How to Apply to the PhD in Media Studies Program

Students born outside Canada whose first language is not English must provide proof of achieving a score of at least 107 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 8.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), taken within the last 2 years.

• • Name and personal information
  • Contact information
  • Academic background
  • Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
    • Past or current students of Western University are required to upload an electronic copy of their academic record to the online application. An unofficial academic record, available from your Western Student Center, can be used.
    • If you have attended or are currently enrolled at any university or college other than Western, you MUST upload and attach an electronic copy or scanned PDF copy of your transcripts from each institution attended to the online application. Applicants who are offered a space in the program will be required to provide one official* copy of their transcript to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies prior to the start of the program.

• The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

• International and Graduate Affairs Building, Room 1N07

• Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7

• • Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable). Applicant must have testing service send score electronically to Western. Proof of proficiency in English is required from applicants whose first language is not English, and who have not completed a four year university degree in Canada, the US, or the UK.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum score required: 107 Internet-based. Western's TOEFL ID is 0984
    • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS). Minimum score required: 8
      
      
  • Referee Information
    Applicants are required to enter the names and contact information (including e-mail address) of three academic referees (academic referees are people who have taught the applicant in a university degree credit course) into the online application. If several years have passed since the applicant last attended university, professional references can be substituted for academic ones.  Once the information has been entered into the application, each referee will receive a request via e-mail within 24 hours to complete an electronic recommendation form on the applicant’s behalf. A link to the form will be included in the e-mail. The applicant will receive an e-mail when Western receives the referee's letter of recommendation.
    
    
  • Non-refundable application fee of CAD $150.00

1. A 600-800 word Statement of Academic Intent: Describe your academic interests to date and the research or research creation path you hope to follow in the Media Studies PhD. Be as specific as you can comfortably be in outlining your proposed research topic or question, methodology, and contribution to knowledge. A strong statement generally provides clear evidence why graduate study in Media Studies at Western is well suited to your research background and scholarly interests, and it shows that you have reviewed the profiles of the relevant supervisory faculty and indicated which you think could serve as supervisors.
   
   
2. A 600-800-word personal statement that introduces you to us by 1) describing your background (eg., academic interests, prior study, work, volunteer, or life experience) that is relevant to the program, 2) discussing how you hope the program will contribute to your post-graduation goals, and 3) addressing how you see yourself contributing to the diversity and inclusivity of the Faculty. If you don’t feel that your grades reflect your capabilities, this is a place to explain why not.
   
   
3. A sample (no more than 20 pages) of your published or unpublished writing, which could be a presented paper, a report, a major essay, a chapter in a master's thesis, or some other substantive evidence of writing ability
   
   
4. An indication of the area of specialization (Media Cultures, Media Industries or Media Technologies) in which you are interested, and the names of up to 3 faculty members in the area with whom you may wish to work
   
   
5. A CV detailing your education and professional experience
   
   
6. For permanent residents of Canada only, please include a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card or a photocopy of your Record of Landing. If you are applying to be a permanent resident, but have not been granted landed-immigrant status, you must apply as an international applicant.
   
   
7. Proof of name change, if applicable (photocopy of change of name documentation, such as marriage certificate or other legal change of name and a photocopy of photo ID showing your current name)