ubc non thesis masters

• BA Human Geography
• BA Environment & Sustainability
• BSc Geographical Sciences
• BSc Atmospheric Science
• BA Urban Studies
• Minor in GIS & Geographical Computation
• Certificate in Climate Studies and Action
• Opportunities
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MA Geography

• MSc Geography
• PhD Program
• Research Themes
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• Publications
• Trail 6 Undergraduate Journal
• Centre for Climate Justice
• Equity & Inclusion
• Merchandise
• Job Opportunities
• Climate Crisis

Our MA Geography program introduces students to independent research while deepening their knowledge within a selected aspect of Geography.

Program Overview

The MA Geography program is flexible, research-intensive, and student-driven. Students will be mentored by outstanding scholars who are recognized researchers in various geographical themes including: economic geography, feminist geography, historical geography, Indigenous geographies, political geography, social and cultural geography, urban geography, environment and sustainability, and geographic information science (GIS).

Students in the MA Geography program are able to select between a thesis and non-thesis option to complete their degree, each with their own separate program requirements.

Thesis Program Requirements

The thesis option for the Masters of Arts in Geography requires students to complete 30 credits under the following requirements:

• GEOG 599: Thesis (15 credits)
• A minimum of 15 credits of coursework:
• 500-level courses and above : minimum 9 credits, including GEOG 520
• 300-level and above : maximum 6 credits

Non-Thesis Program Requirements (**not currently offered**)

The non-thesis option for the Masters of Arts in Geography requires students to complete 30 credits under the following requirements:

• GEOG 548: Major Essay (0 credits)
• Courses 500-level and above: 24 credits
• Courses 300-level and above: 6 credits maximum

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Graduate Programs

See what graduate programs you can take to expand your skills and knowledge in a specific area of sustainability.

UBC offers research-based and professional graduate sustainability programs. Research-based graduate programs are thesis-based. Professional programs are course-based and do not require a thesis. Instead, they often include capstone projects and work placements.

Below we’ve curated some examples of professional and research-based graduate programs that are frequently chosen by students interested in sustainability.  

GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY faculty

Applied science.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Biological Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Planning (PhD)
• Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture (MASLA)
• " target="_blank">Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Applied Science in Materials Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Applied Science in Mining Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture (MARCLA)
• " target="_blank">Master of Arts in Planning (MAP)
• " target="_blank">Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)
• " target="_blank">Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biological Engineering (MEng)
• " target="_blank">Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Engineering in Mining Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in Clean Energy Engineering (MEL)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in High Performance Buildings (MEL)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in Integrated Water Management (MEL)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in Sustainable Process Engineering (MEL)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in Urban Systems (MEL)
• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
• Master of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering (MSc)
• Master of Science in Materials Engineering (MSc)
• Master of Science in Planning (MSCP)
• Master of Urban Design (MUD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD)
• Master of Arts in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice (MA)
• Master of Arts in Geography (MA)
• Master of Arts in Political Science (MA)
• Master of Arts in Resources, Environment and Sustainability (MA)
• Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA)
• Master of Science in Geography (MSc)
• Master of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change (MEd)
• Master of Education in Educational Studies (Education for Sustainability) (MEd)
• Master of Education in Society, Culture and Politics in Education (MEd)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry (PhD)
• Master of Applied Science in Forestry (MASc)
• Master of Forestry (MF)
• Master of Geomatics for Environmental Management (MGEM)
• Master of International Forestry (MIF)
• Master of Science in Forestry (MSc)
• Master of Sustainable Forest Management (MSFM)
• Master of Urban Forestry Leadership (MUFL)

Land and Food Systems

• D octor of Philosophy in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science (PhD)
• Master of Food and Resource Economics (MFRE)
• Master of Land and Water Systems (MLWS)
• Master of Science in Integrated Studies in Land and Food Systems (MSc)
• Master of Science in Soil Science (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Population and Public Health (PhD)
• Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (MSc)
• Master of Science in Population and Public Health (MSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Atmospheric Science (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Geological Engineering (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Geophysics (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology and Immunology (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Oceanography (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Oceans and Fisheries (PhD)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Resources, Environment and Sustainability (PhD)
• Master of Applied Science in Geological Engineering (MASc)
• Master of Applied Science in Geophysics (MASc)
• Master of Engineering in Geological Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Science in Atmospheric Science (MSc)
• Master of Science in Chemistry (MSc)
• Master of Science in Geophysics (MSc)
• Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology (MSc)
• Master of Science in Oceanography (MSc)
• Master of Science in Oceans and Fisheries (MSc)
• Master of Science in Resources, Environment and Sustainability (MSc)

Create your own interdisciplinary graduate degree

Are you a highly motivated and qualified graduate student willing and able to steer your own independent course? 

At UBC, you can find a researcher in your area of sustainability, or  create your own interdisciplinary graduate degree  based on a sustainability research question.  

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MA Linguistics

The MA in Linguistics program is interdisciplinary, combining research methods from the humanities and the social, natural, and mathematical sciences.

Program Overview

Our department covers a broad range of research topics, with substantial coverage of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. We approach these topics from several different research traditions and backgrounds, with particular strengths in formal-theoretical linguistics, experimental and field linguistics, acquisition, and computational approaches to the study of communicative behaviour.

