Who is eligible for admission?

The MSc (Population & Public Health) is a research-based degree with a thesis, meant for individuals interested in pursuing research careers.

All UBC graduate students must meet the UBC minimum acceptable academic standing as outlined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Applicants must hold a bachelors degree (or recognized equivalent) in a basic or applied science, or a bachelors degree in any other field with demonstrated quantitative abilities, from an accredited university-level institution.

How do I apply?

Applications open: December 1st.
Deadline for September start: February 1st.

There is only one admission cycle per year (i.e., no January start). February 1st is the deadline for receipt, in our , of all application materials (including the application form, all transcripts, letters of reference, your CV, and your statement of interest).

Please see the application procedures for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and their on-line application form. All documents in support of your application should be addressed to:

MSc/PhD Graduate Program Manager
School of Population and Public Health
2206 East Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3

The minimum complete application consists of the following:

1. The application for admission to a graduate program at the University of British Columbia (completed on-line). The on-line form includes a letter of intent where you should describe your career objectives, your research interests, and how the MSc program will meet your career goals. If you do not include this in the on-line application form, a letter of intent should be sent directly to the Graduate Program Manager by email, fax or hard copy.


2. Two official copies of your transcripts from all colleges and universities attended sent directly to the program office in envelopes which have been sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. If the official transcript does not indicate the degree name and the degree conferral date, then two official copies of the degree certificate are required. Transcripts in a foreign language must be accompanied by official English translations. If you have academic programs in progress as of February 1, arrange to submit the most recent transcript and have the final transcript forwarded to the School as soon as it is available. Please see the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements concerning Domestic and International transcripts here

Current and former UBC students: You do not need to submit official copies of your UBC transcripts as a part of your graduate application package. However, please be aware that you are still responsible submitting transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions that you have attended attended (e.g., exchange year, transfer year, etc.).


3. Three confidential references: You can use the reference form here, or a letter from your referee, or both. At least two references should be submitted by former professors. Professional references may be acceptable in the event of unavailability of academic references, however, you should make every effort to obtain referees who can provide an assessment of your potential for success in an academic graduate program. For a reference document to be considered official, the document and the envelope's seal must be signed by the referee. Reference documents must be sent directly from the referee to the program in the sealed and endorsed envelopes. We accept electronic references, but only via the on-line application process.


4. An up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume detailing your academic and work history, and noting any relevant research or related experience (in courses, employment, volunteer work), and publications. Please send this directly to the MSc Program Office via email attachment, fax or hard copy.


5. Proof of quantitative ability via a mark of 76% or higher in a mathematics or statistics course at the undergraduate or higher level, OR via the Graduate Record Exam (Institution Code for UBC is R0965, Department code is 0616) or a similar standardized test (GMAT, MCAT) written within the past two years.
   


6. Proof of competency in English, i.e., Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL, minimum score 625 on the paper version of the test and 107 on the internet version) is required of all applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction. The test must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application, and official test scores ordered from the testing agency are required for application. Photocopies of test scores are not acceptable.
   


7. A letter from your potential faculty supervisor (or a faculty member who is willing to act as an interim advisor) if you have already identified such a faculty member. Their letter should confirm their willingness to serve this role. Please send this directly to the MSc Program Office via email attachment, fax or hard copy.


8. Non-refundable application fee payable by credit card at the time of application.


9. Permanent residents of Canada must send a photocopy of both sides of their Permanent Resident Card to the MSc Program Office. Please send this via email attachment, fax or hard copy.

You can check your application status through your online checklist. This is the only way to see what has arrived as it is updated daily. (Please note you can only view the online checklist if you have submitted your application.) Also please note, the deadline for application, and receipt of all documents, is February 1, 2012. Your application will be not be considered by the Admissions Committee unless all documents have been received by the deadline.

How are candidates selected?

The admissions committee meets in February of each year and applicants are advised of the results soon thereafter. On average, 5-8 masters students will be admitted each year, although the exact numbers vary from year to year. The school selects the strongest candidates from among the pool of applicants who satisfy the minimal eligibility and basic requirements. Applicants should be aware that not all those who meet the minimum requirements are admitted. The admissions committee reviews each candidate in the following areas:

• academic ability (based on previous academic record and quantitative ability);
• general research potential (based on the applicant's statement of intent, publications, letters of reference, and previous experience); and
• potential for specific success in this School (based on fit with a potential faculty supervisor, or other evidence that the student's research objectives are likely to be met within the School)

What funding is available for students?

Please see our Awards and Funding Programs page and the links to Funding and Jobs from the left menu of this website. This is also a good question to ask your prospective thesis supervisor.

Are deferrals allowed?

Normally, the School will not grant deferrals. We will consider deferrals for extenuating personal or academic circumstances.

FAQs

For FAQs regarding Pre-Admission & Admission criteria, as well as Post-Application information, please click here

Last updated November 24, 2011