Doctorate in Philosophy Translation Studies

The School of Translation and Interpretation (STI) offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts in Translation Studies (MA), Master in Conference Interpreting (MCI) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Translation Studies.

Doctoral Program

The primary objective of the doctoral program in translation studies is to produce qualified scholars in the field for academic teaching and research.

The doctoral program will focus on:

• Theories, history and pedagogy of translation as inter-lingual and intercultural communication.
• Lexicology, terminology, and technologies as applied to translation.

Since translation is interdisciplinary, the doctoral program may collaborate with disciplines in other units such as Law, English, Canadian Studies, French, Modern Languages and Literatures, Linguistics, Philosophy, as well as the School of Information Technology and Engineering (SITE). However, the administration of the program is the sole responsibility of the School of Translation and Interpretation.

This full-time program consists of four courses, a comprehensive exam, and a thesis.

The department participates in a collaborative program in Canadian Studies at the PhD level.

Languages

Most seminars are bilingual, that is, they may be conducted in French or English. The student's research may be conducted not only on French and English, but also on a third language, subject to the conditions stipulated under .

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.

MA in Translation Studies or equivalent, with a minimum average of B+ (75%). Applicants are required to submit a one- or two-page summary of their proposed research project. Applicants are also required to respond to a questionnaire concerning their background preparation.

Students with a master's containing a translation component but which is not equivalent to a master's in translation studies may be considered for admission at the master's level, with the possibility of transferring into the doctoral program after four courses, if they obtain an average of A- (80%).

Transfer from Master's to PhD

In exceptional circumstances, it is possible to transfer from the MA program at the School of Translation and Interpretation (STI) directly into the PhD program under the following conditions:

• Completion of the 3 mandatory MA courses, plus one more MA course, with a grade of A (85%) in each course;
• Completion of a 40-page research paper (TRA 7998) under the supervision of a professor who is the potential PhD thesis supervisor;
• Written recommendation for transfer from the supervisor of the paper and from the Graduate Studies Committee.

The transfer must take place within sixteen months of initial enrollment in the master’s. Students permitted to transfer will complete a total of 8 courses (24 units), 6 courses while enrolled in the master’s and 2 while enrolled in the PhD. Following transfer, the following requirements must be met: 2 courses (6 units), the comprehensive exam, the thesis proposal and the thesis.

Language Requirements

Students must meet one of the following requirements:

• Proficiency in English and French. Knowledge of a third language will be an asset.
  or
• Proficiency in English and another language. In this case, a good passive knowledge of French is required.
  or
• Proficiency in French and another language. In this case, a good passive knowledge of English is required.

The School of Translation and Interpretation (STI) reserves the right to test the linguistic knowledge of applicants.

Admission Procedure

Applications for admission are reviewed by the Graduate Studies Committee of the School of Translation and Interpretation, and must also meet the general requirements in effect for graduate studies. In addition to completing our on-line application and paying the application fee to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, students must also assemble all relevant documentation and forward the complete application package to the director of the School of Translation and Interpretation. Applications will not be processed without the application fee and the complete file.

To find the application deadline, please check the “program-specific requirements” under Application Procedures and Information at the following address: www.grad.uottawa.ca/apply.

• 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.