Overview

McMaster University’s doctoral program in Philosophy offers courses of study leading to the degree of PhD in philosophy. The program’s fundamental aims are to develop in students the research capabilities required of professional philosophers and to qualify students to teach philosophy at university level.

Features

Since the most important qualification for a university position is competence in advanced research, the program makes research the main feature of a student’s individual course of study. Coursework is complementary to research rather than a qualification for it.

The program has been designed so that students may quickly enter into the excitement of their own research while steadily building a solid foundation of comprehensive knowledge.

Programme Structure

Areas of research include:

Social, political and legal philosophy

Theoretical and applied ethics

History of philosophy(ancient and modern)

Metaphysics and epistemology

Philosophy of science

Language and logic

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-30 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2025-03-31 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Philosophy View 18 other PhDs in Philosophy in Canada

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to the PhD program requires an MA in Philosophy or an equivalent degree.
Transcripts
Two Letters of Reference from instructors most familiar with your academic work.
Statement of Interest: A brief statement (1-2 pages) explaining your research interests, how your background prepares you for the program, and your reasons for seeking to pursue your research interests as a graduate student with the McMaster University Philosophy Program.
Sample of Work: Please submit a sample of your philosophical writing in English to the online application system. Your writing sample should be indicative of your ability to engage in advanced philosophical research. It need not fall within the area of your proposed research. To ensure full consideration, your writing sample should not exceed 7000 words.
C.V.: Please include on your CV any research, publications, academic awards, teaching, or work experience relevant to philosophy.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

11396 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 5698 CAD per semester during 48 months.
National

4204 CAD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2102 CAD per semester during 48 months.

Living costs for Hamilton

1163 - 1630 CAD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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