Admission Requirements

The Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology offers programs leading to the MA in Sociology, the MA in Social Anthropology, the PhD in Sociology, and Social Anthropology.

All candidates who are applying to the MA program in Sociology or Social Anthropology must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Candidates will normally be expected to hold a four-year degree in Sociology or Social Anthropology with at least an upper second course (A-) standing. It is expected that a candidate's undergraduate work will have included courses in theory and methods appropriate to the particular discipline. Promising applicants who fail to meet these requirements may be admitted to a qualifying year which, if successfully completed, would permit subsequent enrollment in the MA program.

All candidates who are applying for the PhD in Sociology or Social Anthropology must hold an MA in Sociology, Anthropology or its equivalent. Applicants must have a graduate academic record of at least A-. Priority for acceptance to the PhD program will be given to students whose areas of interest coincide with the Department's major areas of concentration. 

Our department admits once a year for a September start.  We recommend that students submit their application by December 15th if they wish to be considered for scholarships granted through Dalhousie University’s Harmonized Scholarship Process and/or if they are an International student. Otherwise, students should apply by January 15th. Students who apply after January 15th may be considered for admission, but only if space is available.