Hispanic Studies

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet Sebastien Kouakou, PhD candidate in Hispanic Studies

“The Hispanic Studies program is open to interdisciplinary and professional development opportunities which nurture my career.”

Supervisor: Victoria Wolff

Where is “home” for you?
I am a citizen of Ivory Coast but "home" for me is where l feel welcomed and comfortable living.

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
The quality of the Hispanic Studies program, especially the professors who are very supportive and building a community where both students and faculty enjoy academia. In addition, the reasonably affordable cost of life. London is a quiet and peaceful city that offers me the appropriate environment I look for in terms of studies.

Where’s your favourite place on campus?
Weldon Library, gives me access to resources and l can still consult the staff for their assistance when looking for a document in the Western Library catalogues. The Western Libraries offer a variety of resources accessible electronically and physically.

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
My TA experience is a very rich one. My TA experience has given me an opportunity to teach in a multicultural classroom environment.

What is your “dream” career?
My dream is to positively impact my generation by promoting peace and justice for a better world where every single citizen feels appreciated, loved and cared regardless of their origin, race or social rank. I would also like to promote quality and accessible education in developing countries. I am currently working on a project to reform the educational system in Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Sylvia Kontra (skontra@uwo.ca)
Graduate Affairs Assistant

Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Western University
University College 2210
London, Ontario N6A 3K7

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 85846
f. 519-661-4093

Welcome to the Graduate Program in Hispanic Studies at Western!

A degree in Hispanic Studies delivers a world-class, interdisciplinary academic experience. But it's more than just a program - it's a rich experience filled with language, culture, extra-curricular activities, research, teaching, and community engagement so your graduate wti hthe skills you need to find a rewarding career in a multicultural world.

This program distinguishes itself from others because of our innovative approaches to Hispanic Studies. In our Literature and Culture programs we focus on connections in time, geography and medium. Our strengths lie in Transatlantic studies, Visual arts, text and music, Digital Humanities and their place in Hispanic Culture. The Linguistic stream focuses on an experimental approach to language acquisition, language loss, heritage speakers and language change due to contact.

Among other opportunities offered in our programs, students may be able to participate in the ground breaking research that takes place in the CulturePlex, the Digital Humanities lab which is unique in Canada.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program creates career-ready graduates with the Power Skills necessary to excel in their studies and achieve their future goals. Assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth and focus on what you want to get out of your time here at Western. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

    • Admission Requirements

    • A minimum of 80% overall average in the Master's degree.
    • Sample of previous academic work (written work ie: previous essay).
    • CV
    • Statement of Interest (Letter of Intent). This statement is typically between 300-1000 words. This letter should address: your specific area of academic interest (the research topic you want to work on and with whom), how your past education and other experiences have prepared you to be successful in our graduate program, what you hope to achieve in our graduate program, and why our program is the best place for you to pursue your interests.

    Additional Requirements

    • Students are expected to gain reading knowledge in a language other than Spanish and English before graduation.

    English Language Proficiency

    *Exit Requirement: Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

    Application Deadline

    • February 1 - Acceptance notification at the beginning of April