Concordia University

What you'll study

The PhD in Communication Studies combines advanced coursework with a sustained original research project leading to a doctoral dissertation. Students engage with core themes such as media and cultural theory, political and civic communication, digital and new media, rhetoric and discourse analysis, health and risk communication, and critical approaches to technology and society. Programme elements typically include:

• Advanced seminars in communication theory, research methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and specialised topics aligned with supervisors' expertise.
• Methodological training covering ethnography, interview and oral history techniques, content and discourse analysis, visual methods, digital trace and computational approaches where relevant.
• A qualifying or comprehensive examination to assess breadth and depth of knowledge, followed by a formal proposal and dissertation research and defence.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with related units and research centres, and options to undertake practicum or public-engaged projects where these complement research aims.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example, MA in Communication Studies, Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Journalism, Political Communication or a closely related discipline) with a record of strong academic performance. Typical application materials include:

• Official transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A research statement or proposal that demonstrates readiness for doctoral research and identifies potential supervisory matches.
• A writing sample that shows critical and analytical skills (e.g. a chapter from a master’s thesis or a peer‑reviewed article).
• Curriculum vitae summarising academic background, publications, teaching and relevant professional experience.
• Three references from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential and preparation for doctoral study.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, in line with university requirements.

Admission is competitive and decisions are based on the applicant’s academic record, fit with faculty supervision, clarity of research objectives and available capacity in the department. Specific documentation requirements and minimum grade expectations follow university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Communication Studies pursue a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions: tenure‑track and contract teaching and research roles in universities and colleges.
• Research roles in public and private research institutes, think tanks and policy organisations working on media, communications and public engagement.
• Leadership and analytical roles in government and non‑profit sectors focused on public policy, communications strategy, digital literacy and community engagement.
• Research-oriented roles in media organisations, cultural institutions and industry labs, including audience research, content strategy and user experience research.
• Consultancy and independent scholarship, applied research projects and public scholarship that translate research into accessible formats for broader audiences.

Why study at Concordia University

Concordia’s Department of Communication Studies is situated in a large, research-active urban university with strong links to Montreal’s diverse media, cultural and civic sectors. The department emphasises critical, theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches and offers supervision across a wide range of specialisms. Students benefit from:

• Access to research centres, labs and facilities that support media and technology research, and opportunities for cross‑departmental collaboration.
• A supportive doctoral community with opportunities for teaching experience, professional development and public engagement.
• Proximity to a bilingual and culturally vibrant city that hosts media organisations, cultural institutions and festivals, facilitating applied projects and networking.
• Faculty whose research spans critical media studies, political communication, digital cultures and methodological innovation, providing a range of supervisory strengths.