The MSc and PhD degrees are research-based degrees with a thesis, meant for individuals interested in pursuing academic or other research careers.

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

Those interested in the MSc 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.

Those interested in the PhD must hold a masters degree (or recognized equivalent) in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or other health-related discipline, or a masters degree in another field with evidence of research experience relevant to the proposed field of doctoral study, from an accredited university-level institution.

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 office, 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 (can be completed on-line). The on-line form requests a letter of intent where you should describe your career objectives, your research interests, and how the MSc or PhD program will meet your career goals. If you do not use the on-line application form, a letter of intent should be addressed to the Graduate Program Manager. 


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.

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 (reference form). 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.


4. A 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.


5. Proof of quantitative ability via a mark of B+ or higher in a mathematics or statistics course at the undergraduate level, OR via the Graduate Record Exam (Institution Code for UBC is R0965, Department code is 0606) 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, 263 on the computer version, 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. Non-refundable application fee (currently for domestic students: CDN $90) made payable to the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies.


8. 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.

The admissions committee meets in February of each year and applicants are advised of the results soon thereafter. On average, 5-8 masters and 4-6 doctoral 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)

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

In exceptional cases, a student in the MSc program may apply to transfer into the PhD without completing the Masters degree. The student must apply for the PhD program at the same time as other PhD applicants (deadline: February 1) and must be eligible for admission to the PhD program. The application materials used for the MSc application can be used for the transfer application, with the addition of 1) a letter indicating the reason for the application to transfer and the research plan, and 2) the transcript of the initial period of study at the masters level.

Students who wish to transfer from a master's to a doctoral program must have completed one year of study in the master's program with a minimum 80% average in 12 credits, of which at least nine credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least nine credits must be at 80% or above. The student must also show clear evidence of research ability.

Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after the first year of study and will not be permitted after the completion of the second year in a master's program. Please note that for students transferring from Masters to PhD programs, the University considers the date of entry into the PhD program to be the date of entry to the masters program. For more detailed information, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies policy on transfers.

Last updated December 20, 2008