48 monthsProgramme duration
9,119 CADTuition Fee/year
15 Dec, 2025Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Islamic Studies offered by the Institute of Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Arts is a research-intensive program that emphasizes innovative and specialized learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in out-of-the-box thinking, literature synthesis, and the presentation of complex topics to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.
The program may also be taken as a Gender & Women's Studies option where students focus on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods. In this option, the student's Ph.D. thesis must be on a topic centrally relating to issues of gender and/or women's studies.
Keywords: Arabic, Persian, Islamic Studies, Women’s Studies, Middle Eastern, Urdu, Turkish, South Asia, Islamic theology, Islamic philosophy, Anthropology of Islam, Qur'an, Sufism, Safavid, Shi’i, Islam and Politics, Ottoman, Africa.
The program may also be taken as a Gender & Women's Studies option where students focus on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods. In this option, the student's Ph.D. thesis must be on a topic centrally relating to issues of gender and/or women's studies.
Keywords: Arabic, Persian, Islamic Studies, Women’s Studies, Middle Eastern, Urdu, Turkish, South Asia, Islamic theology, Islamic philosophy, Anthropology of Islam, Qur'an, Sufism, Safavid, Shi’i, Islam and Politics, Ottoman, Africa.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Islamic Studies offered by the Institute of Islamic Studies in the Faculty of Arts is a research-intensive program that emphasizes innovative and specialized learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in out-of-the-box thinking, literature synthesis, and the presentation of complex topics to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.
The program may also be taken as a Gender & Women's Studies option where students focus on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods. In this option, the student's Ph.D. thesis must be on a topic centrally relating to issues of gender and/or women's studies.
Keywords: Arabic, Persian, Islamic Studies, Women’s Studies, Middle Eastern, Urdu, Turkish, South Asia, Islamic theology, Islamic philosophy, Anthropology of Islam, Qur'an, Sufism, Safavid, Shi’i, Islam and Politics, Ottoman, Africa.
The program may also be taken as a Gender & Women's Studies option where students focus on gender and women's studies, and issues in feminist research and methods. In this option, the student's Ph.D. thesis must be on a topic centrally relating to issues of gender and/or women's studies.
Keywords: Arabic, Persian, Islamic Studies, Women’s Studies, Middle Eastern, Urdu, Turkish, South Asia, Islamic theology, Islamic philosophy, Anthropology of Islam, Qur'an, Sufism, Safavid, Shi’i, Islam and Politics, Ottoman, Africa.
Admission Requirements
86+
3+
6.5+
Applicants must have a degree (B.A. or M.A.) from a recognized university, with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent), OR a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the last two years of full-time studies, according to Canadian standards. The degree should be in the Humanities or Social Sciences, preferably in Islamic or Middle Eastern Studies.
Additional Requirements
The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
• Reference Letters – three letters required for Ph.D. applicants • Writing Sample – optional for M.A. applicants; required for Ph.D. applicants; a copy of entire master's thesis, or completed chapters of master's thesis, or (in cases where these are not available) two substantial research papers • Knowledge of Arabic or Persian is an asset, as follows: one year of language training for M.A. applicants; two years for Ph.D. applicants • Other additional documents and questions, as itemized and explained on the departmental website for Prospective Students at mcgill.ca/islamicstudies/graduate-studies
Additional Requirements
The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
• Reference Letters – three letters required for Ph.D. applicants • Writing Sample – optional for M.A. applicants; required for Ph.D. applicants; a copy of entire master's thesis, or completed chapters of master's thesis, or (in cases where these are not available) two substantial research papers • Knowledge of Arabic or Persian is an asset, as follows: one year of language training for M.A. applicants; two years for Ph.D. applicants • Other additional documents and questions, as itemized and explained on the departmental website for Prospective Students at mcgill.ca/islamicstudies/graduate-studies
15 Dec 2025
4 Years
Sep
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
Domestic
1,483 CAD
International
9,119 CAD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 29, 2024
986.3K
2237
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
500.1K
788
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
226.1K
335
More programmes from the university
PHD Programmes
396
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme