The fall admissions application deadline for both the M.A. and the Ph.D. is December 23, 2022 and referee letters are due January 6, 2023.

The Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto accepts applications for 2023-2024.

The Centre for Medieval Studies hosts one of the world’s most renowned interdisciplinary medieval studies programs. Students can enroll in a Master of Arts (M.A.) program, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program, and one of several Collaborative Programs.

Additionally, the Centre offers a Summer Latin Program, expressly conceived to support the preparation of prospective candidates and external students.

The Centre for Medieval Studies

Since its foundation in 1964, the CMS has been internationally renowned for:

the first-rate education offered by the Latin Program,
the incomparable breath of advanced training in languages other than Latin relevant to the study of medieval times and cultures beyond Western Europe,

the comprehensive course offering, which includes Art History, History, Languages and Literatures, Manuscript Studies and Textual Cultures, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theology, and Musicology, and the unique training in “reading” the materials remaining from the medieval past, thanks to courses in Paleography, Codicology, Diplomatics, Textual Criticism and Digital Humanities, the opportunity to collaborate on globally prominent research projects, such as the Dictionary of Old English and the Records of Early English Drama, several faculty-led research endeavours, and six publication series published by the Pontifical Institute of Mediæval Studies and University of Toronto Press,

the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive professional experience as a Course Instructor, Teaching Assistant, and Tutor in a variety of programs and departments, as well as to receive dedicated training in the Professional Development Course,

the unparalleled library resources of the network of U of T Libraries, which includes the famous Library of the Pontifical Institute of Mediæval Studies and the Fisher Library, the vibrant community constituted by approximately 60 students, an equal number of distinguished faculty, plus visiting professors, and post-doctoral fellows,
the well-established network of international partners,

the wider community of Alumni, both in academic and non-academic careers, as well as the strong Ph.D. placement record in higher education, which includes 80.95% of the 125 Ph.D. students who graduated from CMS between 2000 and 2015 (source: 10K PhDs Project),
the renewed commitment to foster Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in graduate education and academia,
the several services offered by the School of Graduate Studies via the Graduate Centre for Academic Communication, the Centre for Graduate Mentorship and Supervision, and the Centre for Graduate Professional Development,
and the possibility of studying and working in one of the top 20 universities in the world, which is also the second among North American public universities (source: THE2023), and in the very heart of Saint George Campus in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse cities.

Prospective Applicants

The Centre for Medieval Studies offers a flexible curriculum tailored to students’ interests and backgrounds. Individual attention, small classes, and a dynamic academic environment will prepare students for a promising future in academic research and teaching, as well as in many other fields beyond the academy. Throughout the program, graduate students receive training in the latest methodologies for studying the Middle Ages, professional development courses and mentorship.

The Ph.D. in Medieval Studies is a five-year dissertation-oriented program consisting of three major phases (Coursework and Linguistic training, Special Field, and Writing of the Dissertation) designed to enable all students to achieve a high degree of specialization and a broad understanding of Medieval studies.

The M.A. in Medieval Studies is a one-year program conceived for students who want to explore the field in all its breadth while also strengthening their expertise in Latin. It is especially well-suited for students considering further study in doctoral programs in Medieval Studies or cognate programs, but also for those who want to pursue professional opportunities and careers that require a strong background in the humanities and unique linguistic skills.

All Ph.D. students receive a base funding package for up to five years, including tuition fees and health insurance (UHIP) for international students. The base funding package includes, in varying combinations and amounts, any external scholarship (Commonwealth Scholarship, Fulbright, OGS, SSHRC, etc.), University of Toronto Fellowship funds, Teaching and Research Assistantships, and any other contractual academic work at the University of Toronto and its federated colleges (including course instructorships and sessional appointments). On top of the base funding package, financial resources are available upon application in the form of Teaching and Research Assistantships and Awards. Awards are also available for MA students, and applicants should contact the Centre as soon as possible to get more information. Finally, the Centre offers additional funding for travel and research by subsidizing grants and fellowships for graduate students.

Do you have a question?

Feel free to write to

Professor Elisa Brilli (Director) to know more about the CMS;
Professor James Ginther (Associate Director) for info about the M.A. program and the application process;
Professor Jennifer Purtle (Ph.D. Coordinator) for info about the Ph.D. program; Rhonda Marley (Graduate Administrator) for info about administration.