Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- Kingston, CanadaLocation
- Arts and HumanitiesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- KingstonCampus
- Doctor of PhilosophyAwards
- $5,888Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Overview Faculty Programs Courses Purpose, Philosophy, and Practice Drawing from a range of theories, practices, and methods, Cultural Studies researchers investigate values, cultural processes and objects, economic and social relations, institutions and identities. What distinguishes Cultural Studies from other approaches to the study of culture is its recognition that no single disciplinary approach can get at the complexity of cultural forms.
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Necessarily self-reflexive, Cultural Studies draws upon a range of methods and critical theories. It offers opportunities to break down conventional divisions between academia and activism, between theoretical critique and cultural production. Cultural Studies scholars make deliberate choices in bringing together appropriate combinations of object of study, method, and theoretical framework. Research-Creation, Community-based Research, and/or Indigenous knowledge frameworks are central to many projects in our program. The format of Cultural Studies theses varies accordingly. While many students write a monograph-style thesis with a sustained argument, others present their work in a portfolio format, in which components in different modes, media, and/or voices complement each other and may reach towards audiences outside academe. All theses must clearly describe and discuss their research questions, academic contexts, and reasons for choice of format and approach, and specify the results and their implications for academic research. Comprising over 100 distinguished faculty from over 20 disciplines, Cultural Studies at Queen's is committed to a diversity of students and faculty and to the global expertise that they bring to the cultural and academic fields. Cultural Studies at Queen’s aims to create an intellectual environment th ...
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 7.0
- Study modeFull Time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Calendar entry for this degree: Year 1 Fall/Winter terms: Students take a minimum of four one-term (3.0 unit) graduate courses, including CUST 803 Cultural Studies Past& Present OR CUST 800 Cultural Studies Theory and at least one additional Cultural Studies course; they are also required to take CUST 902 Cultural Studies Colloquium . Doctoral students with a Queen's MA in Cultural Studies need only take two one-term (3.0 unit) courses. Summer term: Students finalize their supervisory committee and, in consultation with their supervisor(s), prepare for the Qualifying Examination. Year 2 Fall term: Students complete the Qualifying Examination. Winter/Summer terms: Students prepare and defend their thesis proposal. Year 3 Students continue their PhD work, including field research and/or artistic practice as required, and, in consultation with their committee, write/draft chapters towards the final output. Year 4 Students continue writing their PhD in preparation for a defense date in August. || General graduate admission is governed by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs: applicants normally need a four-year bachelor's degree (or a master's for doctoral entry), official transcripts and two letters of recommendation, and must meet the minimum scores set by the individual program. Source: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply · English: IELTS 7.0; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: Applicants whose native language includes English are not required to sit an English-language proficiency test. A final grade of 80% or more in ESLA 140 or ESLA 150 from Queen's University's English for Academic Purposes Program, achieved at the time of application, may also remove the test requirement. Source: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply · Application fee: CAD 120.00 - non-refundable graduate application fee, payable by Visa or Mastercard; the application is complete only once the fee is paid. Source: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply
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$5,888 CAD / year≈ $4,329 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsQueen's publishes no entrance scholarship specific to this programme; the awards open to its applicants are the university-wide graduate ones. Queen's commits to full-time doctoral students "a guaranteed minimum funding package of $25,000 a year" for 2026-2027 in funding-eligible years (typically years 1-4), assembled from internal awards or fellowships (the Queen's Graduate Award), external awards, teaching assistantships or fellowships, research assistantships and the Graduate Research Fellowship. Internal awards need no separate application: "These awards do not require an application, and many are part of funding packages given to students when they receive an admission offer." International applicants are additionally eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship ("The current value of the award is $5,000 per term. Awards will be for two or three consecutive terms"; a small number are made to study-permit holders), Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Tri-Council (NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR) awards and Mitacs Globalink awards. SourcesView 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: The graduate application portal typically opens in September each year with deadlines occurring early in the new year; Queen's directs applicants to the individual degree-program website for that program's deadline, and most acceptances are made in March…
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.”
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Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Cultural Studies - Doctor of Philosophy cost?
CAD 5,888 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
Calendar entry for this degree: Year 1 Fall/Winter terms: Students take a minimum of four one-term (3.0 unit) graduate courses, including CUST 803 Cultural Studies Past& Present OR CUST 800 Cultural Studies Theory and at least one additional Cultural Studies course; they are also required to take CUST 902 Cultural Studies Colloquium . Doctoral students with a Queen's MA in Cultural Studies need only take two one-term (3.0 unit) courses. Summer term: Students finalize their supervisory committee and, in consultation with their supervisor(s), prepare for the Qualifying Examination. Year 2 Fall term: Students complete the Qualifying Examination. Winter/Summer terms: Students prepare and defend their thesis proposal. Year 3 Students continue their PhD work, including field research and/or artistic practice as required, and, in consultation with their committee, write/draft chapters towards the final output. Year 4 Students continue writing their PhD in preparation for a defense date in August. || General graduate admission is governed by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs: applicants normally need a four-year bachelor's degree (or a master's for doctoral entry), official transcripts and two letters of recommendation, and must meet the minimum scores set by the individual program. Source: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply · English: IELTS 7.0; PTE Academic 65 · English test waiver: Applicants whose native language includes English are not required to sit an English-language proficiency test. A final grade of 80% or more in ESLA 140 or ESLA 150 from Queen's University's English for Academic Purposes Program, achieved at the time of application, may also remove the test requirement. Source: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply · Application fee: CAD 120.00 - non-refundable graduate application fee, payable by Visa or Mastercard; the application is complete only once the fee is paid. Source: https://www.queensu.ca/grad-postdoc/grad-studies/apply
Is there a scholarship?
Queen's publishes no entrance scholarship specific to this programme; the awards open to its applicants are the university-wide graduate ones. Queen's commits to full-time doctoral students "a guaranteed minimum funding package of $25,000 a year" for 2026-2027 in funding-eligible years (typically years 1-4), assembled from internal awards or fellowships (the Queen's Graduate Award), external awards, teaching assistantships or fellowships, research assistantships and the Graduate Research Fellowship. Internal awards need no separate application: "These awards do not require an application, and many are part of funding packages given to students when they receive an admission offer." International applicants are additionally eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship ("The current value of the award is $5,000 per term. Awards will be for two or three consecutive terms"; a small number are made to study-permit holders), Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Tri-Council (NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR) awards and Mitacs Globalink awards. Sources View scholarship page
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