Overview

The disciplines that play a role in the study of religions are primarily of a historical, sociological, psychological and anthropological nature. Such a study must take into account the plurality of religious traditions and expressions in society and examine the relationships among them.

Research on the meaning of religious phenomena is accomplished through analysis and comparison of the various means of religious expression, both in the past and present. No tradition is considered normative.

Research

The Religious Studies program at the University of Ottawa focuses on religions in Canada, including Amerindian and Inuit traditions, and on religions in the comparative cultural context as well as religions in the Graeco-Roman World.

The comparative cultural approach provides an opportunity to explore religious phenomena across different religious traditions expressly within their specific cultural contexts. The program favours the methods of anthropology, history, psychology and sociology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Freud, Jung and Religion
Origins of Christianity
Sacred Plant Medicines and Spirituality
Current Approaches to the Study of Religion
Religion and Society in Cross-Cultural Analysis
Religion and Anthropology
Religious Text and Narratives
Religious Rites and Symbols
Religion, Art and Culture
Religion and Human Rights

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

92

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Credits

18 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 10 other PhDs in Theology and Religious Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

B+

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

92

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Other requirements

General requirements

Candidates must have a Master of Arts in Religious Studies or the equivalent, and must meet the requirements in effect for graduate studies.
When they apply, candidates must indicate their preferred area of research, consult a full-time professor of the department whom they hope to have as a supervisor, and submit a two-page statement of their doctoral research project.

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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 Religious Studies.

Available Scholarships

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