The Department is strongly committed to the study of Languages of the Americas, with particular focus on First Nations Languages of Canada, in the areas of documentation and theoretical research. Additionally, we have a long history of work on African languages as well as ongoing research on languages within the Indo-European, Japonic, Sino-Tibetan, Korean, and Uralic families.

Program Requirements

The MA in Linguistics can be earned in two ways: a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Each path has a specific set of course requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to complete the program. If you are unsure about which option is right for you, you will have until April 30 before making a final decision. If you wish to select the non-thesis option, you must send a written request to the Graduate Advisor.

Thesis Option Requirements

Students interested in linguistic research are strongly encouraged to enroll in the program for an MA with thesis. You must complete coursework under the following requirements:

• Breadth requirement (9 credits): A minimum of nine credits from the following courses or equivalents:
• LING 508: Phonetic Theory and Analysis (3 credits)
• LING 510: Phonological Theory and Analysis (3 credits)
• LING 520: Syntactic Theory and Analysis (3 credits)
• LING 525: Semantic Theory and Analysis (3 credits)
• Methods requirement (6 credits): A minimum of six credits from the following courses: 
• LING 531: Field Methods in LInguistics I (3 credits)
• Either LING 532, LING 518, or an appropriate methods-related course within in Linguistics or in a different department
• Thesis Requirement  (6 credits) : LING 549C: Master’s Thesis
• Remaining 9 credits: The remaining nine credits must be chosen with approval from the supervisory committee; courses may be from Linguistics or another appropriate department.

First-year graduate students who do not have sufficient background for the first-year graduate courses are expected to take the appropriate undergraduate courses prior to registration in the graduate course.

Until their MA thesis prospectus has been approved, all MA students are expected to maintain a regular, active, physical presence in the Department. This can include participation in lab/project/reading groups, attending colloquia, research seminars or other ad hoc departmental events, meetings with their supervisor, committee members or other researchers in relevant areas. Certain circumstances may necessitate a student’s absence during some of this period (e.g. for field work); such absences should be discussed with the supervisory committee. At all stages of the program, a student and their supervisor should be in regular contact and communication. At the thesis/dissertation stage, such contact should happen at least once a month (again, barring extenuating circumstances), either through in-person meetings, videoconferencing, or communication/reporting over email.

In order to graduate, students must have a sound knowledge of one language other than English. They must fulfill this language requirement by the time of their thesis prospectus submission.

The language to fulfill this requirement is expected to be chosen on the basis of its relevance for the student’s research program, in consultation and by approval of the student’s supervisory committee. Relevance can be determined by a variety of factors such as the following:

• The language is the object of the student’s research, or is closely related to the language of research; for example, where a student’s research focuses on Yoruba, knowledge of Yoruba could fulfill the requirement, or where the student’s research is on one Salish language, knowledge of another could fulfill the requirement.
• There is a significant and relevant linguistic literature in the language; for example, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Russian could fulfill the requirement.
• The language serves as a medium for conducting linguistic research relevant to the student’s program of research; for example, Hausa could fulfill the language requirement for a student conducting research on a language of northern Nigeria.

Students may fulfill the language requirements in various ways:

• Certain departments at UBC periodically schedule reading knowledge examinations. This exam evaluates a student’s language competence based on the translation of a text (approximately 1000 words) relating to the student’s field of study. A minimum second class standing (B- or better) must be obtained on this exam in order to satisfy the Foreign Language Requirement. For further information on such examinations, contact the appropriate departments.
• If you speak a language natively, your native proficiency can be accepted by the supervisory committee.
• If you have completed a program of post-secondary language study (a minimum of 12 credits or equivalent). A minimum second class standing (B- or better) must be obtained for these credits in order to satisfy the Foreign Language Requirement.
• For other languages, it may be necessary to establish an ad hoc mechanism for conducting an evaluation of the student’s knowledge. In such cases, the student should make a written request to their supervisory committee, including a proposal for how such an examination can take place, and including a proposal for a qualified examiner. Students considering this option should be aware that the requirements (including the required level of competence in the language and how to demonstrate it) may vary extensively from case to case, depending on the norms of the language community involved.

A Research Supervisor is appointed for a student before the beginning of their first year in the program. The Graduate Advisor and the Research Supervisor, in consultation with the incoming student, will establish a three-member Temporary Supervisory Committee no later than the end of the first week of the first term. Prior to registration for the second year, the Temporary Supervisory Committee shall be dissolved and a new Supervisory Committee shall be established. A MA Supervisory Committee consists minimally of the Research Supervisor and two additional members. Normally the members of the supervisory committee are from the Department of Linguistics; if the students committee includes members from outside the Department of Linguistics, a majority must be departmental members.

