Affairs
Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Environment
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Joint, Research
Length of program: 48 months
Registration option(s): Full-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • January 15 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

Rachael Gergely
rgergely@uwaterloo.ca

Admission limitations

This program admits students through both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Environment and will not be admitting any international students through the Faculty of Arts for the 2025-2026 academic year due to funding restrictions. International applicants whose proposed research relates to environmental governance should contact the program before applying. International applicants whose proposed research relates to other aspects of Global Governance should apply to the program via Wilfrid Laurier University.

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Students must hold a master's degree with a minimum 80% average or equivalent in political science, history, economics, international development studies, international peace studies, globalization studies, environmental studies, or a related field.
  • Experienced professionals in the private or public sectors will be considered for admission, but additional course work may be required.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Statement of interest
    • A statement of maximum 500 words explaining your interest in and fit for the program you’re applying to, uploaded as a supporting document in the online application. Review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion.
  • Program-specific questions (PSQ)
    • These are questions specific to the program you’re applying to. They can be viewed once you’ve started an application and are completed through a form in the online application.
  • Transcript(s)
  • Writing sample
  • References
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees