Doctor of Philosophy - Études Transdisciplinaires

The minimum 18 credits required for the program include two compulsory courses (totalling 6 credits) and the dissertation research credits. It is possible for students to take up to 4 elective courses (optional - not compulsory), however these do not count towards the 18-credit minimum requirement.

Compulsory courses to be taken in Autumn 2024:

DET 600: Transdisciplinary Research Seminar

Overview of different approaches, considerations, and challenges in research. Students will explore the tools and develop the skills necessary to understand research language, evaluate published research, identify the types of methods best suited to investigate different types of problems and questions, develop research questions based on a critical evaluation of existing research, and design a research proposal and begin initial preparations for a research project.

DET 605: Advanced Topics in Transdisciplinary Studies

In-depth study of different methodological approaches to empirical research in the basic, human, and social sciences. Students will be exposed to the theoretical foundations of interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity as methods of analysis and research. The major themes and theoretical concepts addressed will provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion and prepare students to define their own research problem. In this seminar, students will be invited to define their research problem and to illustrate their choice with examples drawn from society, using an inter- or transdisciplinary approach.

Elective courses:

Directed Studies (1 to 1 with the supervisor) may be part of the elective courses.

• DET 609: Guided Research/Guided Study

* Students may choose up to 4 elective courses if necessary, which will be decided by the committee and the supervisor in collaboration with the student.
supervisor in collaboration with the student, depending on their background and research theme.

The program will be delivered in various formats:

• online
• face-to-face (both physically in class and virtually)
• hybrid

The 6 graduating attributes are as follows:

• Level and depth of knowledge
• Research skills and scholarship
• Ability to apply knowledge
• Communication skills
• Professional capacity and autonomy
• Leadership and collaboration

Additionally, the program will address specific linguistic learning outcomes as well as global learning outcomes to create a unique learning environment. The following goals will be addressed.

• Prepare future researchers with a unique set of transversal, cross-disciplinary skills that will help to develop community leadership qualities and support the application of foundational knowledge in disciplinary and/or interdisciplinary research.
• Focus on the Francophone and linguistic minority perspectives by creating a deeper understanding of, and response to, broad societal needs.
• Fulfill the requirement of the provincial and federal governments in matters pertaining to French as an official language.
• Establish new collaborations with potential for a higher-education network, as well as fostering effective relationships with bilingual and Francophone institutions in Canada, and around the world.

• A previous master’s degree from a recognized institution
• An electronic copy of all official post-secondary transcripts, with the printing date of less than one year on the transcripts for studies completed in Canada. Recent printing date is not required for international students. Copies of transcripts are also required for incomplete programs.
• An electronic copy of all your post-secondary diplomas.
• A GPA of 3.0 (minimum) or equivalent
• Your CV
• Two letters of reference supporting your application: 1 professional and 1 academic
• A statement of research intent and purpose (2 pages minimum and 5 pages maximum) 
• A letter of support from a potential supervisor – to connect with our researchers, please visit our Research Areas page to explore the researcher profiles in our directory or download this French-only summary in pdf form
• French language competency for students for whom French is not their first language or official spoken language and/or for students who have post secondary degrees in a different language than french. They need to provide a TEF (test d'évaluation de francais) with a minimum result of C1 – contact csjsup@ualberta.ca for more details.

Comprehensive Examination

Students must pass a comprehensive examination in the targeted discipline, generally during the second year of the doctoral program.

Candidacy Exam

At the end of the second year, students are required to submit a research proposal, followed by an oral candidacy/synthesis examination. Due to the transdisciplinary nature of the programme, the synthesis process may take different forms. An orientation session to go through the program requirements will be held at the end of June/beginning of July to go through the program requirements.