Establishing a Research Supervisor is the joint responsibility of the student and the Graduate Advisor. Both new and continuing MA students will have a meeting with their Supervisory Committee during the last week of August or in early September. At this meeting students can discuss their course work and other aspects of their program. Incoming students are requested to bring with them copies of the calendars of course offerings from the institutions they previously attended (other than UBC). At the end of April or the beginning of May, all students will meet with their Supervisory Committee to discuss the year’s progress and to plan further work. Any changes in a graduate student’s program must be approved by the Supervisory Committee. The Graduate Advisor, in advising students, makes every effort to ensure that they have satisfied all the requirements for the degree — language requirements, course work, etc. However, it is ultimately every student’s responsibility to ensure that at the time he/she applies for the degree he/she has met all the requirements. Separate records of a student’s program and progress are kept by the Faculty of Graduate Studies; these records are obtained from information provided by the Graduate Advisor and are used to determine a student’s ultimate eligibility for graduation.

• Summary page (Max: ½ page)
• Detailed description (Max: 3 pages)
• Bibliography
• Budget (if there will be costs associated with completing the thesis research
• Budget justification

The prospectus is approved by the supervisory committee. Once approved, the prospectus is filed in the Department Reading Room and circulated electronically to the Department. The completed thesis must be read and approved by the supervisory committee, which will conduct an oral examination on the completed thesis. Students will be encouraged to present a version of their paper at a departmental colloquium or at a regional, national, or international meeting.

• Supervision: As soon as the student’s supervisory committee is formed, the student and his/her committee will meet to arrange procedures for organizing the thesis and to establish procedures the committee will follow in reading and approving the thesis. Preliminary drafts, either of individual chapters or of the whole thesis, should be submitted as the student proceeds. The thesis committee should assess the thesis at two stages — when the topic is proposed, and before the thesis reaches final typing. With respect to criticism and subsequent revisions, it is up to the student and the supervisor to check the procedures and deadlines of both the department and the university.
• Thesis preparation : Theses should be prepared in accordance with the thesis formatting regulations available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. Typescripts which do not meet the standards specified may be rejected. Documentation should follow the style guide of The Canadian Journal of Linguistics, Language or the American Psychological Association.
• Number of copies: The candidate should prepare a minimum of five copies of the thesis: one for himself/herself, one for the supervisor, one for delivery to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and two to be retained by the Linguistics Department (one for filing and one for the Reading Room). Normally a student will also provide a copy to each member of his/her supervisory committee.
• Oral examination: A final oral on the thesis may be held at any time of the year, provided the supervisory committee can be assembled. The final oral examination will not be held until the student has fulfilled all the other requirements for the degree.
• Distance exemption: A student residing more than 500 miles from the university when he/she submits his/her thesis may request exemption from the oral. Where substantial revisions to the thesis are not required, such a request may be granted at the discretion of both the examining committee and the Graduate Advisor.

Non-Thesis Option Requirements

Students interested in linguistic research are strongly encouraged to enroll in the program for an MA with thesis. You must complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework under the following requirements:

• 24 credits must be at the 500 level or above.
• The other 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
• Complete a graduating essay.

For specific course requirements, please contact the Graduate Advisor.

A Graduating Essay differs from a thesis both in the scope and in the degree of originality expected. A typical Graduating Essay is a minimum of 15 pages in length. The Essay should go beyond the formal course work of the program but, where appropriate, may originate in formal courses. The Essay is not required to contain original results, but should be a finished product demonstrating reasonable mastery and sophistication in its area.

The completed and approved Essay should be deposited in the Departmental office, and the Faculty of Graduate Studies will be so advised.

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We offer graduate students original investigations (MA, MSc, PhD) and advanced study (MKin) in biological, behavioural, and socio-cultural research in Kinesiology. We are proud to be part of a leading global university that is committed to providing an exceptional learning environment and to fostering global citizenship, a civil and sustainable society, and outstanding research.

Our MKin program is undergoing program change to keep pace with and lead in knowledge and skills training in kinesiology and performance sciences. Note that we now offer courses relevant to Performance and Coaching Science, based on our proud history in this area, as well as Clinical Kinesiology .

How to Apply

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The School of Kinesiology offers graduate students original research investigations ( MA , MSc , PhD ) and advanced study ( MKin ) in biological, behavioural, socio-cultural, coaching science and clinical kinesiology. Students entering the MA program are normally expected to have a background in social sciences, while students applying to the MSc program are expected to have a background in the natural or health sciences. Potential MKin students are required to have a BKin or its equivalent (BA or BSc in a field related to kinesiology).

The School has excellent research facilities and graduate students work alongside some of the top researchers in the field of Kinesiology. The MA, MSc and PhD programs follow a mentorship model and admission requires a faculty member to agree to act as a research supervisor. Applicants meeting the minimum eligibility requirements are forwarded to potential supervisors identified by the applicant, provided that they have already confirmed the proposed faculty member’s interest and availability before proceeding with the formal application procedure. The recommendation for admission is made by individual faculty members and no student is admitted to these research programs without a supervisor being assigned at the time of admission.

We also have a program for performance and coaching science and clinical kinesiology. If you are interested in this field, the degree path is the non-thesis MKin degree. Information on the program structure is available in the Masters Programs .

