Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4-5 yearsDuration
- Waterloo, CanadaLocation
- Religious StudiesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- WaterlooCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $31,176Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The PhD in Human Relationships builds on your professional experience in the fields of pastoral leadership, and spiritual care and psychotherapy through advanced scholarship and a dissertation. You will be well prepared to make contributions in fields such as ministry, psychotherapy, spiritual care, and higher education.
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
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Admission Requirements: For the Pastoral Leadership track, applicants are required to hold a Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B+. For the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy track, applicants are required to hold a Master of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy degree (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B+ and three years experience of clinical practice as a Registered Psychotherapist (or equivalent experience). Prospective students are strongly encouraged to meet with the PhD Program Coordinator to discuss your research and goals before applying to the program. To set up a meeting, please email martin@luther.wlu.ca . · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 83; PTE Academic 59 · English test waiver: Exemption from English-language testing: no test is required if your previous degree was taught in English - provide an official letter from the prior institution stating the degree was completed in English, uploaded with your supplemental documents. Laurier also accepts the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program, Level 400 with a minimum final score of 75%, in place of a test. Individual programs may set additional language requirements. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/graduate-and-postdoctoral-studies/admissions/assets/resources/english-proficiency.html · Deposit: CAD 4000.00 - international graduate tuition deposit, payable within two weeks of accepting the offer and applied to the first-term tuition balance. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/future-students/undergraduate/applicants/international/assets/resources/international-student-tuition-deposits.html
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$31,176 CAD / year≈ $22,924 / year
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsResearch-intensive master's programs: most provide full-time DOMESTIC students an average of CAD 16,500 for one or two years, made up of teaching assistantships and internal and/or external scholarships. Doctoral programs that offer funded doctoral positions guarantee eligible full-time students a minimum of CAD 24,000 per year for up to four years. Laurier states that funding models and international funding eligibility vary by doctoral program, and that international applicants should check the programme's funding information or contact the programme to establish whether Laurier funding is available or third-party funding is required for admission. Winners of major external awards may be eligible for top-up funding including the Dean's Graduate Scholarship (total value over CAD 10,000). Source: Note: students registered in a graduate program at Martin Luther University College are not eligible for internal funding administered through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral StudiesView 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: Deadlines are the same for all applicants (full or part time, domestic or international). The application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, please apply…
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 Human Relationships (PhD) cost?
CAD 31,176 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4-5 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Admission Requirements: For the Pastoral Leadership track, applicants are required to hold a Master of Divinity degree (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B+. For the Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy track, applicants are required to hold a Master of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy degree (or equivalent) with a minimum average of B+ and three years experience of clinical practice as a Registered Psychotherapist (or equivalent experience). Prospective students are strongly encouraged to meet with the PhD Program Coordinator to discuss your research and goals before applying to the program. To set up a meeting, please email martin@luther.wlu.ca . · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 83; PTE Academic 59 · English test waiver: Exemption from English-language testing: no test is required if your previous degree was taught in English - provide an official letter from the prior institution stating the degree was completed in English, uploaded with your supplemental documents. Laurier also accepts the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program, Level 400 with a minimum final score of 75%, in place of a test. Individual programs may set additional language requirements. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/graduate-and-postdoctoral-studies/admissions/assets/resources/english-proficiency.html · Deposit: CAD 4000.00 - international graduate tuition deposit, payable within two weeks of accepting the offer and applied to the first-term tuition balance. Source: https://www.wlu.ca/future-students/undergraduate/applicants/international/assets/resources/international-student-tuition-deposits.html
Is there a scholarship?
Research-intensive master's programs: most provide full-time DOMESTIC students an average of CAD 16,500 for one or two years, made up of teaching assistantships and internal and/or external scholarships. Doctoral programs that offer funded doctoral positions guarantee eligible full-time students a minimum of CAD 24,000 per year for up to four years. Laurier states that funding models and international funding eligibility vary by doctoral program, and that international applicants should check the programme's funding information or contact the programme to establish whether Laurier funding is available or third-party funding is required for admission. Winners of major external awards may be eligible for top-up funding including the Dean's Graduate Scholarship (total value over CAD 10,000). Source: Note: students registered in a graduate program at Martin Luther University College are not eligible for internal funding administered through the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies View scholarship page
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