Doctorate in Philosophy Linguistics 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 Doctorate in Philosophy Linguistics at the University of Ottawa is a comprehensive program that delves into the intricate relationship between language and human activity. This program is designed for those who wish to explore various areas of linguistic research, including theoretical linguistics, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics. It emphasizes both the humanities and the scientific aspects of linguistics, providing students with a robust understanding of language structure and its applications. The program is governed by academic regulations for graduate studies, ensuring a high standard of education and research.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Linguistics is structured to provide a thorough academic experience over a maximum duration of six years. Students are expected to complete all requirements within four years. The program includes:

A total of six compulsory courses (18 units) and 12 optional course units in linguistics at the graduate level.
Mandatory courses in French as a second language, unless specific exemptions are met.
A doctoral seminar aimed at equipping students with essential research methodologies.
A comprehensive examination requirement consisting of two substantial research papers.
A supervised thesis that incorporates original research findings.
A minimum of six terms in residence, with transfer students required to complete nine terms.

Students also have the option to transfer from the Master of Arts in Linguistics to the doctoral program under specific conditions, allowing for a streamlined academic path.

Featured Experiences

Doctoral Seminar: This seminar provides essential methodological and professional tools for conducting research in linguistics.
Comprehensive Examination: Students must complete two substantial research papers in different fields, selected with their advisory committee.
Thesis Advisory Committee: Formed in the first term, this committee guides students through course selection, comprehensive exams, and thesis defense.
Research Opportunities: Students engage in original research, contributing to the field of linguistics and gaining valuable experience.
Networking: The program encourages participation in academic conferences and publication processes, enhancing professional development.

Career Options

University Professor: Teach and conduct research in linguistics at the university level, contributing to academic knowledge and mentoring students.
Research Scientist: Work in academic or private research institutions, focusing on language acquisition, psycholinguistics, or sociolinguistics.
Language Consultant: Provide expertise in language-related projects, including language policy, education, and technology development.
Speech-Language Pathologist: Assist individuals with communication disorders, utilizing linguistic knowledge to develop effective treatment plans.
Translator/Interpreter: Use linguistic skills to translate written texts or interpret spoken language in various settings, including legal and medical fields.

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

Linguistics, 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 an M.A. in Linguistics or the equivalent

Average time to completion

16 terms

Area(s) of specialization

Formal Linguistics/Empirical Linguistics

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) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based) Candidates must have an adequate knowledge of English. Most of the courses are offered in English. Under the regulations of the University of Ottawa, examinations and assignments may be written in French or in English.
Required document(s):	Resume (must include chronological academic history) Written work required (10-15 pages): A sample of written work which, in your opinion, gives an accurate indication of your academic background A list of the core readings which were assigned for each course in linguistics which appears on your transcript(s) Letter of intent Format: 500 words Font size –Times New Roman 11 Content: 1. Your motivations to pursue graduate studies in the discipline 2. Provide a brief outline of your academic background 3. The problem or question you are interested in 4. The objectives of your research. Explain why you believe it is important to undertake this research. 5. The context of your research in relevant literature. Demonstrate how your research is an original contribution to the field. 6. Your methodological approach (if applicable) 7. The name of a potential supervisor (see the list of professors in Uniweb) you would be interested in working with, should you be admitted to the program 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

Language Requirements

Candidates must have an adequate knowledge of English. Most of the courses are offered in English. Under the regulations of the University of Ottawa, examinations and assignments may be written in French or in English.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Linguistics at the University of Ottawa may, exceptionally, be allowed to transfer to the doctoral program without completing the master’s. To take advantage of this option, they must:

Complete 3 compulsory courses (LIN 5315, LIN 5317 and LIN 5318) and an optional course in the master’s program with a minimum grade of A- or better in each;
Provide letters in support of the fast-track from professors in two of the courses mentioned above;
Provide a letter of recommendation from the Graduate Studies Committee of the Department;
Provide the name of the professor who has agreed to supervise the doctoral thesis.

The transfer must take place within twelve months of initial enrollment in the master's; the student must enroll in the PhD program in the 4th term at the latest. Please note that the minimal admission average requirements for the doctoral program must also be met. Following the transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program must be met. The total number of course units required is 30 (12 at the master’s and 18 at the doctoral level).

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!