Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology 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 (PhD) in Psychology at the University of Ottawa is designed to cultivate advanced research skills in various fields of psychology, including Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Cognition, and Behavioural Neurosciences. This program is tailored for students who are committed to pursuing a doctorate, with a focus on training researchers who can contribute to the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach, allowing students to engage in specialized areas such as Canadian Studies at the PhD level. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex psychological issues and contribute to the field through research and practice.

Program structure

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program is structured to be completed within a maximum of six years, with an expectation that students will finish all requirements within five years. The program includes a combination of coursework, research, and practical training. Key features of the program structure include:

Comprehensive coursework tailored to the student's research interests.
Mandatory clinical training for those in the Clinical Psychology stream.
Opportunities for research practicums and internships.
Thesis requirement, culminating in original research.
Options for a concentration in Child and Family Psychological Services.

Students are encouraged to engage in various research projects and may have the opportunity to participate in co-op placements, enhancing their practical experience in the field. The program is designed to provide a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied psychology, preparing graduates for diverse career paths.

Featured Experiences

The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the educational journey of students:

Clinical Practicum: Hands-on training in clinical settings, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
External Clinical Practicum: Opportunities to work in various external settings, gaining diverse clinical experience.
Research Practicum: Involvement in research projects that align with students' interests, fostering skills in research design and implementation.
Concentration in Child and Family Psychological Services: Specialized training focusing on psychological services for children and families.
Collaborative Specialization in Canadian Studies: An option for students to engage in interdisciplinary research that addresses Canadian societal issues.

These experiences are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology and prepare them for future professional roles in academia, clinical practice, and research.

Career Options

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

Clinical Psychologist: Provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals with mental health issues, working in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
Research Scientist: Conduct research in academic or private institutions, focusing on various psychological phenomena and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
University Professor: Teach and mentor students in psychology at the post-secondary level, while also conducting research and publishing findings.
Consultant: Offer expertise to organizations on psychological practices, employee well-being, and mental health strategies.
Policy Analyst: Work with government or non-profit organizations to develop and evaluate policies related to mental health and social services.

These roles highlight the versatility of a PhD in Psychology, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to make significant contributions to various sectors, including healthcare, education, and public policy.

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

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Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

The normal minimum requirement for admission into either of the two programs (MA - PhD in Clinical Psychology or MA - PhD in Psychology) is the Honours Bachelor in Psychology, or its equivalent, including an Honour's thesis or an equivalent individual research project. In addition, course requirements include a course in History and Systems of Psychology (or its equivalent), and two courses in statistical analysis (or their equivalents). If these course requirements are not met at the time of admission, the candidates will be required to complete them within the first two years of graduate studies. (For the program in Clinical Psychology, in order to meet a component of the academic requirements for enrollment with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, a minimum of twenty undergraduate psychology courses is required for admission.)

Each file is assessed to determine whether equivalences will be granted on the basis of courses completed at the master’s level. Candidates for the clinical program with fewer than 21 units of equivalencies will be admitted to the MA level while those with 21 or more units of equivalencies will be admitted directly to the PhD.

Exceptionally, admission to the Psychology program is possible on the basis of a four-year Honour's degree in another discipline relevant to Psychology, with a letter of support from the prospective supervisor. The degree must include a thesis or an equivalent individual research project and the equivalent of at least 36 units (12 one-term courses) in Psychology, including statistics and some research experience.

Note: Students with a strong background in mathematics, physical sciences, biological science or computer science are especially encouraged to apply.

Only students who intend to complete the doctorate are admitted. Those holding an Honours Bachelor in Psychology are admitted to the MA program and are permitted to transfer to the PhD after one year, provided their performance in courses and research is satisfactory. Those already holding a master’s in psychology are admitted directly to the PhD program.

Requests for admission are examined by an Admissions Committee in accordance with the admissions policy of the Council of the School of Psychology.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

Second Language Requirements

All students must meet certain second language requirements (in English or in French) in order to obtain their doctoral degree.

Fast-track from Master’s in Psychology to Doctoral Program in Psychology

Students who achieve outstanding academic performance and demonstrate high promise for advanced research during the Master's may, with the permission of the Graduate Studies Committee, transfer into the PhD program in Psychology without completing the MA, under the following conditions:

It occurs within sixteen months of initial enrolment in the master’s;
Students have successfully completed the two Statistics courses and the first-year seminar course with grades of at least (A-) in each;
Written recommendation/support by the supervisor or potential supervisor; and (4)Approval by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Please note that admission to this program is competitive and having the minimum requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission.

However, students who transfer but do not complete the PhD can receive an MA by fulfilling all the requirements of the MA program. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met.

The request for permission to transfer must be made during the third term of enrollment at the latest. The student must enroll in the PhD in the fourth term at the latest.

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!