Program Description
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Philosophy offered by the Department of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts is a research-intensive program that emphasizes comprehensive and rewarding learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in original thinking, literature review, and academic writing to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.
The program may also be taken as one of the following options:
Gender and Women's Studies option: where students pursue coursework on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods. Additionally, the student's doctoral thesis must be on a topic centrally relating to issues of gender and/or women's studies.
Teaching Philosophy option: focuses on the theoretical and practical skills necessary to become an effective teacher of philosophy, including pedagogical issues. Guidance is provided by a faculty mentor and students benefit from participation in various teaching activities (e.g., teaching assistants, training workshops, guest lecturing).
Unique Program Features
- A pluralist department with an excellent professor-to-student ratio, strong preparation for dissertation work, and guaranteed full funding for four years for all admitted Ph.D. students;
- The Department's Placement Officer counsels students about coursework and areas of competence, helps to establish evidence of teaching ability, administers the dossier for job applications, and provides advice and follow-up in the interview process;
- A pluralist department with an excellent professor-to-student ratio, strong preparation for dissertation work, and guaranteed full funding for five years for all admitted Ph.D. students;
- In the last 10 years, over 80% of our graduates have received academic appointments. For more detailed information, please see our Placement page.
University-Level Admission Requirements
- An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
- English-language proficiency
Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.
Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.
Program Website
PhD in Philosophy website
Department Contact
Graduate Program info.philosophy [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Philosophy) (email)
Available Intakes
Fall
Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline - International | Application Deadline - Domestic (Canadian, Permanent Resident of Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL | September 15 | January 15 | January 15 |
| WINTER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUMMER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.