PhD in History

The statement of purpose is the most important element of your application package. Its content matters, but so do its form and style: the statement should be carefully crafted, well written, and free from grammatical and spelling errors. It should not exceed two pages (single spaced). Your statement should: 

1. Identify your general area of research interest, and suggest one or more feasible thesis topics within that area, with reference to existing historical scholarship and possible primary sources. 
2. Explain why the topic matters - not only to you, but also to historians in the relevant field (i.e., what is the historiographical significance of your interest), to broader audiences, or to the public. 
3. Show that you can do the research you propose, that you are familiar with relevant scholarship and that you have or can acquire the necessary skills (e.g. language competency, familiarity with pertinent technology).
4. Establish that our program is suitable for your proposed research, and why (e.g. the expertise of particular faculty members; the availability of specialized resources; the existence of relevant research centres). 
5. Identify one or more potential supervisors and indicate whether or not you have contacted them about potential supervision.
6. If necessary, explain any gaps in your academic career or apparent deficiencies in your application.
7. If desired, describe the origins of your personal interest in the field and/or topic proposed. 
8. A brief synopsis of their MA thesis or equivalent (whether already written or in progress), and explain how that will relate to the PhD research proposed. 

The writing sample should demonstrate your ability to conduct advanced research, interpretation, and analysis, as well as to present your work in a clear and compelling manner.  It may be a seminar paper, or a portion of an Honours or MA thesis.  The sample should not exceed 25 pages in length.  Both marked and unmarked papers are acceptable. 

We require three academic letters of reference. Your referees should normally have taught you at a senior (seminar) or MA level, and their letters should explicitly assess your readiness to undertake graduate-level work in History; where possible, they should also address your competence in languages (or other special skills) required for your particular area of historical interest. Letters weigh heavily in admission decisions, so choose your referees carefully. Do not submit professional or personal references.