Child and Youth Studies (PhD)

Faculty of Social Sciences PhD

  • Main Campus

A unique transdisciplinary approach to the study of children and youth where students are encouraged to think and study across traditional disciplinary boundaries. This program is part of a growing international movement for transdisciplinary Child and Youth Studies perspectives. Students gain a theoretical foundation for the study of children and youth and the application of social science research methods through the completion of a research-based thesis.

Entry point:

  • September

Duration:

  • Thesis – 12 terms (4 years)

Application deadline:

  • December 1

Applications typically open in mid-September.

The application portal may remain open after the deadline until all spots are filled. Applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. International applicants interested in applying after the posted deadline should contact the program for details on availability. 

Applicants to the PhD CHYS program will typically receive an admissions decision within 12 weeks of the application deadline.

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Naomi Andrews
Graduate program coordinator
Lora Nero

Apply now Graduate Studies at Brock

Graduate calendar Tuition and financial information

Program website Faculty research Faculty of Social Sciences

Admission requirements

  1. Check the university requirements and the program requirements.
  2. Complete the online application and submit the non-refundable application fee.
  3. Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with a minimum average of 80%.
  4. Graduate-level coursework in qualitative or quantitative methods, and in sociocultural, bodymind diversity and/or psychological foundations.
  5. You will need to submit your transcripts as well as the following program-specific materials:
    • A personal statement of research interests. It should be no more than two double-spaced pages (or one single-spaced page) and provide some indication of your research experience (i.e., thesis research, research assistant work) and your intermediate and long-term goals for pursuing a PhD degree in Child and Youth Studies. Also, as a part of your statement, please rank your preferred faculty member(s) and speak to how this individual is best suited to your research interests.
    • A recent example of written work (no more than 12 pages in length) or a demonstration of professional experience.
    • Two references, preferably academic, are required.
    • Current CV (Curriculum Vitae).