Flyer: View our latest updates in MKIN

For questions regarding the Kinesiology graduate programs please contact the KIN Graduate Program Assistant: Phone: 604 822 4641 Fax: 604 822 6842 Email: [email protected]

Masters Program

Kinesiology offers 4 different Masters Degree options:

Master of Arts in Kinesiology

The Master of Arts in Kinesiology (MA) is a thesis-based degree which provides advanced education and research training in the social, behavioural, and/or managerial sciences. In particular, students pursue studies in areas such as exercise and sport psychology, the sociology of health, physical activity, and/or sport, and sport history. The MA program affords students an opportunity to learn in a vibrant, supportive, and multidisciplinary research environment. Students work closely with individual faculty members who provide exceptional training and focused supervision using a mentorship model. The MA program prepares graduates for a broad range of careers. Our former students have gone on to pursue training in doctoral and post-doctoral degrees as well as to pursue careers in health promotion, governmental and non-governmental work, research, and teaching.

Master of Science in Kinesiology

The Master of Science in Kinesiology (MSc) is a thesis-based degree. Areas of study can include topics broadly related to the natural health and physical sciences. Graduate students are drawn to the School to work with specific research faculty members and benefit from their expertise in specific content areas. The MSc program operates using a  mentor model . The benefits of a mentor model are numerous including clarification of research and other funding support at time of application and focused supervision from the time of registration. The MSc program prepares graduates for a broad range of careers. Former MSc students have pursued additional training including doctoral and post-doctoral degrees. Many former Kinesiology graduates have become successful academics. Other students have pursued careers in Medicine, Physical Therapy, industry, and governmental and non-governmental work.

Master of Kinesiology

The Master of Kinesiology (MKin) is a non-thesis, 30-credit course-based degree with broad course offerings, field experiences and knowledge from leading practical and theory experts. We are transitioning to a two stream model with core and recommended course offerings associated with each: Performance and Coaching Sciences and Clinical Kinesiology . The expected time to completion is 3-4 terms, with the possibility of completing the program in one year (3 terms).

* A thesis is not part of this program, distinguishing the MKin from the MA/MSc programs.

The MKin program prepares students for employment in coaching and sport-science support, such as strength and conditioning, at various levels (high school, club, varsity, elite/professional sports) and/or for professional leadership and work across a range of health settings including clinical/community/corporate health and exercise promotion and chronic disease prevention programs. For over two decades, the Coaching Science program has supported the coaching careers of many different sport coaches by enhancing their theoretical knowledge and practical skill development. We are now also offering courses related to Clinical Kinesiology to meet the growing needs of exercise specialists in various health and community arenas, which will be driven by knowledge related to exercise testing and prescription, nutrition, injury prevention and behaviour change.

No supervisor is required for admission to the MKin program. However, opportunities to work directly with a faculty supervisor will be available through field placements or directed (research) studies. Please see the Mkin course planning guide and Mkin course template in the downloadable forms tab for more information.

Master of High Performance Coaching & Technical Leadership (MHPCTL)

** Students interested in the MHPCTL must apply to the HPCTL Graduate Certificate and successfully complete this program before being recommended for admission to the MHPCTL program. For more information and how to apply to the HPCTL Graduate Certificate, please see: Graduate Certificate in High Performance Coaching & Technical Leadership (HPC & TL)

Description of the Program

The Master of High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership is a two to three year, 30 credit specialized program for experienced sport coaches and technical leaders who are looking to advance in their careers and engage in professional development.  Through a partnership with the leading national agencies in high performance sport (Own The Podium (OTP), Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), Canadian Sport Institute (CSI) and National Sport Organizations) an exemplary program will be offered using a blended delivery model.

The MHPCTL consists of the 1 year program HPCTL Graduate Certificate. Students who successfully complete the HPCTL program may be recommended for admission into the MHPCTL program. Both the HPCTL and MHPCTL are offered on a part-time basis and delivered online.

Aims/goals and objectives:

1. To develop coaches with the competence to contribute to medal performances in international competition at the developmental level. 2. To develop technical leaders with the competence to collaborate in strategic and operational leadership of a high performance sport program.

Delivery methods and duration of program

The program will include two one-week face-to-face residential periods: one at the start of year 1 and one at the start of year 2. All courses will primarily be delivered asynchronously online with added synchronous online classes scheduled throughout the fall and winter terms.

Target Learners

The target learners are coaches working with athletes on the “Podium Pathway”, that is, those affiliated with provincial and national sport organizations, Provincial/Canada Games, Sport Institutes, elite clubs, and Canadian Inter-university Sport programs. These coaches are working in full- or part-time coaching positions and are likely to focus on self-directed Professional Development that includes:

• A highly flexible approach to delivery to fit with occupational demands.
• Opportunities to transition to a future technical leadership role.
• Ability to expand on current practice by having access to world leading research and innovation in high performance sport.

Also targeted for the program are technical sport leaders such as high performance directors, current technical leaders, managers, executive directors and coordinators at the national and provincial levels and high performance coaches not currently working with high performance athletes. Other candidates for the program include retiring high performance athletes. The program provides them the opportunity to move into high performance coaching after being a successful athlete.

Financial Assistance

Please see  " Awards and Funding " tab for more info.

