Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Guelph, CanadaLocation
- art, arts, communications, community, creative expression, culture, humanities, identityField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- GuelphCampus
- Doctor of PhilosophyAwards
- $19,681Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The PhD program in Critical Studies in Improvisation investigates the dynamic relationships between improvised creative practices and broader social relations in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Coordinated by the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation at the University of Guelph, the program offers a collaborative intellectual environment where scholars in the field of improvisation studies activate new social and creative configurations of power, new strategies for facilitating social justice, and new tactics to interpret and address the ever-changing world around us.
Read more
Crucially, this work is enacted through students’ critical, practical, rigorous investigation of the processes and impacts of improvised creative practices. The programs draw on faculty expertise at the University of Guelph, as well as five partner sites at McGill University, University o
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeFull-time; part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Completion of a graduate/master's degree from a recognised university with a grade average of at least 73% (B) in the master's programme. Two referee assessment forms and transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended are required. Some programmes offer direct admission to the PhD from an honours bachelor's degree. Programme minimum admission average: 75%. Programme-specific requirements: Applicants must have achieved a grade average of at least 75% (B) in the Master’s degree program. Under exceptional circumstances admission directly to a PhD program with an appropriate Honours degree alone may be granted. Applicants must provide two letters of reference and will be required to submit a portfolio with a representative sampling of their best and most relevant creative, professional, and/or research practice, in relationship to the field of CSI and to their proposed area of research. Applicants will submit a 3 page research proposal outlining their critical orientation and proposed research activity for the program of study. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 89; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: Certification is required only where the applicant's first language is not English. Other accepted tests: CAEL 70 overall; MELAB 85; Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) 7. The advanced level of the University of Guelph English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) satisfies the requirement; admission may also be offered on condition of completing the Graduate Preparation Program (GPP, two semesters). · GRE/GMAT: Required by some departments; the Graduate Calendar states that where the GRE or GMAT is required it is listed with the programme's own admission information. · Application fee: CAD 125.00 (non-refundable, payable to OUAC)
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$19,681 CAD / year≈ $14,471 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsNo programme-specific funding section is published on this programme page. University-wide, Guelph publishes for graduate students: guaranteed funding packages for students in eligible programs (PhD minimum funding levels are set across all Colleges; master's-level funding varies by program); Graduate Teaching, Research and Service Assistantships (GTA/GRA/GSA); merit-based entrance, in-course and travel scholarships "available to both domestic and international students in course-based and thesis-based programs"; need-based bursaries; Indigenous Graduate Scholarships; and awards for Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized students. For international students Guelph names International Doctoral Tuition Scholarships (up to four years) and International Master's Tuition Scholarships "for both course-based and thesis-based programs", plus external awards (Ontario Graduate Scholarship; tri-agency NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR, with doctoral-level awards now open to international students; Mitacs; Trudeau; Fulbright; Rhodes). Per-award eligibility is in Guelph's Graduate Award Search Tool. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: Fall (September) entry: 15 January (international applicant deadlines as published by the University; year not shown on the programme page)
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Critical Studies in Improvisation, PhD cost?
CAD 19,681 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Completion of a graduate/master's degree from a recognised university with a grade average of at least 73% (B) in the master's programme. Two referee assessment forms and transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended are required. Some programmes offer direct admission to the PhD from an honours bachelor's degree. Programme minimum admission average: 75%. Programme-specific requirements: Applicants must have achieved a grade average of at least 75% (B) in the Master’s degree program. Under exceptional circumstances admission directly to a PhD program with an appropriate Honours degree alone may be granted. Applicants must provide two letters of reference and will be required to submit a portfolio with a representative sampling of their best and most relevant creative, professional, and/or research practice, in relationship to the field of CSI and to their proposed area of research. Applicants will submit a 3 page research proposal outlining their critical orientation and proposed research activity for the program of study. · English: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL iBT 89; PTE Academic 60; Duolingo English Test 120 · English test waiver: Certification is required only where the applicant's first language is not English. Other accepted tests: CAEL 70 overall; MELAB 85; Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) 7. The advanced level of the University of Guelph English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) satisfies the requirement; admission may also be offered on condition of completing the Graduate Preparation Program (GPP, two semesters). · GRE/GMAT: Required by some departments; the Graduate Calendar states that where the GRE or GMAT is required it is listed with the programme's own admission information. · Application fee: CAD 125.00 (non-refundable, payable to OUAC)
Is there a scholarship?
No programme-specific funding section is published on this programme page. University-wide, Guelph publishes for graduate students: guaranteed funding packages for students in eligible programs (PhD minimum funding levels are set across all Colleges; master's-level funding varies by program); Graduate Teaching, Research and Service Assistantships (GTA/GRA/GSA); merit-based entrance, in-course and travel scholarships "available to both domestic and international students in course-based and thesis-based programs"; need-based bursaries; Indigenous Graduate Scholarships; and awards for Black, Persons of Colour or Racialized students. For international students Guelph names International Doctoral Tuition Scholarships (up to four years) and International Master's Tuition Scholarships "for both course-based and thesis-based programs", plus external awards (Ontario Graduate Scholarship; tri-agency NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR, with doctoral-level awards now open to international students; Mitacs; Trudeau; Fulbright; Rhodes). Per-award eligibility is in Guelph's Graduate Award Search Tool. Source View scholarship page
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