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 master’s 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 student’s 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.

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.