Doctorate in Philosophy Philosophy Specialization in Canadian Studies

The Department of Philosophy offers MA (with or without thesis) and PhD programs in Philosophy. The programs are offered in English and French. According to the University's policy, students may pursue their studies in the official language of their choice.

The Department participates in the collaborative programs in Womens Studies (at the MA level), in Medieval and Renaissance Studies (at the MA level) and in Canadian Studies (at the PhD level). For more information on these programs, see Admission Requirements.”

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.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted to the PhD on the basis of an MA in Philosophy with a minimum average.

An application dossier must include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a description of the intended field of research, and a sample of written work. For candidates wishing to enter the PhD without an MA the application dossier must include a detailed statement of research plans.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both French and English is strongly encouraged so that students may take advantage of the full range of activities — lectures, personal contacts, and courses — available in the Department (graduate courses are normally not duplicated in the two languages).

Collaborative Program

The Department of Philosophy is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level. This program has been established for students wishing to enrich their training in Philosophy by including an interdisciplinary component in Canadian Studies. The seminar (CDN 6520 or CDN 6910) fits into the departmental course requirements and does not add to the number of courses required for the PhD in Philosophy.

To be admitted to the program, students must be enrolled in, or have successfully completed, at least one graduate course in Philosophy with Canadian content. The mention will be added to the diploma of students who pass the seminar (CDN 6520 or CDN 6910) and successfully defend a thesis on a Canadian topic in Philosophy.

Transfer from Master's to PhD

In addition, for those enrolled in the MA in Philosophy, the Department offers an accelerated entrance to the PhD after completing, with a minimum average, six courses and a major research paper; normally these requirements can be fulfilled within twelve months. Students accepted into the PhD by this accelerated route do not require an MA. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met.

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• 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.