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Graduate student resources

Master’s and doctoral studies are intellectual journeys that demand rigor, passion, and autonomy. The Department of History is committed to providing you with world-class supervision and the resources needed to successfully complete your research project.

Prospective students

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Submit your application 

The department’s Graduate Studies Committee reviews applications for admission to the master’s and doctoral programs in history as soon as they are complete. After considering transcripts, CVs, and letters of recommendation, committee members pay close attention to the candidates’ letters of intent. 

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The letter of intent: key to your admission

Candidates are advised to draft their letter of intent with care. The description of the proposed historical research project must demonstrate preparatory research and serious reflection on the topic.

  • For the Master’s (1-2 pages): Outline your project, your academic preparation (courses, language skills), and the name of the professor who has agreed to supervise your research.
  • For the Doctorate (2-3 pages): Detail your project (topic, research question, historiography, sources), your preparation, and the name of the professor who has agreed to supervise you.

How to write your letter of intent. (PDF 60.71 Kb)

For more information, consult our Graduate Studies Guide (PDF 459.75 Kb)

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Finding a research supervisor

Identifying the person who will supervise your research is mandatory. The prospective supervisor must be contacted and must have given their consent before the application is submitted.

Consult the areas of interest of our faculty.

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Scholarships and funding

Important! Admission scholarships are limited and are awarded on a competitive basis upon the recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee at the application deadline. Candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to submit their applications early. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for admission by our committee but may not be considered for funding. For more information on scholarships and financial support opportunities, consult the Scholarships and Financial Support page.

How to apply

Verify the graduate admission requirements
Submit your application

Current students

This section guides you through the key steps of your program and directs you to the resources essential for your success.

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Your essential guide

The Graduate Studies Guide (PDF 620.38 Kb) is the primary reference document for your journey. It contains all the information on program progression, requirements, evaluations, deadlines, and administrative procedures. 

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Program progression and key milestones

Your program is structured around specific milestones.

  • Master’s: Seminars, thesis/research paper proposal, writing, and evaluation.
  • Doctorate: Research seminar, doctoral fields, comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, writing, and defense.

For a detailed outline of each program and its deadlines, consult the The Graduate Studies Guide (PDF 620.38 Kb).

Managing Your Studies (regulations, academic affairs, etc.)

Thesis resources (submission, evaluation, ethics). 

More information

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Courses and seminars

Course schedule - seminars
Special topics courses for the 2026-2027 year
Students studying

Funding your studies

Internal funding options
External funding options
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Academic support

Mentoring and Academic Support
Academic Writing Help Centre

Departmental life

Strata is the arena where the new generation of historians can engage in dialogue and refine their research. By submitting to the rigorous peer-review process, you will develop the essential skills for an academic career.

Visit the Strata website and learn how to submit an article or join the team. 

For any questions about your program, funding, evaluations, or academic progress, contact the Graduate Studies Committee. 

Contact us

Department of History

Desmarais Building
55 Laurier Avenue East, 9th Floor
Ottawa ON Canada K1N 6N5
Map

Tel.: 613-562-5735
Fax: 613-562-5995
[email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday
From 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
From 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closes at 3:30 p.m.)