Program Overview

Introduction to the PhD in Health Sciences Program

The PhD in Health Sciences is a research-intensive program that focuses on the development of research skills, particularly in the context of populations with historically higher rates of poorer health, such as seniors and Indigenous populations. This high-quality graduate program involves students, faculty, and staff in research and scholarly work, including creative and innovative endeavors.

Program Objectives

The objectives of the PhD in Health Sciences program are to prepare graduates who can:

• Discuss and critique current and emerging issues and trends in the field of health sciences
• Design, carry out, and defend research at an advanced level to create knowledge relevant to the field of health sciences
• Conduct research and scholarly activities in a way that is consistent with expected guidelines, processes, and procedures in the field of health sciences

Program Structure

The PhD in Health Sciences program may be completed over 4 years (12 terms) on a full-time basis or over 8 years (24 terms) on a flexible full-time basis. Note that once admitted to the PhD in Health Sciences program, students are not permitted to change from the full-time option to the flexible full-time option, and vice versa.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university and show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, students must have a Master's degree or its equivalent with an academic average as specified by the academic unit. An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of Master's courses taken and academic standing.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Goals and Intentions - PhD Health Sciences: This document must clearly describe potential research interests
• References: Two references are required
• Writing Sample: Applicants will submit one piece of evidence of scholarship to demonstrate the quality of their writing

Academic Fees and Payment Information

General information about university fees, graduate tuition fees, convocation fees, and other university and program fees is available. Student fee and payment information, as well as a refund schedule, can be found in the university's financial section.

Graduate Funding

Financial assistance opportunities are available in several forms and are generally awarded to students by individual programs on the basis of academic promise and financial need. The different funding options include:

• Graduate Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards
• Graduate Assistantships
• Faculty Research Scholarships

Conditions of Graduate Awards

Graduate scholarships are based on academic merit. Graduate bursaries are based on financial need, although there may be a merit component to the bursary. Recipients of scholarships, awards, and bursaries must be registered in order to receive funding.

Application Process

The application deadline is January 15th. Only complete applications, including references, will be reviewed. This program will begin making admission decisions after the January 15 deadline.

Required Application Documents

• Completed online graduate studies application form
• $100 CAD application fee
• Official transcripts
• Proof of degree
• Program-specific supporting documents (if required)
• Official English test results (if required)

Registration Procedures

Before registering, students should check to make sure all of their course selections are currently being offered by referring to the University Course Calendar and the University Course Time Tables.

University Graduate Studies and General Regulations and Policies

University and graduate study regulations, policies, and guidelines are available for review.