Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

For minimum time required to complete the program, see the Faculty of Graduate Studies Regulations in this calendar.

In order to be considered a candidate for the PhD degree, students must prepare three fields, at least one of which must be outside the student's primary research area, present a thesis proposal before the Department and pass written and oral examinations in all three fields. All students engaged in Canadian, Russian, European, Middle East and Medieval history research (and in other areas, if appropriate) must demonstrate a reading competence in a language other than English. A language examination, if appropriate, is part of the normal thesis approval process. A “pass” of the PhD field work is deemed to be a mark of A- or better in each element. Passes are recorded only as “P” on transcripts. Students who fail to attain the pass standard in one of three exams will be permitted to rewrite within three months of the exam. Students who fail to attain the pass standard on two or three of the fields (or who fail in a rewrite attempt) will be required to withdraw from the PhD program.

A thesis is required which shall not exceed 100,000 words in length, excluding footnote references and bibliography. Doctoral theses are usually to be undertaken in the areas of Canadian, British, Russian (mid-19th century to mid-20th century), and African History. Students wishing to do a PhD thesis in areas other than those named above may be recommended for admission providing that resources are available.

To qualify for the award of the PhD degree, the thesis must make a significant and original contribution to historical study by the discovery of new information, or by the original interpretation of known information, or both.