
Course at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- Keele Campus, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional StudiesField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Keele CampusCampus
- PhDAwards
- $18,000Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Social & Political Thought Note: Applicants to the PhD program are required to have a Master's degree for eligibility. The Graduate Program in Social & Political Thought offers both MA and PhD degrees.
Read more
Since its inception in 1973, the program has advanced the study of social and political ideas, theories, movements, and associated phenomena in an interdisciplinary context. The curriculum, developed in cooperation with participating disciplines across the university, is structured around three flexible and related streams of study: The History of Social and Political Thought Black Studies and Theories of Race and Racism Economy, Consciousness, Aesthetics and Society Students with diverse interests are encouraged to study and to intervene in more than one stream if their project so dictates. In selecting courses and crafting comprehensive examination lists, students acquire broad knowledge of relevant fields, in addition to pursuing specialized interests. Students take considerable personal initiative as they develop an intellectually coherent program of study that culminates in a Major Research Project or a doctoral dissertation. See Program’s Website
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 7.5
- Study modeFull-time, Part-time
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
Minimum required GPA: B+ (York grading scale). Programme component(s): Comprehensive examination (oral) AND Dissertation. Additional admission requirements: Additional Admission Requirements Number of Recommendation(s) 3 recommendation(s) Other Requirements Resumé or CV Statement of interest, including Grad Course List Sample of writing · English: IELTS 7.5; TOEFL iBT 100; PTE Academic 76; Duolingo English Test 140 · English test waiver: Faculty of Graduate Studies sets English proficiency per programme; see the programme page. York's undergraduate exemption rules do not automatically apply to graduate admission. Source: programme page listed in source_url. · Application fee: CAD 140.00
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$18,000 CAD / year≈ $13,235 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsYork's Faculty of Graduate Studies publishes Standard Funding Packages by Program; this programme is listed there as 'Social & Political Thought (PhD)' with International Funding: Yes (Domestic Funding: Yes). York's graduate funding model offers a minimum funding commitment that 'Covers tuition, and is indexed to increases in tuition fees'; a component of it is the York Graduate Fellowship, which 'Varies between domestic and international students to reflect differential fees'. It applies only to full-time students who are offered a funding commitment on admission; there is no separate application. 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: Deadline - Fall (All Applicants): 2026-01-12
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 Social & Political Thought - PhD cost?
CAD 18,000 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 7.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
What are the entry requirements?
Minimum required GPA: B+ (York grading scale). Programme component(s): Comprehensive examination (oral) AND Dissertation. Additional admission requirements: Additional Admission Requirements Number of Recommendation(s) 3 recommendation(s) Other Requirements Resumé or CV Statement of interest, including Grad Course List Sample of writing · English: IELTS 7.5; TOEFL iBT 100; PTE Academic 76; Duolingo English Test 140 · English test waiver: Faculty of Graduate Studies sets English proficiency per programme; see the programme page. York's undergraduate exemption rules do not automatically apply to graduate admission. Source: programme page listed in source_url. · Application fee: CAD 140.00
Is there a scholarship?
York's Faculty of Graduate Studies publishes Standard Funding Packages by Program; this programme is listed there as 'Social & Political Thought (PhD)' with International Funding: Yes (Domestic Funding: Yes). York's graduate funding model offers a minimum funding commitment that 'Covers tuition, and is indexed to increases in tuition fees'; a component of it is the York Graduate Fellowship, which 'Varies between domestic and international students to reflect differential fees'. It applies only to full-time students who are offered a funding commitment on admission; there is no separate application. Sources View scholarship page
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