No application will be considered until it is complete. The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents (i.e., transcripts, letters of reference, test results) are received by the application deadline. For information on academic qualifications, please see the PhD Media Studies Admission Criteria page.
Please note that applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the application deadline to allow for the electronic collection of transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Completed applications will be evaluated by the program, which makes the admission decision. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies sends out offers of admission.
| Apply Online | Application Deadline |
 | Application deadline - February 1. Applications for the September 2012 program are now closed. |
The applicant will provide Western with the following information as part of the electronic OUAC application:
- Name and personal information
- Contact information
- Academic background
- Electronic transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
- Past or current students of The University of Western do not need to provide transcripts for their academic history at Western. This information will be obtained internally.
- If you have attended or are currently enrolled at any Ontario university or college other than The University of Western Ontario you MUST use the electronic application process in order to request transcripts. These transcripts will be delivered electronically to each of the programs to which you are applying.
- If you have attended a university or college outside Ontario, you must submit one official* academic transcript in hard copy from each post-secondary institution attended. These must be sent to the Faculty of Information and Media Studies at the address below.
* Western considers a transcript official only if it is received in a university envelope that is sealed and signed on the flap by the official person in the office issuing the transcript. If the transcript and degree certificate are not in English, a certified translation must also be included. (Non-English transcripts from institutions within Canada do not require a translation.)
- Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable). Applicant must have testing service send score electronically to Western.
- Professional background (if applicable).
- Referee information
- Applicants are required to enter the names and contact information (including e-mail address) of three academic referees into the online application. Once the application is processed, each referee will receive a request via e-mail to complete an electronic recommendation form on the applicant’s behalf. A link to the form will be included in the e-mail. Each referee will receive a reminder in two weeks if the recommendation is not received. The applicant will receive an e-mail when Western receives the referees letter of recommendation.
- Non-refundable application fee of CAD $100.
Additional application requirements:
- A two-page statement (600-800 words) of your academic background and research interests
- A sample (no more than 20 pages) of your 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
- 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
- A curriculum vitae of your education and experience
- A completed Supplementary Information Form (pdf)
- 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.
- 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)
The above program-specific application materials should be sent directly to:
Faculty of Information and Media Studies
PhD Program in Media Studies
The University of Western Ontario
North Campus Building, Room 240
London, ON N6A 5B7
Applicants should note that, as part of the admissions process, an interview may be held, either in person or via teleconference.