University of New Brunswick

What you'll study

The PhD in History is centred on sustained independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to historical knowledge. Students normally complete a combination of advanced seminars and directed readings, a qualifying or comprehensive examination, and a research proposal before proceeding to dissertation research and writing. Typical areas of supervision and study available within the department include Atlantic Canadian history, Canadian history more broadly, Indigenous histories, imperial and transnational histories, environmental and labour history, cultural and urban history, and digital history methods.

Common components and activities include:

• Advanced seminars in historiography and research methods (e.g. archival research methods, theory and interpretation, quantitative and digital methods where appropriate).
• A comprehensive/qualifying examination to assess breadth and depth of historical knowledge.
• Development and defence of a dissertation proposal in consultation with a supervisory committee.
• Original archival, oral history, or digital research culminating in a doctoral dissertation and oral defence.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary work and collaboration with units such as Canadian Studies, Indigenous Studies, and environmental or public history initiatives.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant research-based master’s degree (for example an MA in History) with a strong academic record and demonstrated capacity for independent research. Typical application materials include an academic transcript, a writing sample (often a chapter of a master’s thesis or comparable research paper), a detailed research proposal outlining intended doctoral research and potential supervisory fit, a curriculum vitae, and academic references (usually three).

For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is required via an approved test unless otherwise exempted. Admission is also contingent on identifying a suitable supervisor within the Department of History and on faculty capacity to supervise the proposed project. Competitive applicants demonstrate clear research questions, familiarity with relevant historiography, and evidence of prior research training.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in History pursue a variety of careers. Many continue in academic paths—postdoctoral fellowships, teaching and research positions at universities and colleges. Other common career trajectories include roles in public history and heritage sectors (museums, archives, cultural institutions), policy and research positions within government and non-profit organisations, positions in cultural resource management, education and curriculum development, publishing and editorial work, and consultancy roles that require strong research, analytical and communication skills.

The research, writing and project-management skills developed during the PhD are also valued in roles outside the traditional history professions, including in corporate research, communications, and community-engaged projects.

Why study at University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick offers doctoral students access to substantial archival and research resources relevant to Atlantic Canadian and broader Canadian history, including strong links with provincial archives, local museums and community heritage organisations. The Department of History is small enough to provide close supervisory attention while offering interdisciplinary connections across campus in fields such as Indigenous Studies, environmental studies and digital humanities.

Students benefit from a research culture that supports public-facing scholarship and community-engaged research, as well as opportunities for teaching and professional development through graduate assistantships and departmental mentorship. The availability of regional research collections and active scholarly networks in Atlantic Canada makes UNB especially well suited for students whose projects engage the region, while also supporting comparative and transnational projects through faculty expertise and institutional partnerships.