Overview of the Master's Programs

The required course work for MA/MSc takes about two terms to complete with a minimum additional year (three terms) to complete the research thesis. The required course work for MKin takes about three to four terms (1 - 1.5 years) of study to complete. Students are expected to complete all requirements for the Master's degree within three academic years of full-time study.

MA/MSc:  The average program duration is 2 - 3 years (full-time program)

MKin: The average program duration is 1 - 1.5 years (full-time program)

MHPCTL: The average program duration is 3 - 3.5 years (part-time program)

PhD: The average program duration is 4 - 6 years (full-time program)

The UBC Calendar provides information regarding current tuition fees for graduate programs. Masters students are assessed fees as full-time students and charged on a term basis plus student fees .

All graduate programs (Master and PhD) are assessed tuition fees per term, and not by the number of course(s). There are 3 terms per year.

Students pursuing part-time study are ineligible to receive government loans, interest-free status and University Fellowships or Scholarships. Students holding UBC scholarships will have their tuition fees deducted directly from scholarship payments.

Mkin Quick Facts and Tuition Fees MA Quick Facts and Tuition Fees MSc Quick Facts and Tuition Fees

For a list of graduate courses that may be offered by the School see the course description page.

For current graduate course offerings, please see  course scheduling .

Doctoral Program

The PhD degree in Kinesiology is a research oriented thesis-based degree. The areas of research include the broad domain of physiological, biomechanical, behavioural and psychosocial factors influencing human movement and the analysis of social and cultural transformations in the role and functions of physical activity. Entry requirements : a thesis-based master’s degree in Human Kinetics, Physical Education, Kinesiology, or other related fields of study with a minimum of 76% (B+) overall from the Master’s degree . *For International Students, the admission criteria will vary for different countries. Therefore, select the country your academic credentials were acquired from on the  international MAR page to see the admission criteria.

The PhD program is tailored to individual student's needs. The student’s supervisory committee may recommend course work, and the amount to be taken by the student in relation to the student’s background, and to the requirements which are appropriate to the PhD level in the chosen major field of study. All students must have an individual faculty member who agrees, during the application process, to serve as the student's advisor. No student is admitted to the program without an advisor being assigned at the time of admission.

What makes this program unique?

The PhD in Kinesiology program affords students an opportunity to learn in a vibrant, supportive, and multidisciplinary research environment. Graduate students are drawn to the School to work with specific research faculty members and benefit from their expertise in specific content areas. Students work closely with individual faculty members who provide exceptional training and focused supervision using a mentorship model. The School offers competitive financial packages to highly qualified students in the form of teaching assistantships and entrance scholarships. Individual faculty members can “top up” a financial package from external grant sources to assist with recruitment of exceptional students.

Career Options

The PhD program prepares graduates for a broad range of careers. Former PhD students have pursued additional training including post-doctoral degrees as well as careers in health promotion, governmental and non-governmental work, research, and teaching. Many former Kinesiology graduates have become successful academics.

The program is governed by the general requirements for the PhD degree as laid out by the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ policies and procedures. In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies' provisions, the School of Kinesiology normally requires a thesis-based master's degree in Human Kinetics, Physical Education, Kinesiology, or other related fields of study, with a minimum of 76% (B+) overall for admission.

All students must have an individual faculty member who agrees during the application process to serve as the student’s supervisor. Select a potential supervisor by reviewing the School’s faculty and their research interests in the "Potential Supervisors" tab. Please contact potential supervisor by filling in the Supervision Enquiry form (type "Kinesiology" in the program field and click on faculty profile) to include a brief outline of your academic background, why you are interested in working with the faculty member, and what experience you could bring to the department. This form provides important background information and will help determine your suitability in a research partnership. No student will be admitted to the program without a supervisor being assigned at the time of admission . Confirm the proposed faculty member’s interest and availability before proceeding with the formal application procedure.

Applicants will be evaluated for acceptance using the following criteria:

• Scholastic Performance (transcripts)
• Three Letters of Reference
• Statement of Purpose
• CV ( Curriculum Vitae)

The applicant's Statement of Purpose is given close consideration by the Selection Committee and should include:

• relevant background and preparation such as previous academic specialization, work and personal experience(s).
• field of emphasis, specific study interests, and type of research being sought should be clearly outlined.
• the Graduate Faculty Supervisor whose research area parallel the applicant's study interests.
• a list of graduate courses the applicant finds interesting and would like to complete (optional). Information on graduate course offerings

Aptitude tests, including the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller's Analogy Test are not required, but may be submitted for consideration.

Students are allocated six (6) years from their initial date of registration to complete the entire program. Students are required to complete their Advancement to Candidacy within a period of three (3) years from their initial date of registration. The average program duration is 4 - 6 years (full-time program).

The UBC Calendar provides information regarding current tuition fees for graduate degree programs. Students are assessed fees as full-time students and charged on a term basis plus student fees .

All graduate programs (Masters and PhD) are assessed tuition fees per term, and not by the number of course(s).

PhD Quick Facts and Tuition Fees

Students pursuing part-time study are ineligible to receive government loans, university scholarships, awards or any type of funding such Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant positions. Students holding UBC scholarships will have their tuition fees deducted directly from scholarship payments.

