Cultural Mediations PhD

About Our Program

Cultural Mediations is the study of cultural forms that mediate our understanding of the world. It’s no wonder, then, that this innovative PhD program attracts those headed for careers in academia, government and the public sector, as well as practicing artists, filmmakers, and curators.

Selecting from four areas of specialization—Literary Studies, Musical Culture, Technology and Culture, and Visual Culture—students have the freedom to blend these and pursue research projects that call for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives. We provide a collegial and creative environment with access to an accomplished and eclectic academic community; we enable students to pursue projects that might not otherwise find a home.

This unique program, with its unconventional nature and small and welcoming scale, gives students an edge in the academic context while also preparing them for other career paths.

Admission and Applications

Application Deadlines

The application deadline for fall 2026 is February 1, subject to a limited number of funded positions. Completed applications received by February 1 are given priority. Please note that applications are considered only for fall term entry.

Admission Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the PhD program in either a full-time or part-time capacity is an MA (or a recognized equivalent) in a discipline appropriate to the interdisciplinary strengths of the program. Relevant fields might include English or French Literature, Art History, Film Studies, Musicology/ Ethnomusicology, Comparative Literature, Canadian Studies, Communication, Geography, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, Performance Studies, Museum, Curatorial and Heritage Studies, Feminist and Queer Studies, Migration and Diaspora Studies. A minimum grade point average of 10.0 (A-) is usually required for coursework completed at the Master’s level.

Applicants who lack an MA (or its recognized equivalent) in an appropriate discipline or are otherwise judged to lack adequate background preparation will be asked to complete designated coursework over and above the course requirements of the PhD program.

Language Proficiency (ESL Test Scores)

For admission into Carleton’s graduate programs, you must demonstrate that your knowledge and use of English are strong enough for graduate studies at an English-language university. For a complete list of minimum English-language test scores that Carleton accepts, please visit our English as a Second Language (ESL) website. Please note:
• English-language proficiency test scores must be taken within the last two years of receipt of your application.
• Unofficial copies of your test scores must be uploaded in Carleton Central.
• Letters from your universities stating the medium of instruction is English are not acceptable.
• If you have studied for the last three years (full-time, non-ESL) in a university in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom or any other country in which the primary language is English and where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was exclusively English, you need to complete the Confirmation of Language Proficiency form. You must then save and upload it with your required documents in Carleton Central as Document Type: Language Proficiency.

Applications Procedures

The PhD program in Cultural Mediations is organized around four areas of interdisciplinary scholarship:

• Cultural Mediations (Literary Studies)
• Cultural Mediations (Musical Culture)
• Cultural Mediations (Technology and Culture)
• Cultural Mediations (Visual Culture)

Applicants are invited to apply for the area of their choice.

All applications should be submitted through Carleton 360 by selecting the appropriate option. If you are not a current Carleton University student and you do not already have a Carleton 360 account, you will need to choose Register for Carleton 360. A non-refundable application fee in Canadian funds is payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or INTERAC Online. The following documents are also required to complete your application:

• A completed application form
• Two letters of reference, which will be completed online by your referees (note that we cannot accept references in any other form)
• Transcripts (upload a PDF copy including the transcript key, which is usually found on the back of your transcript) from each university that you have attended (official transcripts are required upon acceptance)
• Two separate substantial examples of your written work of an academic nature. After you upload your first writing sample, you will be prompted to upload the second writing sample. Please ensure that these are uploaded separately or your application will be considered incomplete (approximately 15-20 pages each, double-spaced, upload PDF copies).
• A statement of intent concerning your intellectual interests and proposed area of dissertation research (approximately 2-5 pages in length; upload a PDF copy)
• TOEFL, CAEL or TOEFL iBT Assessment scores if required (unofficial copies are uploaded at time of application). Further information related to English as a Second Language Requirements can be found here.

An application cannot be considered until all the above are submitted.

Program Requirements

Credits Requirements

A total of 5.0 credits plus a dissertation is required in fulfillment of the PhD.

• 1.0 core course credit CLMD 6101 (Cultural Theory)
• 1.5 credits in approved CLMD courses. Up to 0.5 credit may be taken in a related program, subject to the approval of the Graduate Supervisor
• 0.5 course credit CLMD 6900 (Research and Professional Development)
• 2.0 comprehensive credits
• Dissertation

Course Work

All courses taken for credit towards the degree must be at the 5000 or 6000 level. One 0.5 course credit may be taken in a related program and is subject to approval by the Graduate Supervisor. No more than 0.5 credit may be taken at the 5000 or master’s level.

Evaluation of course work will normally be based upon written papers, oral presentations, and other forms of examination as determined by the individual instructor. The PhD in Cultural Mediations is governed by the regulations of the Carleton’s Graduate Studies department. One of these requirements is that graduate students maintain a grade of not less than B- in all courses. Failure to do so can result in withdrawal from the program.

Language Requirements

Upon graduation, each student is expected to be proficient in one language (preferably French) in addition to English. Students will be expected to deal with all material that is their primary object of research in its original language.

Comprehensive Examinations

Students are required to pass two written comprehensive examinations (1.0 credit value each):

• The first comprehensive will be a general examination of the broad range of cultural theory of the twentieth-century
• The second comprehensive will be a discipline specific examination from one of the following four areas of specialisation chosen by the student (Literary Studies, Visual Culture, Musical Culture, Technology and Culture)

Thesis

All students are required to complete a thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree offered by the program. The thesis must be defended at an oral examination.

Guidelines and Deadlines for Completion of PhD

Full-time PhD students are expected to complete their degree requirements within six calendar years regardless of any subsequent change of status to part-time. Students who undertake the program for part-time study must complete their degree requirements within nine calendar years. For more information, please refer to the  General Regulations of the Graduate calendar.

Our Graduate Student Community

Cultural Mediations PhD candidates form a vibrant doctoral community intersecting many research interests.

• For information on current students and projects, consult our Students Profiles page.
• For information on past graduate research and list of graduates, consult our Graduates and Theses page.
• For information on student research initiatives and achievements, consult our Focus on Graduate Research page.