How to Apply | College of Arts

How to Apply

The regular deadline for applications for History Graduate Studies starting Sept 2024 was Feb 1, 2024. The OUAC portal automatically closed on this date.

However, we have decided to reopen OUAC and extend the application deadline until an undetermined date and the admissions committee will continue to review applications on a rolling basis.

Applying for the MA or PhD? Either way:

Please apply to the Tri-U (Guelph/Waterloo/Wilfrid Laurier) campus where your preferred faculty advisor is located. 

-> Find an Advisor

Applying to work with a Guelph faculty advisor?
Follow the University of Guelph Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies application process.

 

MA/PhD Application Checklist:

  1. Completed recommendation letters/forms:
    • M.A. - minimum two references
    • Ph.D. - minimum three references
  2. Official transcripts or authorized grades and/or degrees from your university. Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified literal translation. (Note that students who attended Ontario Universities may be able to request their transcripts directly through the OUAC site during their application. See OUAC for more information.)
  3. A résumé of your academic and work experience, including any publications and scholarly papers presented and/or any other information that might be helpful to the admissions committee. The résumé must be signed by the applicant and the résumé of the work experience must indicate the language of business at each place of employment.
  4. Statement of Research Interest: We suggest that this should be at least 2 pages in length and should explain your reasons for pursuing graduate studies, your interest in the areas in which you would like to work and, in the case of applicants to the Ph.D. program, a description of your proposed thesis topic.
  5. A sample of your scholarly writing. For students applying to the Master’s program, a sample of a recent 4th year paper (single-sided). For doctoral students this should be a portion of a major research paper or thesis or a paper written for a graduate course. Please note that papers will not be returned to applicants.
  6. MA advisor preference form (if applying for the MA; please email this directly to the History Academic Program Assistant at Guelph - histacademic@uoguelph.ca).
  7. In the case of international applicants whose first language is not English, an official statement of your acceptable English-language test results, and an official statement (affidavit or notarized statement from the sponsor) regarding funding, where applicable. Please also see the University's COVID-19-information page for International Students for the most up to date information..

For more see the Tri-U Admissions Requirements pages MA / PhD 

Questions? See About the MA / About the PhD. Or email Guelph campus graduate coordinator, Professor Tara Abraham: taabraha@uoguelph.ca.

 

FAQs /  links:

  • "What is a Statement of Interest?" Click the link for a template and advice from Guelph History
  • Is it ok if I have lots of online courses on my transcript? Not to worry. These will not disqualify your application from consideration.
  • How will the admissions committee look at my GPA? In practice, we are interested in your marks in History courses in your last two years of university, looking for a minimum of a B+ average in those courses.
  • Should I email my prospective faculty advisor before I submit my application to ask about their availability and expertise on my research topic? Yes!
  • Why do I need to look at the admissions process and instructions University of Guelph, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies? Guelph's OGPS office has information on English language requirements, how to start your application, how to get documents in on time, what kinds of documents you need, etc.
  • Why do I need to email histacademic@uoguelph.ca a completed MA Advisor Preference form? This form helps us identify the best faculty to evaluate your application and make sure that we have an Advisor ready to work with you.
  • How will I pay for this degree? If we make you an offer of admission, we will also offer a generous guaranteed funding package. For more see how to fund your degree.

 

Still have questions? Let us know:

Tyler Berlet - Academic Programs Assistant - Guelph Campus
Department of History, University of Guelph 
histacademic@uoguelph.ca
  
Dr. Tara Abraham - Graduate Coordinator - Guelph Campus
Department of History, University of Guelph
1010 MacKinnon Extension  |  (519) 824-4120 ex. 56012
taabraha@uoguelph.ca

Tri-University Program Administrators:

Dr. Peter Goddard, Tri-University Program Director
Department of History, University of Guelph
519-824-4120 ext 54460
pgoddard@uoguelph.ca

Mary Lou Klassen, Tri-University Administrative Assistant
Department of History, University of Guelph
tri-u@uoguelph.ca