The Graduate Faculty Supervisor who accepts the applicant as a PhD student will generally act as Chair of the student's supervisory committee, and supervisor of the student’s thesis research. The supervisory committee must be formed as soon as the student commences the program and will consist of at least three (3) members, including the supervisor. The supervisor, and at least one (1) other member, must be belong to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies. The majority of committee members must be Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies faculty members. The Committee is responsible for guiding the student throughout the student's program.

Supervisory committees will be based upon individual students. For more information please contact Graduate Program Assistant .

The  PhD degree in Kinesiology is research oriented. The student's supervisory committee will recommend course work and/or thesis research topic. A program will be designed for each individual to suit their needs, and will be in relation to the student's background, and to the requirements which are appropriate to the PhD level in the chosen major field of study. No coursework is required in the Doctoral program, however, the supervisory committee may recommend course(s) to take .

Students in the program will complete a Comprehensive Examination following the completion of any required course work. The Comprehensive Examination will normally be a two-part examination, which the student's thesis committee will set and judge. The content of the exam will be relevant to the student's general area of study and will include questions covering theory, application, and methodology. Successful completion of the Comprehensive Examination is a prerequisite for the presentation and defence of the formal PhD thesis proposal.

Students normally will be Admitted to Candidacy when they have: (1) completed all required course work; (2) passed the Comprehensive Examination, and (3) had their thesis proposal presented and approved.

An Examining Committee approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies evaluates the PhD student's thesis and meets for a Final Oral Examination of the thesis presentation and defence. Detailed reference information is available from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

The area of research will embrace the broad domain of physiological, biomechanical, behavioural and psychosocial factors influencing human movement and the analysis of social and cultural transformations in the role and functions of physical activity.

Each student's program of study will be tailored to support the student's experience, background and area of thesis research. The PhD program in Kinesiology is a thesis-based program of study, and as such, is research-driven and not course-driven. Thus, the program for each student will be tailored to that student. For example, a student of biomechanics will have experience in mechanics, physics, mathematics and an understanding of the mechanical features of the human locomotor system. To augment the student's background it may be appropriate to have this student undertake course work within Kinesiology as well as from the broader spectrum of courses in other departments.

Awards, Scholarships & Funding

Minimum funding for phd students.

All full-time students who begin a UBC-Vancouver PhD program in September 2018 or later will be provided with a minimum funding package equal to $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The $24,000 minimum funding does not include tuition or student fees . The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. The funding package will be offered to all incoming PhD students as part of their admission acceptance.

There are no minimum funding or guaranteed funding offered to Master's students.

Awards totalling approximately $4.3 million per year are provided to recognize the significant contributions of PhD students to the research activities of the university. The awards are available to all new and continuing PhD students, except those who have their tuition paid by a sponsor or who are not assessed tuition (see "Eligiblity" for details).

Award values per PhD student:

• $555 per year for domestic students being assessed continuing tuition fees (year 4 and later)
• $1,215 per year for domestic students being assessed full tuition fees (years 1-3)
• $1,425 per year for international students

See President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award for more information.

**Award values are subject to changes as per G+PS policy.

International Tuition Awards assist international graduate students with their tuition fees if they are registered full-time in research-oriented master’s and doctoral programs. Students in the MKin program are NOT eligible for this award. There are no applications for this award. It is a non-competitive award and is a bursary amount to offset the costs of international tuition fees. International students automatically receive this award every term when they are registered full-time in their program. The current value of this award is $3,200 per year distributed over 3 terms.

Please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for more information about the international tuition award.

The School tries to provide all research based (MA, MSc, PhD) graduate students with partial or full Teaching Assistantships.  They are matched to TA positions (courses) based on research interests and past experience. Usually students are able to obtain at least 1 TA position (1 term - 4 months) during the academic year (September to April). They may also be able to obtain 2 TA positions depending on the availability. They may choose the terms they are available to TA - Fall and/or Winter terms. There are limited TA positions in the summer term and most positions are assigned by preference/seniority in accordance to CUPE 116 regulations. The current rate for a Graduate student with less than 2 years experience (4 terms) is $7,205 per term (4 months) and the current rate for a Graduate student with over 2 years experience (5 terms or more) is $7,485 per term (4 months).

GRA positions may be available to students in research-based programs (MA/MSc/PhD), and are provided by faculty supervisors. Students interested in these positions should contact their supervisor directly for these opportunities.

The following awards may be available to incoming graduate students. Applications are adjudicated according to the selection criteria for Doctoral Awards and the selection criteria for Master Awards . See "Award Selection Criteria" below for more details.

Graduate Entrance Awards

Domestic and international applicants admitted to the Mkin, MA, MSc, and PhD programs in the School of Kinesiology are eligible for Entrance Awards funded through the University’s Graduate Support Initiative (GSI). Criteria for the awards are:

• academic excellence (transcripts)
• research potential
• personal characteristics and interpersonal skills

Award amounts may differ from year to year. See "Award Selection Criteria" below for more details.

Deadline: January Admission Application deadline Annual Value: About $1,000 - $6,000 and may vary each year Eligibility: All incoming Masters and PhD students (domestic and international) Application Procedures: All incoming graduate students who have met the January application deadline are automatically considered for these awards. A separate application is not required.

