Program Overview

MA Co-op Program Overview

The UBC Arts Co-op Program offers a MA Co-op option for students in Political Science. Through Co-op, MA students will build valuable skills and experience that will extend and enrich their career options in both academic and non-academic workplaces.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply to MA Co-op, students must:

• Be in their first semester in their MA program in Political Science
• Be a full-time UBC student (part-time students will be considered if they are available for full-time co-op terms)
• Plan on pursuing a full-time co-op work term in the May 2027 term

Program Guide

The Program Guide provides detailed information about the MA Co-op program.

How MA Co-op Works

Length and Number of Work Terms

The Co-op Program offers students the chance to work in full-time paid employment in positions related to their academic program. If accepted into the MA Co-op program, students must complete at least one co-op work term. Work terms are a minimum of 420 hours or 12 weeks in length, although most employers hire students for 12-16 weeks (four months). As a result of participating in co-op, completing a degree will typically take four months (one semester) longer than it would otherwise take.

Mandatory Co-op Training

The Arts Co-op Program coordinates six hours of pre-employment training for all new Co-op students, some of which is scheduled synchronously, with accommodations for student availability. The training includes contributions from employers, alumni, and current students, and co-op staff. Co-op students receive additional one-on-one training and coaching on their job applications and interview skills from December through April.

Job Search Expectations

Students go through a “real world” competitive process to secure co-op positions with support from co-op staff. This means that students are not guaranteed a position. As a co-op student, they have access to a database of postings, choose which positions to apply for, and submit applications through the Co-op office. Employers review applications and select candidates they would like to interview, and make job offers through the Co-op office.

Work Environment Expectations

Students are expected to complete assigned work and participate in workplace activities with their colleagues. As a result, they get in-depth exposure to a particular workplace and to a range of tasks related to their field of interest. During work terms, students complete a series of career-building assignments marked by co-op staff and participate in mid-point and end-of-term evaluations with a Co-op Manager. Successful completion of each work term is noted on their transcript.

Ongoing Support and Resources

UBC MA co-op students have access to co-op staff for individual career advising appointments, enabling them to develop career skills that will be of use during their co-op job search, work term, and after graduation.

Co-op Wages

The average Master’s student wage range is between $18-25 per hour. Wages vary depending on the sector; for example, non-profits pay less than government positions. Wages are based on current labour market realities and are up to the employer to determine.

Co-op Fees

MA Co-op students must cover two types of fees:

• Co-op Administrative and Workshop Fee: A one-time co-op administration and workshop fee of $282.75 (the standard amount set by UBC Senate for all UBC Co-op programs). This fee provides unlimited access to customized career coaching with co-op staff and online career development resources.
• Tuition: While on a co-op work term, MA co-op students pay their regular tuition installment and continue to be considered full-time students eligible for student benefits such as the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan, the U-Pass, UBC resources and services such as library material, and student housing. Each co-op work term appears on their transcript as a non-academic co-op credit placement course (e.g., Arts Studies or ASTU 501).

Apply to Co-op

Applications are closed for the 2025/2026 intake. Details for the 2026/2027 intake will be announced by early September 2026. Please note that there is only one intake per academic year.