Important Note: The Department of History and Classical Studies is accepting applications between September 15 and January 15, offering full-time programs only starting in September. Applications are not accepted at any other time of the year. Applications to Ph.D. programs in History will not be accepted after January 15. All supporting documents must be uploaded by this date.
Application Forms
For detailed instructions on how to apply and upload required supporting documents, see the Grad Applicants website.
Application Fee
Application fees and other charges are listed on the Student Accounts website. Applications cannot be processed without this payment.
Applicants will only be able to submit supporting documents after they submit the initial application and pay the application fee. After the application fee is paid, applicants will be directed back to the portal, where supporting documents can be uploaded.
Transcripts
You must upload unofficial copies of transcripts for all courses at all universities attended. Include transcripts for courses taken at other universities that apply to your BA or MA degrees, even if the credits have been transferred. It is important for the department to see the titles of the courses and the grades given.
Please note that uploaded transcripts will be considered as unofficial. Once you are admitted you will be required to supply final, official transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to provide references from two instructors familiar with their work. McGill will request letters of recommendation on your behalf from referees you identify on the application form.
Quebec law requires that, upon request and in certain circumstances, candidates be given access to letters of recommendation written on their behalf. You are requested to notify your proposed referees of this fact.
Curriculum Vitae and Personal Statement
Please submit your curriculum vitae and your personal statement as two (2) separate documents, in addition to the short descriptions requested on the application forms. Your personal statement should explain why you are applying to this program specifically. What led you to History, a specific area of history, why McGill etc. You may also inform us of any special circumstances that should be taken into consideration when evaluating your application. The personal statement may not exceed one page, single-spaced, with no more than 6 lines of type per inch, body text in a minimum 12-pt Times New Roman or similarly sized font, and all margins set at a minimum of 3/4" (1.87 cm).
If applicable, please include the following in your curriculum vitae:
- Research Work: Provide a brief summary of any current or previous thesis/ major research work.
- Employment Experience (or other full-time activities): Please indicate any employment, including research positions you have held. Provide dates starting from the most recent.
- Honours, Awards, Distinctions: Indicate if national/local/institutional and monetary value if applicable.
- Publications: List any refereed publications and non-referred publications. For co-authored publications, briefly describe your contribution.
PhD Research Proposal
Please submit your research proposal as a separate document, independent of the application form with the following:
- Title
- Proposal: The research proposal may not exceed two pages, single-spaced, with no more than 6 lines of type per inch, body text in a minimum 12-pt Times New Roman or similarly sized font, and all margins set at a minimum of 3/4" (1.87 cm). A separate, one-page bibliography may be attached
- Proposed Supervisor(s)
PhD Writing Sample
A section of your MA thesis or MA research paper (maximum of 20 pages) is required, including the complete title of your thesis or research paper on the cover page of the writing sample.
GRE
Please note that the GRE is not required for applications to programs in History at McGill. However, if you have taken the GRE, you may wish to add it to your application. Test scores must be less than 3 years old and received directly from the testing agency. You must indicate McGill University's institution code: 0935.
Proficiency in English
The language of instruction at McGill University is English. Students must write term papers, examinations and theses in English or in French. Normally, if you meet any one of the following conditions you are not required to submit proof of proficiency in English:
* Mother tongue (language first learned and still used on a daily basis) is English
* Has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction
* Has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone)
* Has lived and attended school, or been employed, for at least four consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language.
Test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 are required. Test scores must be less than 3 years old and received directly from the testing agency. You must indicate McGill University's institution code: 0935.