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About the program
Doctor of Philosophy in Theory and Criticism is a full-time thesis-based research programme offered through Theory and Criticism, lasting 12 terms (about 48 months) of full-time study.
Program highlights
- Internship available: no
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (Up to 3 years (3 years if the programme is 2 years or more; otherwise up to programme length) (Post-Graduation Work Permit; one-time; programme of at least 8 months, full-time, at a PGWP-eligible DLI; language CLB/NCLC 7; no field-of-study requirement; apply within 180 days of completion)): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
Curriculum
- Thesis-based research programme of 12 terms (about 48 months) of full-time study. Students carry out a supervised thesis research project. Doctoral students can join the Own Your Future professional development programme. Individual course titles are not listed on the programme page.
Entry requirements
Academic
- A Master's degree or equivalent in a Humanities or Social Science subject with a minimum A- (83%) average. Evidence of research potential and previous theoretical work
- Indicated by the applicant's course record and in writing samples submitted as part of the application.
Accepted academic background
Master's degree or equivalent from a recognized university, College or institute with evidence of research potential (direct entry from a bachelor's degree at the programme's discretion), Programme-specific supervisor, References and documents
Language tests
- IELTS 6.5
- TOEFL iBT 4.5
- Duolingo 115
Documents you’ll need
- Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Referee contact details
- Evidence of English proficiency if applicable
- Program-specific supplementary documents if required
How to apply
- Check the program page for requirements and the international deadline. Create an applicant account and apply online; the application fee is 185 CAD
- non-refundable (some programs charge differently). Upload transcripts from every post-secondary institution (unofficial copies are enough to apply; English translation if needed)
- enter referee emails and add program documents such as CV
- statement or writing samples. SGPS does a preliminary check
- then the program decides. Accept the offer in Student Center by the date in the offer letter and send official transcripts to [email protected].
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $7,794 CAD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $185 CAD |
| Deposit | $31,242 CAD |
Program details
| Campus | London (main campus) |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Faculty of Arts and Humanities |
| Department | Theory and Criticism |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | _ |
| Study pace | _ |
| Post-study stay | Up to 3 years (3 years if the programme is 2 years or more; otherwise up to programme length) (Post-Graduation Work Permit; one-time; programme of at least 8 months, full-time, at a PGWP-eligible DLI; language CLB/NCLC 7; no field-of-study requirement; apply within 180 days of completion) |
| Scholarship note | _ |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
May 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
No deadline listed
Program starts
January 2028
Apply by
No deadline listed
Frequently asked questions
The program takes 4 years.
Tuition is $7,794 CAD per year. The application fee is $185 CAD. The deposit is $31,242 CAD. The estimated living cost is $21,000 CAD.
Accepted language tests: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 4.5, Duolingo 115.

