Religious Studies

The three study streams at the graduate level are Western Religions, Eastern Religions, and Nature of Religion. Feasibility of programs within these streams is dependent on available research resources and faculty expertise. 

• Studies in Western Religions
• Studies in Eastern Religions 
• Studies in the Nature of Religion
• PhD Departmental Colloquium
• Advanced Critical Discourses in the Study of Religion
• Dissertation 

Requirements

• In normal circumstances students applying for entrance to the PhD program will have an MA in Religious Studies or a comparable degree with equivalent balance components of Eastern Religions, Western Religions, and the Nature of Religion with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 (of a 4.0 maximum).
• Two Academic References - Referees will receive an email invitation to complete an online reference once the applicant submits an application.
• Applicants must supply a sample of previous written research work. The sample should indicate the original course, instructor and institution
• Proposal for Study - maximum two pages.
• Students with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies, a grade point average of 3.7 or higher, and evidence of competence in the required languages may be admitted directly into the doctoral program or may be considered for transfer to the doctoral program after the first year of the Master's program. Such applicants must include in their application a substantial piece of written work and a detailed statement (10 pages) of the purpose, field, and course of study to be pursued in the program.
• Official TOEFL scores for international applicants. TOEFL score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based) or 560 (paper-based). Our institution code is 0813.

Scholarships

• PhD students normally receive $20,000 or more per year for four years. The funding comes in the form of scholarships, teaching assistantships, and in the latter years of the program, teaching appointments.
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Scholarship
• The University'sGraduate Award Competition