Faculty of Education

Doctor of Philosophy

PhD in Languages, Cultures and Literacies

Method of delivery:
In-person		 Applications open:
October 1, 2025
 Applications close:
December 1, 2025
 Next start date:
September 2026

Application & Tuition

Explore theories and methods to study literacies, texts, languages, and cultural practices in education settings as these relate to race, gender, class, Indigenous knowledges, plurilingualism, international language education, children's and young adult literature, new technologies and other issues of equity.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Designed for

Those who are committed to social justice and equity issues in education; have completed related Master’s level education with a research focus; have direct experience working in educational settings; and are ready to actively participate in our research community.

Note: We are unable to admit students intending to do solely quantitative and/or experimental research.

Program Structure

  • 18 units of coursework plus comprehensive exam and thesis
  • In-person classes, with courses scheduled at all three SFU campuses
  • Courses are normally offered once a week on the same day at one of the three SFU campuses
  • Seminar classes EDUC 927 and 928 meet once a month in the afternoon

Intake Schedule

Start Terms
Fall 2026

PROGRAM DESIGN & COURSES

Program Design

The ethos and focus of the Languages, Cultures and Literacies (LCL) PhD program aligns with: social justice in society and educational contexts; equity, Indigeneity, and a culture of inquiry in line with the Faculty and University; and critical and qualitative approaches to educational research.

Students in the LCL program will have opportunities to:

  • participate in ongoing faculty research, communities of practice and scholarly activities
  • carry out independent and collaborative research
  • report on that research in public and academic venues
  • conduct their own research projects for their thesis

Overlapping Curricular Themes: L, C and L

Languages in social and educational contexts: multi/plurilingualism/translanguaging pedagogy and practices

Culture, diversity and practices of equity and difference: communities of practice, languages, literacies and power, intersectionality and identities

Literacies in local/global/institutional contexts: academic literacies, adult and community literacies, child and youth literature, Indigenous literacies; media and digital literacies; youth and school-based literacies.

Participation in a doctoral program is not synonymous with participation in doctoral course work. We are interested in working with students who will contribute to building a scholarly community. As such, there is also a set of non-course expectations for completion of our program including peer collaboration, creating and attending student-led events, and participating in program research days and other social and professional activities.

Courses

Students take the following core courses in the first year of their program:

Students also take seminar courses in Year 1 and 2 that meet once a month:

  • Students are also encouraged to take elective courses both within and outside the Faculty of Education.

LOCATIONS

At SFU, campus life is rich with opportunities to engage with people, ideas and activities that contribute to personal development and a better world.

Burnaby

Perched atop Burnaby Mountain, Simon Fraser University's original Arthur Erickson-designed campus includes more than three dozen academic buildings and a flourishing sustainable residential community.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Burnaby is located.

Surrey

Our Surrey campus is a vibrant community hub in the heart of one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. With easy access to transit, the modern campus is conveniently situated between Metro Vancouver and communities south of the Fraser River.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories, including the Semiahmoo, Katzie, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Kwantlen, Qayqayt and Tsawwassen Nations, on which SFU Surrey is located.

Vancouver

Our Vancouver campus transformed the landscape of urban education in downtown Vancouver. The campus comprises multiple facilities clustered in the core of one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the unceded traditional territories including, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, on which SFU Vancouver is located.

FACULTY

The non-departmental structure of our Faculty makes it relatively easy for students to take advantage of a wide variety of faculty expertise. Meet some of the faculty members teaching in this program.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Where can this program take you? The world is changing rapidly and so is the full range of career and academic opportunities that await.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Meet some Languages, Cultures and Literacies PhD students and alumni.

  • Empowering Change through Language Education: A Journey of Challenges, Resilience, and Inspiration

    Embark on a transformative journey alongside Mohammad Alhannash, as he overcomes personal and academic challenges, embraces diverse perspectives, and emerges as an exceptional language educator, leaving an enduring legacy of inspiration and change.

  • Omar Nunez Mendez

    "I am very fortunate to work with Dr. Diane Dagenais who has been an inspiration to me, not only for her professionalism and knowledge but, because of her incredible educational sensitivity and commitment to teaching."

  • Olessya Akimenko

    "For as long as I remember, I have always had an affinity for teaching."

"My interest to continue education is inspired by thought-provoking discussions that are raised in various courses and seminars."

Angelpreet Singh, 2020 Graduate

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Curious to know more about the program?

 

Application & Tuition

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QUESTIONS?

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