
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 1.3 yearsDuration
- Ottawa (Main Campus), CanadaLocation
- CommunicationField of study
- bilingualLanguage of instruction
- Ottawa (Main Campus)Campus
- $17,478Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
The Department of Communication at the Faculty of Arts offers an MA program in Communication with thesis or with research paper, a Master of Communication (MC) by coursework to which a co-op option can be added, and a PhD in Communication. The Department of Communication, in collaboration with the University of Ottawa’s Co-op office, offers a co-op option to a limited number of students in the MC program.
Read more
Students must request this option in their admission file. The co-op option provides the opportunity to acquire practical work experience by completing two one-term paid work placements. The School is one of the participating units in the collaborative program in Science, Society and Policy (master's level only). The PhD in Communication program is designed for students with academic and professional training. The program focuses on two fields of research: media studies and organizational communication. The media studies field examines the content and the modes of operation of traditional and emerging media in their social, cultural, economic, political and regulatory contexts. Organizational communication focuses on interpersonal and group interactions in the workplace; planning for internal and external communication in private, public, and nonprofit organizations; risk/crisis communication, public relations, ICT’s uses within organizations, etc. The program aims to develop in graduates the following skills: Evaluate critically the theories, concepts and assumptions underlying media studies or organizational communication with particular attention to their chosen research interest. Demonstrate an ability to identify and work with the varying epistemological traditions developed by French-speaking and English-speaking scholars in communication studies. Contribute to the development of skills, theories, approaches, and materials for both academics and professionals. Analyze data and communicate research results to diverse audiences, including scholars, policymakers, and professionals in communication studies. The master's programs are offered on a full-time or on a part-time basis. The PhD program is offered full-time. The master's programs are offered in English and in French whereas the PhD program is offered in bilingual (English-French) format. In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English. The programs are governed by the a
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
- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 7.0
- Study modeFull-time; Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements: An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a specialization or major in Communication or a related discipline.; or; An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with a minor in Communication and two or more years of relevant experience.; or; An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience.; A minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines.; In practice, because of the competitive nature of admissions, applicants with an average of less than 7.0 are rarely accepted for the M.Com. The Department of Communication reserves the right to alter the minimum required average component of the candidate selection process in accordance with the quality and quantity of applications it receives every year. 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. For an application to be considered, the applicant must: Hold a master’s degree with thesis or research paper in communication, or in a related discipline. Have obtained a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated according to graduate studies guidelines. Provide two confidential letters of recommendation. Provide a CV and a statement of interest outlining career goals. Provide the name of at least one faculty member of the program whose research interests match their own. Provide an outline of the proposed research project. Candidates with a master’s degree in a field related to communication and who have not taken any basic course in communication (i.e. theory or research) will have to fill this gap by completing one or two (undergraduate or master’s) courses prior to admission. To find out which courses to take, applicants should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Depart Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT 100 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - 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
- Application feeNo application fee for this programme
- 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Doctorate in Philosophy Communication cost?
CAD 17,478 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.0 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
1.3 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum requirements: An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with a specialization or major in Communication or a related discipline.; or; An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with a minor in Communication and two or more years of relevant experience.; or; An honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in another discipline, with three or more years of relevant experience.; A minimum overall average of 70% (B), calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines.; In practice, because of the competitive nature of admissions, applicants with an average of less than 7.0 are rarely accepted for the M.Com. The Department of Communication reserves the right to alter the minimum required average component of the candidate selection process in accordance with the quality and quantity of applications it receives every year. 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. For an application to be considered, the applicant must: Hold a master’s degree with thesis or research paper in communication, or in a related discipline. Have obtained a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated according to graduate studies guidelines. Provide two confidential letters of recommendation. Provide a CV and a statement of interest outlining career goals. Provide the name of at least one faculty member of the program whose research interests match their own. Provide an outline of the proposed research project. Candidates with a master’s degree in a field related to communication and who have not taken any basic course in communication (i.e. theory or research) will have to fill this gap by completing one or two (undergraduate or master’s) courses prior to admission. To find out which courses to take, applicants should contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Depart Published language requirement: English Program: TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - Individual 7.0 (Internet-based) · English: IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0); TOEFL iBT 100 · English test waiver: French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 100 / New TOEFL 5 / IELTS Overall 7.0 - 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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