Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 1 yearDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- EnglishField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- $17,478Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
(This program is offered in English only.) The Department of English offers the degrees of Master of Arts (with or without thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy in English. Both programs equip students to pursue advanced studies in British, Canadian, or American literature informed by a broad knowledge of literary history and by recent developments in literary criticism and cultural theory.
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The department has an annual Canadian Literature Symposium. The department participates in the collaborative programs in Women's Studies and in Medieval and Renaissance Studies at the master's level. The programs are governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies. Please note, however, that any course fulfilling a graduate degree requirement in English must be completed with a mark of B or higher. A student whose record shows any two grades lower than a mark of B will automatically be withdrawn from the program. Most graduate courses in the Department of English at the University of Ottawa carry three units. Requirements are stated in number of units.
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 8.0
- Study modeFull-time; Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements: B+ in an Honours B.A. in English Literature (from a university where the language of instruction is English) Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Resume (must include chronological academic history) For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. A master's degree in English literature, or the equivalent, with at least high second class standing (B+), is required. A 500-word statement describing the student's specific interest in the program is required with the application. Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendars for the previous requirements. Doctorate Students must meet the following requirements: Course List CodeTitleUnits Compulsory Courses ENG 6302Professional Development: Foundations of Graduate Study in English 11.5 Units ENG 6303Professional Development: Advanced Research and Career Paths 11.5 Units ENG 6304Critical Research Methods3 Units 12 course units in English (ENG) at the graduate level 212 Units Second Language Requirement ENG 7900Second Language Requirement Comprehensive Exam ENG 9998Comprehensive Exam (Ph.D.) Thesis Proposal ENG 9997Ph.D. Thesis Proposal Thes Published language requirement: TOEFL 114 / New TOEFL 6 / IELTS Overall 8.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 8.0 (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT 114 · English test waiver: TOEFL 114 / New TOEFL 6 / IELTS Overall 8.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
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$17,478 CAD / year≈ $12,851 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsInternational Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students 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: December 1 (international applicants).
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 Doctorate in Philosophy English Literature cost?
CAD 17,478 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 8.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1 year, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum requirements: B+ in an Honours B.A. in English Literature (from a university where the language of instruction is English) Application Fee: CA$125.00 (non-refundable) Recommendation letter(s): 2 Transcript(s): 1 Required document(s): Resume (must include chronological academic history) For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage. A master's degree in English literature, or the equivalent, with at least high second class standing (B+), is required. A 500-word statement describing the student's specific interest in the program is required with the application. Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the 2025-2026 calendars for the previous requirements. Doctorate Students must meet the following requirements: Course List CodeTitleUnits Compulsory Courses ENG 6302Professional Development: Foundations of Graduate Study in English 11.5 Units ENG 6303Professional Development: Advanced Research and Career Paths 11.5 Units ENG 6304Critical Research Methods3 Units 12 course units in English (ENG) at the graduate level 212 Units Second Language Requirement ENG 7900Second Language Requirement Comprehensive Exam ENG 9998Comprehensive Exam (Ph.D.) Thesis Proposal ENG 9997Ph.D. Thesis Proposal Thes Published language requirement: TOEFL 114 / New TOEFL 6 / IELTS Overall 8.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 8.0 (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT 114 · English test waiver: TOEFL 114 / New TOEFL 6 / IELTS Overall 8.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · Application fee: CAD 125.00
Is there a scholarship?
International Doctoral Scholarship valued at CAD 45,000 over five years for international PhD students (conditions changed for students who began a PhD in May 2023 or later). Source: uOttawa Tuition fees - International students page.
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