History (Ph.D.)

Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)    
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Ph.D. in History focuses on how to understand the past through a combination of intensive primary source research and deep familiarity with the relevant historiography, including the techniques of historical research and interpretation. It requires specialization in three fields of historical inquiry and a Ph.D. thesis research project.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses

Complementary Courses

A maximum of 9 credits previously completed at the graduate level, whether at McGill or elsewhere. Courses must be at the 500, 600, or 700 level. Up to 6 credits may be taken in another department.

Language Requirement

Ph.D. candidates must offer one foreign language for examination purposes. Candidates may need a reading knowledge of such other languages as are required for research purposes in their major field.The Department expects that candidates will have successfully demonstrated competence in the one required language by the end of their Ph.D. 3 year.