Doctorate in Philosophy Feminist and Gender Studies

The Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies offers a master's, a doctorate and a collaborative program (at the masters level) in feminist and gender studies.

The objective of the MA program in feminist and gender studies is to encourage the acquisition of in-depth, plural, diversified, and heuristic knowledge of the different currents of feminist thought, including theoretical and methodological proposals. The program aims to develop an aptitude for research in the university or the community, while enriching the students personal work through the supervised writing of a research paper or thesis.

The primary objective of the Doctoral program is to prepare candidates for a career in teaching and research. The program, however, also prepares candidates for other careers by giving them a comprehensive knowledge in feminist theory, methodology and analysis in a context that highlights the need for scholarship engaged with the realities of an increasingly transnational world. PhD graduates will have acquired and demonstrated their aptitude to produce scholarly work engaged with some of the most urgent issues in the global and local socio-political, cultural and economic landscape while identifying new directions for feminist scholarship and intervention.

The programs are offered full-time and part-time. Courses are offered both in English and in French. In accordance with University of Ottawa regulations, students can write their papers, exams, and theses in the official language of their choice (either English or French). Students are encouraged to acquire at least a passive knowledge of the second official language before graduation.

The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, students must hold a master’s degree (thesis or research paper) in feminist and gender studies or a master’s degree with specialization in feminist and gender studies and have a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines. Applicants with a master’s degree in a related discipline may also be considered if the subject of their thesis or research paper is linked to feminist and gender studies and if they possess the theoretical and methodological background necessary for the doctoral program in feminist and gender studies.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in either English or French is required. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the academic regulations of in effect for graduate studies. 

Transfer to the PhD Program

Students enrolled in the MA program in Feminist and Gender Studies, whose academic performance is exceptional and who have demonstrated good aptitude for doctoral research (as evaluated by the Feminist and Gender Studies Graduate Committee) may be admitted to the PhD program without having to complete their MA. To qualify for transfer to the PhD program, students must have completed four graduate courses (12 units) including three FEM courses with a minimum average of 80% (A-); have demonstrated potential for doctoral-level research; and have received approval from the Feminist and Gender Studies Graduate Committee.

Transfer to the PhD program must take place within the 16 months following initial enrollment for the master’s degree. Following transfer, students must successfully complete two graduate FEM courses (6 units), the comprehensive examination (within the 24 months following transfer), the thesis proposal and prepare the doctoral thesis.

The request for transfer must be made during the third term of full-time enrollment (or equivalent), and the transfer must take place before the end of the fourth term.

The application file must include a curriculum vitae, official transcripts and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a letter of intent describing their interest in studying in one of the fields of the program, their research interests and their university and practical experience deemed relevant for admission to the program.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.