Program Overview

Humanities (PhD)

The PhD in Humanities, based in the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture (CISSC), can be undertaken in many areas of interdisciplinary expertise at Concordia. Our students enter the program with an MA or MFA and come from a variety of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. They benefit from a vibrant academic milieu that encourages innovative thinking and cross-disciplinary approaches to today's vital issues. Some examples of topics being looked at by students in the program include digital culture, First People's studies, globalization, and women's studies. Concordia's outstanding research centres and labs include Milieux, the Media History Research Centre, the Centre for Sensory Studies, and the Centre for Expanded Poetics, among many others. Students entering with an MFA or another graduate degree can pursue research-creation projects that combine scholarly investigation with creative practice in a variety of media and platforms.

Program Structure

• Degree requirements: Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.
• Required Courses:
  • HUMA 888 Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies I (3.00)
  • HUMA 889 Seminar in Interdisciplinary Studies II (3.00)
• Elective Courses: 12 credits chosen from graduate courses at the 600 level or higher offered by departments in areas relevant to the student's program of study, including:
  • HUMA 884 Directed Studies (3.00)
  • HUMA 887 Advanced Seminar in Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies (3.00)
• Comprehensive Examinations: 9 credits
  • HUMA 891 Comprehensive Examination Major Field (3.00)
  • HUMA 892 Comprehensive Examination Minor Field I (3.00)
  • HUMA 893
• Thesis: 57 credits (HUMA 895)

Admission Requirements

• MA or MFA with high standing from a recognized university.
• Portfolio (for research-creation applicants).
• Research or research-creation proposal.
• Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field.

Application Process

Review the steps before applying and program-specific requirements.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: January 15 (all applicants)
• Winter: Not applicable
• Summer: Not applicable

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

Tuition and Funding

• Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.
• Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching, and research assistantships, which are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

Other Programs of Interest

• Individualized Program (PhD): Craft your own research path and develop unique career trajectories by stepping outside the normal boundaries of research and creation. Draw on the various resources available at the University, either within a Faculty or across Faculties.
• Department: School of Graduate Studies
• Faculties: Faculty of Arts & Science, Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, Faculty of Fine Arts, John Molson School of Business, School of Graduate Studies