Admission to the PhD program requires an MA in Philosophy or an equivalent degree. An equivalent degree here normally means an MA or other graduate degree in a related subject and at least some background in Philosophy.

There is a possibility for students enrolled in McMaster’s MA program in Philosophy to be accepted into the PhD program without completing the MA degree, subject to their satisfying certain conditions for excellent progress in their first year.

Selection is made by the PhD Program Committee of the Department of Philosophy, and any student admitted comes under the general regulations of McMaster University.

Any applicant whose first language is not English and who has not completed a degree within an accredited university in a program whose primary language of instruction is English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. Please see https://gs.mcmaster.ca/academic-services/how-apply under the Language Requirements tab for an enumeration of the exams and minimum scores that constitute sufficient evidence.

Deadline: February 1, 2025, if you wish to receive full consideration for all applicable funding opportunities.

If you encounter any difficulties with your application, please contact us at phlosdep@mcmaster.ca.

To complete an online application to our PhD program, please go here. If you have questions regarding our program, please feel free to email the department’s PhD Advisor.

A completed application will include the following documents. Please ensure that you upload all of your documents to the online portal before finalizing your application submission.

1. Transcripts: Please upload your transcripts for all post-secondary academic work completed to date as part of your online application.
   • If the final transcript does not show that all degree requirements have been met or the degree is conferred, an official copy of your diploma is also required.
   • Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified literal translation.
   • If your application is accepted for admission to the program, you will be required to submit original transcripts in order to remain enrolled in the program
2. Two Letters of Reference from instructors most familiar with your academic work. Your referees will automatically be sent an e-Reference request on your behalf, once you enter their email address through the online application.
3. English Language Proficiency: For applicants who do not hold a post-secondary degree from a program whose language of instruction was English, you will be required to provide an official record of your proficiency in English. Please see https://gs.mcmaster.ca/how-to-apply/ under the Language Requirements tab for an enumeration of the exams and minimum scores that constitute sufficient evidence.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. C.V.: Please include on your CV any research, publications, academic awards, teaching, or work experience relevant to philosophy.

Application Fee

You will require a valid credit card or Interac card (domestic applicants) for the application fee ($110 CAD) and a valid email address. Your application will not be considered for admission until your application fee has been received and you submit your application.

Please note that there are no admission fee waivers at the present time.

The PhD Program is designed to be completed in four years. We summarize here the structure of the program and normal progression through it. For a more detailed timeline, please see the Program Handbook (available below).

In year 1, students typically complete five graduate courses, and, in consultation with the Department’s PhD Advisor, form their supervisory committee (consisting of a supervisor and two other faculty members). They also apply for any external scholarships for which they are eligible.

In year 2, students complete the PhD Seminar (a full year course required for all second-year PhD students, and open only to them) and prepare their thesis proposal. In May of year 2, they complete their qualifying exam, which consists of an oral defence of a written thesis proposal. Students whose research requires competence in logic or a language other than English must demonstrate that competence (typically by an exam) before taking the qualifying exam.

In years 3 and 4, students work on their thesis in collaboration with their supervisor and committee. They also have opportunities to teach their own course as a PhD Teaching Fellow.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to engage with the life of the department, university, profession, and broader community. This includes giving talks and guest lectures, helping organize events, and submitting their work to conferences and for publication.

Visit Graduate Studies to learn more about tuition, supplementary fees and everything you need to know about being paid as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Tuition fees are assessed on a term by term basis, depending on the number of courses a student takes or if they are paying by term.

Learn More

The McMaster Graduate Scholarship (MGS) is the most common form of scholarship support available to graduate students in our program. The MGS ensures that students receive a guaranteed minimum level of scholarship support. Adjustments to the MGS will depend on other available scholarships.

The Faculty of Humanities Adjustments guidelines policy is available for review.

REVIEW THE POLICY