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Policy Studies (PhD)

Part of the Faculty of Arts

Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: PhD

The PhD in Policy Studies is the first and only interdisciplinary doctoral program of its kind in Canada. The program is designed to prepare a new generation of researchers for positions in academe and the public, non-profit and private sectors at the local, regional, national and international levels.

Vathsala Illesinghe

At a Glance

PhD

  • Completion of a master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.33 / 4.33 (B+) in the last two years of study
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Sample of work
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

  • Immigration, Settlement and Diaspora Policies
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Social Policy
  • Advanced Qualitative Research
  • Foundations of Quantitative Research
  • Immigration, Settlement and Diaspora Policies
  • Policy Theories and Approaches
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Research Foundations for Policy Studies
  • Social Policy
  • Statistical Analysis of Social Science Research

Policy Studies (PhD) graduate program calendar

  • Downtown Toronto location
  • Interdisciplinary faculty
  • Strong government and NGO connections

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Heather Rollwagen
Interim Graduate Program Director (until December 31, 2023)
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 554197
Email: hrollwagen@torontomu.ca

Ammad Khan
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 557869
Email: policystudies@torontomu.ca

“The Policy Studies program allowed me to acquire a solid foundation in research methodology, and strengthen my critical understanding of immigration and settlement policies, trends and debates in Canada and beyond.”

Marc Y. Valade, PhD alumnus

Student Profile: Standing Up for Immigrant Women (external link) 

Vathsala Illesinghe (policy studies PhD student and Toronto Metropolitan University's first Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar) investigates how immigration policies can make women more independent and less vulnerable to violence.

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Policy Studies (PhD).

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.