Interdisciplinary Social Research Ph.D.

An innovative and truly interdisciplinary program addressing social issues of the past, present and future.

As Canada adapts to an era of profound social, economic and environmental change, leadership and expertise in interdisciplinary perspectives and processes for identifying and solving complex social issues are proving to be paramount. 

The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Social Research (IDSR) builds on Trent University’s world-class reputation in interdisciplinary scholarship in the social sciences. With a combined emphasis on social inquiry, interdisciplinary research and professional scholarship, the IDSR Ph.D. provides a theoretical, methodological and experiential training ground for the development of leading scholarship that builds understanding of key social, material and environmental issues facing societies, both historically and in the present day.

Program Features/Highlights

• Doctoral program providing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to examining complex social issues both historically and in the present day. 
• Establish pathways into academic and professional research positions in public, private and civil society sectors, including education and caring professions, business and management, and the social sciences
• Mentorship, interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities with a range of faculty from Trent’s social science programs, professional schools and research centres
• Graduates from the program will be positioned to provide advanced research capacity and leadership among a wide range of social and professional fields.

Interdisciplinary Social Research PhD website 

Program Options

• Ph.D.
• Thesis based program
• Full-time or part-time studies
• 4 years of full-time study to complete
• January, September and May program intake

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree in social sciences or a related discipline with at least A- (80%) overall
• Demonstrated aptitude for theoretical inquiry and applied scholarship
• An area of intellectual and research interest consonant with the emphasis and aims of the program
• Students are encouraged to identify a faculty member they have determined as a good fit to act as a supervisor. Ideally, prospective students will have made contact with that faculty member in advance of submitting their plan of study and this faculty member has agreed to support the application.

* At this time, students enrolled in the IDSR PhD program are not eligible for funding from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

Required Documents

Transcripts

Post-secondary transcripts and graduation certificates (where applicable) of all previous undergraduate and graduate work are required. This includes transcripts for courses taken on a Letter of Permission, for transfer credit, or on an exchange program.Transcripts must show all course work completed and grades received. If applicable, evidence of degree completion is required.

Please note: Transcripts are NOT required to be official and final when applying to the School of Graduate Studies. Official transcripts are ONLY required to be submitted if an applicant receives an offer of admission.

Previous or current Trent University students do not need to submit a transcript for degree and course work completed at Trent University. Transcripts must be submitted for any course work completed at another institution – i.e., study abroad, letter of permission, transfer credit.

Two Letters of Reference

Academic references are required. Links for your referees to submit an online reference will be sent directly to the referees you have provided on your application. We recommend you contact your referees prior to submitting an application to confirm their availability and contact information. If your referee does not receive the link, you can suggest that your referee check their junk email folder and email setting.  The email may have unintentionally been blocked by their email server.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English usage, both written and oral, is essential to pursue graduate studies at Trent University. It is required for applicants to demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants who completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the USA are exempt from this requirement. If you have completed two or more years of post-secondary education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English, the School of Graduate Studies is prepared to consider alternate proof of English language proficiency.

For detailed information about English Language Proficiency requirements, see International Applications. 

Plan of Study      

Typically 1-2 pages, outlining applicant's objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests (if known), relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included. If a potential supervisor has been discussed, please identify this in your plan of study.

Plan of study template          

A Writing Sample

Submit a sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. Writing samples preferred format is PDF. Hard copies will not be accepted. Good choices for writing samples include:  an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a masters thesis, or a published article. 

Detailed Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Additional Information

Proof of Citizenship (ie. copy of passport or birth certificate) will be requested, only if an offer of admission is made.

Program contact information

For any program-specific inquiries or current application status, please contact the program directly at idsr@trentu.ca

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