Overview

The Communication program at the University of Ottawa focuses on two fields of research: media studies and organizational communication.

The media studies field examines the content and the modes of operation of traditional and emerging media in their social, cultural, economic, political and regulatory contexts.
Organizational communication focuses on interpersonal and group interactions in the workplace; planning for internal and external communication in private, public, and nonprofit organizations; risk/crisis communication, public relations, ICT’s uses within organizations, etc.

Objectives

The program aims to develop in graduates the following skills:

Evaluate critically the theories, concepts and assumptions underlying media studies or organizational communication with particular attention to their chosen research interest.
Demonstrate an ability to identify and work with the varying epistemological traditions developed by French-speaking and English-speaking scholars in communication studies.
Contribute to the development of skills, theories, approaches, and materials for both academics and professionals.
Analyze data and communicate research results to diverse audiences, including scholars, policymakers, and professionals in communication studies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Contemporary Communication Issues
Social History of Communication Technologies
Communication Ethics
Public Communication Campaigns: Theories and Applications
Diversity in the Workplace: Communication Challenges
Theories and Effects of the Media
Advanced Research in Traditional and Emerging Media
Political Uses of Media

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

107

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Credits

15 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 7 other PhDs in Communication Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

B+

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

107

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Other requirements

General requirements

For an application to be considered, the applicant must:

Hold a master’s degree with thesis or research paper in communication, or in a related discipline.
Have obtained a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated according to graduate studies guidelines.
Provide two confidential letters of recommendation.
Provide a CV and a statement of interest outlining career goals.
Provide the name of at least one faculty member of the program whose research interests match their own.
Provide an outline of the proposed research project.

Candidates with a master’s degree in a field related to communication and who have not taken any basic course in communication (i.e. theory or research) will have to fill this gap by completing one or two (undergraduate or master’s) courses prior to admission.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11650 CAD / year

≈ 11650 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4244 CAD / year

≈ 4244 CAD / year

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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