University of Calgary campus

Arts & Humanities

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Philosophy at University of Calgary

University of Calgary, Canada

Programme overview

The PhD in Philosophy is a doctoral program in the Department of Philosophy with candidacy requirements of two field-of-study papers, an oral examination, a written thesis proposal and a proposal oral exam. PhD students are guaranteed funding for the first four years of their program. Expected completion time for full-time students is four years; maximum six years.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts  |  Department: Department of Philosophy  |  Duration: Four years expected full-time; six years maximum  |  Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What you will study

A minimum of 18 units for students with a Master of Arts or 36 units for those entering from an honours undergraduate program, including PHIL603; competence in logic; PHIL700 after candidacy; then a thesis.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The deadline for submitting complete applications is available on the Future Students website: In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Arts requirements , the Department requires: a) A completed four-year undergraduate degree with honours or a major in philosophy; however, applicants with a degree in a related academic field will be considered. b) Three letters of reference, and a sample of written work, such as a recent essay, written in English. Applications will not be considered without a sample of written work.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate academic term start dates are Fall (September 1), Winter (January 1), Spring (May 1) and Summer (July 1); intake terms vary by programme.

The graduate application fee is $125 for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents and $145 for international students, per application; applications are made online and deadlines are set by each programme.

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