PhD in Études urbaines

The PhD in Urban Studies (Doctorat en études urbaines) at Université du Québec à Montréal trains researchers specialised in the analysis of urban development, taking a multidisciplinary approach grounded primarily in the social sciences. Research themes include transformations in urban society, local development, migration, urban economies, the natural and built environment, local governance, and urban tourism, with international research axes and comparative urban analysis. The programme totals 90 credits: 66 for the thesis, 15 for coursework and seminars, 3 for thesis project preparation, and 6 for the doctoral exam, completed over a nominal four years full-time (six years part-time). Admission requires a master's degree, or the equivalent, in a humanities discipline, urban studies, urban planning, environment, tourism and leisure, architecture, or administration, completed with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on a 4.3 scale. Applicants submit a research proposal of about 3,000 words, a written agreement from a supervising professor, and three letters of recommendation, and must have completed research-methods coursework covering both qualitative and quantitative approaches; sufficient spoken and written French and English reading comprehension are required. Courses are offered during the day, with admission at the fall term only.