Pursue original scholarship focused on contemporary issues in the humanities and social sciences through critical, cultural, and political theory. Develop your expertise through independent research, core seminars, teaching and research assistantships and dissertation work. Graduate prepared for careers in teaching and research while contributing to cultural inquiry and artistic innovation in your community.
- Pursue original research and research-creation through dissertation projects that can centre on artistic production and interdisciplinary scholarship.
- Build professional experience through teaching and internships and opportunities to present at conferences, contribute to scholarly journals and participate in research groups.
- Engage with a thriving local arts community in discussions surrounding culture and technology, environmental communication, gender and the body, social and political theory, and media theory.
Shape your own research through creative and critical inquiry in Canada’s first Cultural Studies Ph.D. program, grounded in interdisciplinary scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
- M.A. in Cultural Studies or a related discipline
- Minimum A- (80%) or equivalent overall in the Master's degree
- Aptitude for theoretical inquiry and excellent writing skills
- Original and innovative dissertation proposal
Eligibility Requirements
- M.A. in Cultural Studies or a related discipline
- Minimum A- (80%) or equivalent overall in the Master's degree
- Aptitude for theoretical inquiry and excellent writing skills
- Original and innovative dissertation proposal
- Proof of English Proficiency: All international applicants must provide proof of an adequate level of English proficiency regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin. Please visit our International Applicant Resource page for details on English Language Proficiency requirements.
- A GRE test score is not required for admission into this program
All applicants, domestic and international, must submit the following documents to complete their application:
- Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts
- 2 letters of reference: Academic references are preferred; however, professional references will be accepted. Reference forms will be emailed to the referees that you have appointed on OUAC
- Plan of Study/Personal Statement: 1-2 pages outlining your objectives in a graduate program. Any specific research interests, relevant experiences, and/or career aspirations can be included
- Writing Sample: A sample of your writing of about 20 pages or less. The preferred submission format is PDF. Good choices for writing samples include: an undergraduate essay, lab report, research report, journal article, a chapter from a master's thesis, or a published article.
- Proof of Citizenship (i.e. copy of passport or birth certificate)
- Supervisor: A potential supervisor is recommended as an admission requirement for this program. If chosen prior to admission, please list your supervisor on your OUAC application and discuss this in your plan of study. Please visit the program's Faculty and Research page for a listing of faculty and areas of research. Applicants are responsible for reaching out to a faculty member
For more information on submitting transcripts, re-sending reference links and other application questions, please visit our How to Apply page and review Step 4, as well as review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Eligible full-time students are offered minimum funding packages during their funded period of $23,000 annually. This includes a Graduate Teaching Assistantship employment offer valued at approximately $13,000 annually. Specific funding details are included in individual admission letters.
As of May 1, 2026, full-time international PhD students pay domestic tuition fees at the out-of-province rate.
Students are supported in competing for external awards during their studies, such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. A full list of external awards is available on our Scholarships & Awards page.
Trent has clear pathways for graduate students to apply and be admitted to study for their master's or doctorate at either of our campuses. Please review admission requirements for your program before applying.
I am studying solarpunk, an emerging genre of speculative science fiction that is interested in intersectional environmental and social justice. Trent's Cultural Studies program has offered me the freedom to pursue my research as I intended to, taking a broader approach than a Literature program would allow, and encouraging the inclusion of research-creation components in my dissertation. Peterborough's smaller size has helped me feel more a part of the community, while the extensive nature within the city boundaries has helped me maintain a work life balance that includes nature walks.
Dr. Pasek’s research areas include the energy humanities, science and technology studies, digital media infrastructures, and the cultural politics of climate change. She directs the Experimental Methods & Media Lab where she and her students explore alternatives to traditional academic writing through research-creation, critical making, and zine making.
Dr. Synenko’s research is situated between media and geography. His work explores relationships between cities and mobility (migration, displacement, settlement), cinema and geography, practice-based research and artistic research, and experimental technologies for social engagement. He is co-editor of Media Theory.
The four-year thesis-based Ph.D. program emphasizes research and professional development. Explore your chosen interests through original research, with a flexible structure that supports interdisciplinary scholarship and dissertation projects centered on research creation.
Areas of academic research focus and faculty expertise
Trent's Cultural Studies Ph.D. program brings together faculty from a diverse range of disciplines, including Cultural Studies, Philosophy, History, English, Classics, Computer Studies, and Sociology. This interdisciplinary approach empowers students to explore their chosen interests from a range of fields including:
- Culture and the Arts
- Culture and Theory
- Culture and Technology