Admissions Requirements
Entrance into either the M.A. or Ph.D. programs is limited to the best qualified applicants. A minimum CGPA of 3.3 or the equivalent, i.e. 75%, is highly recommended.
The Department requires a research statement of at least 250 words outlining the candidate's particular research interest in Art History as well as a sample of his/her written work such as a seminar paper or, in the case of Ph.D. applicants, all or part of the M.A. paper or thesis. For a complete list of materials required see the Application Checklist below.
M.A. Program
To apply to the M.A. program, candidates are normally expected to have a B.A. degree in art history or in another closely related field; candidates may come from other fields such as literary studies, comparative literature, ethnic studies, Canadian studies, architecture, urban planning, film studies, history, performance studies, or philosophy/aesthetics, but must have taken at least 10 courses relating to the history and theory of some aspect of the visual arts, preferably covering a wide range of historical time periods and geographical regions. In exceptional cases, applicants without a strong background in art history may be admitted but with additional requirements arranged in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies to be completed before matriculation in the MA program.
Ph.D. Program
In order to apply to the Ph.D. program, candidates must hold an M.A. degree preferably in art history or in a closely related field together with an appropriate number of art history and related courses such as are described for entrance into the M.A. program.
All candidates for the Ph.D. program are strongly advised to contact a potential supervisor well in advance of submitting the application in order to establish a relationship. Applicants who have not vetted their research proposal (application statement) with a potential supervisor are unlikely to be admitted.
Application Deadlines
Date for Guaranteed Consideration:
MA: January 15 for following September admission.
PhD: January 15 for following September admission.
There are no January admissions for the M.A. and Ph.D. programs.
The only application method is online via the McGill website at: http://www.mcgill.ca/applying/online. For any problems with your online application contact the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office.
Application Checklist
All supplemental application materials should be forwarded to:
Graduate Administrative Coordinator
Department of Art History and Communication Studies
McGill University
853 Sherbrooke Street West Arts Building – Room W225
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2T6
CANADA
1. Application form (to be filled out online).
2. Application fee (payable by credit card when filling out the online application).
3. Transcripts (2 official copies).*
4. Two letters of recommendation (each accompanied by the following "Recommendation Form" filled out by the letter writer: Recommendation Form [.pdf], Recommendation Form [.pdf].*
5. Written samples (1 sample in English or French).
6. A research statement outlining the area or project to be pursued at McGill.
7. Proof of Citizenship (Copy of Passport or Birth Certificate).
8. For international applicants whose first language is not English please follow this link.
* TRANSCRIPTS and RECOMMENDATION LETTERS:
The two official sets of transcripts and the two letters of recommendation with forms may be mailed directly from your university to our department or they may be included in your application package provided the letters with forms are sealed in envelopes and signed by the recommender across the seal. The letters must be written on the department letterhead of the person writing the letter.
For any admissions problems, please contact Maureen Coote, the Graduate Administrative Coordinator (Office: Arts W235; Phone: (514) 398-4933; Maureen [dot] Coote [at] mcgill [dot] ca (Email) ).