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The four-year PhD program in Gender Studies maintains our emphasis on critical examinations of race, gender, and sexuality while providing specialized training in applying Gender Studies research to social transformation efforts.
Queen's Gender Studies program uniquely prioritizes critical race theory throughout both undergraduate and graduate curricula. Learners explore gender—our central analytical lens—through its intersections with race, class, nationality, sexuality, ability, age, religion, colonialism, and global systems. Their research spans Canadian and international contexts, connecting academic work with grassroots and global social justice initiatives. Graduates develop scholarship with direct relevance to social change efforts and diverse professional paths beyond academia.
The doctoral program spans four years. Full-time candidates complete three core courses (3.0 credits each), one elective (3.0 credits), a non-credit Proseminar, and a PhD Practicum (3.0 credits). Advancement to candidacy occurs after fulfilling all coursework, syllabus, practicum requirements, and successfully defending their dissertation proposal.
Graduates of Queen's Gender Studies MA program may enter the PhD program with adjusted course requirements.
Prior to applying, PhD applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with department faculty to learn about their interest or availability to serve as a potential Supervisor. Newly-admitted PhD students are assigned a Supervisor at the time of admission.
Other Prerequisites
Test Requirements
Applicants must have TOEFL Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT): The minimum overall score is 88, made up of the minimum scores in each component test as follows: Writing test: 24/30; Speaking test: 22/30; Reading test: 22/30; Listening test: 20/30; MELAB: 80 (minimum overall score); IELTS: 7 (minimum score, academic module); PTE Academic: 65 (minimum overall score).