Faculty of Education PhD Awards

The PhD awards are given to outstanding incoming doctoral students by the Faculty of Education.

Deadline: January Admission Application deadline Annual Value: About $5,000 - $7,000 and may vary each year Eligibility: All incoming PhD students (domestic and international) Application Procedures: Applicants are automatically entered for this competition when they applied by the January application deadline and do not need to submit a separate application.

Four-Year Fellowship (4YF) for PhD Students

The Four-Year Fellowship (4YF) provides funding for the top 2 or 3 incoming PhD students in the School each year.

For more information, visit UBC Graduate Studies page: Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) .

Deadline: January Admission Application deadline Annual Value: $18,200 stipend per year plus tuition for the first four years of PhD program Eligibility: All incoming PhD students (domestic and international) Application Procedures: Applicants are automatically entered for this competition when they applied by the January application deadline and do not need to submit a separate application.

Affiliated Awards

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies offers approximately 50 Affiliated Fellowships each year to meritorious students for full-time study and research leading to a graduate degree. Awards are made on the basis of academic excellence, with applications open to current and prospective full-time UBC graduate students regardless of citizenship or visa status.

Deadline: Usually mid-September for PhD students and December 1 for research-based Masters students Annual Value: Fellowship values range from $175 to $30,000 (PhD) and $175 to $16,000 (Masters) Eligibility: Domestic and International research-based Masters and PhD students. Eligible domestic Masters and PhD students must apply for one of the Tri-Agency competition (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) and will be automatically entered into the Affiliated awards. No separate application is required for domestic students. Application Procedures: See Affiliated Doctoral Fellowship and Affiliated Masters Fellowship. Also, more information in the "External Funding" section below.

Indigenous Graduate Fellowships

The University of British Columbia offers multi-year fellowships to Master's and doctoral Indigenous students. Award winners are selected on the basis of academic merit through an annual competition administered by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Deadline: Usually by the end of January Annual Value: Each fellowship provides a stipend of $18,200 per year for doctoral students or a stipend of $16,175 per year for Master’s students. Additionally, IGF recipients are eligible to receive tuition funding. Tuition funding will not exceed the current value of standard doctoral or Master's degree tuition fees. Eligibility: All Indigenous students are eligible to apply, but priority is given to Indigenous students whose traditional territory falls, at least in part, within Canada. This includes Canadian First Nations, Métis or Inuit students and may include Indigenous students from Alaska and other states of the USA. The university may request further information to confirm Indigenous eligibility. Application Procedures: See Indigenous Graduate Fellowships for more information.

Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral (CGS D) Program

The objective of the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral (CGS D) Program is to promote continued excellence in Canadian research by rewarding and retaining high-calibre doctoral students at Canadian institutions. These scholarships are provided by Canada’s three federal granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC).  These scholarships are available to students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. International students are not eligible.

Deadline: Usually mid-September Annual Value: Scholarship values range from $20,000 to $35,000 per year for 2 to 3 years at the PhD level Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents Application Procedures: Students apply directly to Tri-Agency portal. See new CGS D program page  for the harmonized application process and timeline. In addition to the CGS D, each agency has its own doctoral awards. Refer to the appropriate literature for  CIHR ,  NSERC  and  SSHRC  for further details.

Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s (CGS M) Program

The objective of the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master's (CGS M) Program is to help develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified personnel by supporting students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.

Deadline: Usually December 1 Annual Value: one-time $17,500 annual award at the Master's level Eligibility: Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The School will only review CGSM applications for incoming Masters students who have applied by the January application deadline .

Note: The School may set an earlier admission application deadline for incoming Masters students applying for the CGSM. Please contact Graduate Programs Assistant for more information.

Application Procedures: Students apply directly to Tri-Agency portal. See Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master's (CGS M) Program.

Please note that your admission application will be used by the Graduate Committee to allocate awards and funding. Within your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and personal statement, please include information related to the following award/scholarship criteria:

• Academic excellence
• Leadership, Service and Coaching
• Communication and interpersonal skills

PhD Awards Selection Criteria

Master Awards Selection Criteria

Mkin Awards Selection Criteria

UBC, through the support of its many donors and through funding provided by the provincial and federal governments, offers a wide range of programs to provide financial assistance to students who cannot meet basic educational costs.

Some needs-based funding options available include student loans, bursaries, and work-learn programs.

Additional information is available at the Graduate Student website .

• Can PhD students obtain more than the minimum $24,000 funding package?

Yes, most of our PhD students obtain more than $24,000. On average, most PhD students are able to obtain about $25,000 to $30,000 per year through a combination of awards, TA, and GRA assignments.

• Do Master's students have a minimum or guaranteed funding package?

No, Master's students are not guaranteed any minimum funding. However, they may apply for TA and GRA positions, and are likely to receive at least 1 TA assignment per year. They may also be able to obtain 2 TA positions depending on the availability.

• When will I know if I have received any award funding?

Admission letters for applicants who apply by the January deadline will receive their notices by April 30. This letter will also indicate any award funding that the student will receive.

