Doctorate in Philosophy History Specialization in Canadian Studies

The Department of History offers the degree Doctorate of Philosophy in History. Within the limits imposed by the availability of qualified staff, students may pursue their studies in English or in French.

At the doctoral level, the department has five areas of strength:

• Canada and North America
• Europe
• Women, Gender and the Family
• Empire, Colonization and Decolonization
• War, Conflict and Diplomacy

Candidates may be accepted in other areas depending upon the availability of qualified supervisors.

The department participates in the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. For more information on this program, see Admission Requirements” section of the doctoral program.

Because of its strength in relevant areas, its bilingual character and its location in the national capital, the University of Ottawa is uniquely positioned to offer a collaborative program leading to a specialization in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level. The program is especially designed for doctoral students in selected programs in the humanities and the social sciences who wish to enrich their training in a particular discipline by including an interdisciplinary component.

The programs are governed by the general 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.

Students must have an MA in history (or the equivalent) with a minimum average of 75 per cent (B+) before they can be considered for admission. The department may require a written or oral entrance examination.

Advisers

On admission, students are assigned an adviser to assist in the choice of courses and fields.

Collaborative Program

Admission to the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the doctoral level is determined by the coordination committee and will normally take place before the end of the first year of enrollment in the doctoral program. Students must meet the following conditions to be accepted:

• Enrollment in the doctoral program of one of the participating units.
• Enrollment in, or successful completion of, at least one course with Canadian content in the participating unit where the student is enrolled.
• Selection of the thesis topic with Canadian content. The coordination committee will determine, in consultation with the thesis director, if the Canadian content of the thesis meets the requirements of the collaborative program.

The title of the degree will in each case specify the discipline of the participating unit with specialization in Canadian Studies.

Students should be able to understand and read both official languages of Canada in order to participate in the bilingual interdisciplinary seminar CDN 6910.

Language Requirements

All applicants must be able to understand speak and write either English or French proficiently . Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable tests is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies. 

In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

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