Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science at the University of Ottawa is a comprehensive program designed for students who wish to delve deeply into the complexities of political systems, theories, and practices. This program is offered exclusively on a full-time basis and is available in both French and English. Students will engage in rigorous academic research, contributing to the field of political science through their thesis work. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in various political fields, including international relations, Canadian politics, political thought, and comparative politics. With a focus on developing critical thinking and analytical skills, graduates will be well-prepared for careers in academia, research, and public policy.

Program structure

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science program is structured to provide a robust academic experience over a minimum duration of four years. The program includes a combination of coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral thesis. Key components of the program structure include:

Completion of compulsory and elective courses in various political science fields.
Successful completion of comprehensive examinations in both major and minor fields.
Development and approval of a thesis proposal.
Conducting original research culminating in a doctoral thesis.

Students have the option to participate in collaborative programs, enhancing their academic experience. The program also requires students to demonstrate proficiency in both French and English, as they will need to take at least one course in French. This bilingual approach enriches the learning environment and prepares students for diverse career opportunities.

Featured Experiences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science program offers several unique experiences that enhance the academic journey:

Opportunities for collaborative research in fields such as Women’s Studies and Canadian Studies.
Access to a vibrant research community at the University of Ottawa, known for its focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Engagement in interdisciplinary research themes, including international studies, public policy, and justice.
Participation in seminars and workshops that foster critical discussions and networking with experts in the field.
Possibility of transferring from the Master’s program to the PhD program for exceptional students, allowing for a seamless academic progression.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

University Professor: Teaching and conducting research at post-secondary institutions, contributing to academic knowledge and mentoring students.
Policy Analyst: Analyzing and developing public policies for government agencies or think tanks, focusing on political, social, and economic issues.
Researcher: Conducting in-depth research for non-profit organizations, government bodies, or private sector firms, providing insights into political trends and public opinion.
Political Consultant: Advising political candidates or parties on campaign strategies, public relations, and policy development.
International Relations Specialist: Working with governmental or non-governmental organizations to address global issues, including diplomacy, human rights, and international development.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Political Science, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time:	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	Yes

Minimum Requirements

B+ in a master's degree in political science

Please note that admission to this program is competitive and having the minimum requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission.

Average time to completion

16 terms

Area(s) of specialization

International Relations / Canadian and Quebec Politics / Political Thought and Analysis of Ideologies / Comparative Politics / Women and Politics / Environmental Politics / Political Economy / Citizenship, diversity and Migration

Your complete admission package must include

Application Fee:	CA$125.00 (non-refundable)
Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.
Language requirements (if applicable) Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:	French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based) English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based) IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Description of your research project Resume required Applicants are advised that all admission documents are considered final once submitted. Revised, updated, or replacement documents will not be accepted after submission. Please note that non required admission documents will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Paper-based)
English Program: TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
French Program: DALF C1, C2/ TCF B2 (note globale)/TEF B2 (Note globale) (Internet-based)
English Program: TOEFL 92-93/New TOEFL 4.5 / IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)
IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)

General Graduate English Requirements

English proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT Internet-based/Home Edition/Paper (for tests taken before January 21, 2026)*	84 (overall); 24 (writing); no partial score below 20
TOEFL iBT Internet-based / Home Edition/ Paper (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)*	4.5 or 86 (overall); 4.5 or 21 (writing); 4.5 or 22 (reading); 4.5 or 20 (listening); 4 or 20 (speaking)
IELTS Academic/ IELTS Academic One Skill Retake	6.5 (overall); 6.5 (writing); no partial score below 6
Cambridge English Proficiency Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	170 (overall); no partial score below 160
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	60 (overall); no partial score below 59
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)	70 (overall); no partial score below 60

* Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL is changing its grading system to a 1-6 band scale instead of a 1-120 band scale. Score reports will include results on both scales for the next two years.

The University of Ottawa accepts TOEFL MyBest^®scores for the TOEFL iBT test.

French proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)	C1/C2
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2

Where the program-specific and general graduate requirements above differ, whichever score is higher (stricter) applies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!