Overview

Bridging Divides brings together leading researchers from Concordia University, Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Alberta, and the University of British Columbia. This interdisciplinary program blends insights from social sciences, health sciences, engineering, and digital humanities to develop innovative solutions for immigrant integration and inform public policy.

As a graduate student, you will be a key contributor to the Institute for Research on Migration and Society (IRMS), working alongside top scholars and institutions to make meaningful, real-world impacts. 

Concordia University invites you to join the Bridging Divides research program through a Master’s or PhD in Political Science. This groundbreaking initiative, funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), offers a unique opportunity to tackle the critical challenge of immigrant integration in Canada.

Who Can Apply?

• Master’s Program: A completed undergraduate degree in Political Science or a related field.
• PhD Program: A completed Master’s degree in Political Science or a related field.
• Research Interests: A demonstrated interest in the themes of the Bridging Divides program, including political and civic integration, digital transformation, social media impact, citizenship trends, and migration industries.
• Applicants must have a strong command of written and spoken English.
  (International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.)
• Applicants should submit a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and how they align with the Bridging Divides program. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your academic goals and passion for immigrant integration research.

Application Procedure

To apply, submit your application to the Master’s or PhD program in Political Science at Concordia University. In your statement of purpose, emphasize your interest in the Bridging Divides program and its alignment with your academic goals and research interests.

What Financial Support is Available?

• Master’s Program: $15,000 per year for two years, including research assistantships and bursaries to support tuition fees.
• PhD Program: $40,000 per year for four years, including research assistantships and tuition bursaries.

Other Details

Key Research Themes

The program explores various aspects of immigration and integration, including:

• Political and Civic Integration: Identifying barriers to political participation and promoting civic engagement among immigrants.
• Digital Transformation: Examining the role of AI and digital technologies in immigration management and policymaking.
• Citizenship Trends: Investigating naturalization patterns and their effects on identity, belonging, and community cohesion.
• Social Media Impact: Analyzing the influence of social media on immigration decisions and integration outcomes.
• Immigration Policy Evolution: Understanding how policies shape integration and public attitudes over time.
• Migration Industries: Exploring the dynamics between governments and migration-related industries such as recruitment agencies and settlement services.