The IDSR PhD program's intake is for the fall term only
Admissions for September 2026 are now open. Complete applications are due December 15th.
Apply at trentu.ca/graduatestudies/how-apply
Program Options
- Thesis-based PhD program
- Full-time or part-time studies
- In person classes at Peterborough's Symons Campus
- Students are enrolled for 3 terms per academic year*
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive for a limited number of places. Complete applications due December 15th for admission for the following September. To be considered, applicants should have:
- a relevant social science or professional Masters degree with a minimum A- (80%) on their Masters degree course work
- demonstrated aptitude for theoretical inquiry and applied scholarship
- excellent writing skills
- an area of intellectual and research interest consonant with the emphasis and aims of the program.
Applicants not meeting the entrance average may be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis, often looking at other mitigating factors such as work experience and undergraduate degrees, and length of time since previous graduate work. This appeal is completed by the IDSR Program Director and approved by a special admissions committee.
Applicants must identify a faculty member they have determined as a good fit to act as a supervisor. Ideally, prospective students will have contacted that faculty member in advance of submitting their plan of study and this faculty member has agreed to support the application.
Meet our faculty at trentu.ca/idsr/faculty-research
Applications - Required Supporting Documents
- OUAC application form
- Research plan of study
- Writing sample
- Curriculum vitae
- Reference letters - two academic, or one academic and one professional
- All post-secondary transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon acceptance of offer of admission)
- Proof of English language proficiency
Learn more about how to apply at trentu.ca/graduatestudies/how-apply
International credit equivalency information is at International Credit Equivalencies - School of Graduate Studies - Trent University
Transfer student policy is at calendar.trentu.ca/graduate/admissions#graduate-transfer-credit-policy1
*Fall Term: September to December; Winter Term: January to April; Spring Term: May to August