Anthropology Graduate Program

We are now accepting applications for Fall 2026 admission.

Dear Students, 

Figure out what it is you want to study/research. The more specific you are about your intended area of research, the better. For example, you cannot say you want to study simply ‘Landscape Archaeology’ or ‘the Romans’. A specific area of study would be ‘Wendat territoriality’ or ‘The impact of climate fluctuation on Late Classic Maya political instability’. Decide what interests you most about your field and start brainstorming before you consider applying to graduate school. You will need to clearly articulate your ideas in the Plan of Study that will accompany your application.

Please apply online at the School of Graduate Studies site. A non-refundable application fee must accompany your application. Scholarship and bursary information is available through the School of Graduate Studies.

Early Acceptance Deadline: January 1st
To enhance your chances of securing admission and funding for the following September, we encourage prospective students to submit their applications by the early acceptance deadline of January 1st. Applying early not only allows for a quicker review process but also provides you with more time to plan your academic journey.

Regular Deadline: February 1st
For those who are unable to meet the early deadline, please note that we still accept applications until our regular deadline of February 1st. This ensures that all qualified applicants have an opportunity to be considered for admission and funding.

The general regulations and requirements of Trent University's School of Graduate Studies for the M.A./M.Sc. degree apply to the Anthropology Graduate Program. To be eligible for admission, the applicant must possess a joint or single Honours B.Sc. or B.A. degree or equivalent in Anthropology or a related field, with an average of at least an upper second class standing (B+/ 77%) in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years (last ten full course credits).

Trent University has three semester terms per academic year:

Fall Term September 1 - December 31

Winter Term January 1 - April 30

Spring Term May 1 - August 31

Graduate students are expected to be registered for all three semesters per academic year, and will be charged tuition fees per term. Fees and funding information is available through the School of Graduate Studies. Students in the Anthropology Graduate Program are admitted to the program once a year for studies beginning the following September.

Applicants are expected to have a foundation in appropriate research methodology. They may be required to take an undergraduate course deemed necessary to their program of graduate study, for example ANTH 3000Y, ANTH 3100Y, ANTH 3150Y or ANTH 3990Y.

Candidates are required to take three full course credits, including either ANTH 5000 or ANTH 5100 and normally ANTH 5500. Full time students are normally required to complete these courses in their first year of study; part time students are normally required to complete their courses in the first three years of study. Candidates must maintain at least a second class standing (B-/ 70%) in their course work.

Students are subject to a review of their performance in the beginning of the Winter session of each academic year. In consultation with their supervisors students will select and research a problem on an approved topic, present colloquia, and write a thesis on this research.

Candidates must pass an oral examination in defense of their thesis. There is no formal language requirement but students will be required to demonstrate (to the satisfaction of the supervisor) an acceptable capacity to read in a language or languages considered necessary for purposes of research. In addition, students may be expected to show adequate background knowledge in a related discipline.

Expected time to completion for the Anthropology M.A./M.Sc. program is two years for full-time, four years for part-time.

Current Research Opportunities

If you are interested in a project or looking for an opportunity, you are encouraged to contact the faculty directly.
Please note that all the current research opportunities are not listed.

If you have any questions, please contact us at anthrograd@trentu.ca