BCPSA recognizes outstanding scholarship through three undergraduate essay awards, two book prizes, and a conference-paper prize. These competitions encourage and reward work by students and members of the association. Awards are announced and celebrated at the BCPSA Conference and Annual General Meeting in May each year.
Submission dates and procedures TBA
Undergraduate essay prizes
Mike Meade Prize
For outstanding papers written by first- and second-year undergraduates. Up to two awards may be made annually.
Norman Ruff Prize
For the strongest undergraduate paper at the third- or fourth-year level.
BA Honours Paper Prize
For the outstanding honours paper.
Eligibility and nominations
- Entrants must study at a BC post-secondary institution participating in the BCCAT Political Studies Articulation Committee.
- Departments nominate papers; undergraduate students cannot submit directly.
- The general prize information specifies one departmental nomination per category.
- Faculty panels, assembled by the BCPSA President, adjudicate the competitions.
Submission details will appear here in January 2027
