PhD in History in Burnaby Canada | Simon Fraser University

When joining the History PhD program, every student will receive a Senior Supervisor, register for a minimum of one graduate seminar, and start preparing for comprehensive exams. The student and their Supervisory Committee will identify three specialized study areas. Together with each field supervisor, the student will promptly establish a reading list of about 40-45 books (or equivalent materials) per field. These reading lists must be submitted to the Graduate Secretary before the first semester concludes. After approval by the GPC, the lists will be added to the student's academic record. Students should thoroughly engage with these materials, ideally through organized reading and writing sessions with their field supervisors, as comprehensive exams will draw from these lists. PhD candidates are required to pass at least one graduate seminar for credit, typically History 814 (Historical Methods), unless they've previously taken a methodology course during their master's studies. All coursework must be finished before attempting comprehensive exams, meaning PhD students must complete their required course within the first two terms. The History Department provides advanced research opportunities culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, with primary focus areas including the Americas, Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.