• Do I need to apply for any of the entrance awards?

No, you do NOT need to provide a separate application for any of our entrance awards such as the Graduate Entrance Awards, Four-Year Fellowships, and Faculty of Education PhD Awards.

Note: Please be aware that your admission applications will be used by the Graduate Committee to allocate award funding. Within your CV and/or personal statement, include information related to the selection criteria for Doctoral or Master awards.

• What if I apply after the January admission application deadline , can I still be considered for awards and Teaching Assistant (TA) positions?

Students must apply by the January admission application deadline in order to be considered for any of the Entrance awards (Graduate Entrance Awards, Four Year Fellowships, PhD awards). Students who apply and are accepted after this deadline will not be offered any entrance awards. However, they may apply for other awards, such as the CGSD or CGSM (external funding), if they are able to meet the application deadline.

Students may be considered for TA assignments if they apply late, provided there are any positions left.

• What awards or funding are available to Mkin students?

Funding for the Mkin students is limited as most financial support are for research-based programs. Mkin students may be eligible for Graduate Entrance Award and TA positions, if they apply by the January admission deadline.

• Are there any other awards or funding available to graduate students?

The Faculty of Graduate Studies has a database of awards that you may search.

Shannon Bredin

Associate Professor 604–822–8257 [email protected] Research Areas: Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology, Leadership Education for Pedagogy & Physical Activity, Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance, Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Maria Gallo

Associate Professor of Teaching Director, Masters of High Performance Coaching & Technical Leadership Program 604–822–5084 [email protected] Research Areas: Leadership Education for Pedagogy & Physical Activity

Jean-Sébastien Blouin

Professor 604–827–3372 [email protected] Research Areas: Neuromechanical, Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Mark Carpenter

Professor Associate Director Research 604–822–8614 [email protected] Research Areas: Neuromechanical

Professor 604–822–1624 [email protected] Research Areas: Neuromechanical

Kayla Fewster

Assistant Professor [email protected] Research Areas: Neuromechanical

Nicola Hodges

Professor 604–822–5895 [email protected] Research Areas: Neuromechanical, Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance

Assistant Professor 604-822-9964 [email protected]

Research Areas: Neuromechanical

Professor 604–827–3165 [email protected] Research Areas: Neuromechanical, Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Mark Beauchamp

Professor 604–822–4864 [email protected] Research Areas: Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance.

Guy Faulkner

Professor 604–822–2990 [email protected] Research Areas: Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance

Desmond McEwan

Assistant Professor

604-822-4281 [email protected]

Research Area:  Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance

Eli Puterman

Associate Professor 604–822–2854 [email protected] Research Areas: Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance, Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Erica Bennett

Assistant Professor 604–827–3094 [email protected] Research Areas: Psychology of Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Motor Performance

Andrea Bundon

Assistant Professor 604–822–9168 [email protected] Research Areas: Socio-Cultural Studies

Janice Forsyth

Professor 604–822–1332 [email protected] Research Areas: Socio-Cultural Studies

Professor 604–822–4281 [email protected] Research Areas: Socio-Cultural Studies

Moss Norman

Assistant Professor 604–827–5786 [email protected] Research Areas: Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology, Socio-Cultural Studies

Patricia Vertinsky

Professor Distinguished University Scholar 604–822–6235 [email protected] Research Areas: History of Physical Culture and Sport, Socio-Cultural Studies

Brian Wilson

Professor Director of the Centre for Sport and Sustainability (CSS) 604–822–3884 [email protected] Research Areas: Socio-Cultural Studies

Assistant Professor 604–822–5536 [email protected]

Research Areas: Socio-Cultural Studies, Climate change, health and social inequities

Michael Koehle

Daniel Gamu

Assistant Professor [email protected] Research Areas: Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Professor [email protected] Research Areas: Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Cameron Mitchell

Assistant Professor [email protected] Research Areas: Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Professor 604–822–4459 [email protected] Research Areas: Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Darren Warburton

Professor Scholar, Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology 604–822–4603 [email protected] Research Areas: Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology, Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

David Wright

Professor 604–822–3513 [email protected] Research Areas: Systems Biology, Exercise & Health

Robert Petrella

Professor, Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine | Associate Member, School of Kinesiology 604-827-6400 [email protected] Research Areas: Healthy Aging, Exercise as Medicine, Lifestyle Interventions

If you have carefully read the FAQs below and don’t find the answer to your questions, you may contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator by email or by phone at 604.822.4641

• What if I don't have the minimum GPA, can I still be accepted?

MA/MSc/PhD: It is possible to be accepted if you don't have the minimum required GPA, if your potential supervisor is willing to accept you into the program. Therefore, your potential supervisor must agree before your application is forwarded to the graduate committee for further approval. Please know the School can only recommend admission and it is the Faculty of Graduate Studies that makes the final decision on admission applications.

MKin: It is possible to be accepted if you don't have the minimum required GPA, if the admissions’ committee for the MKin degree approves your application. Please know the School can only recommend admission and it is the Faculty of Graduate Studies that makes the final decision on admission applications. However, due to the high number of applications for the Mkin program, it is unlikely that the School will accept any applicant who do not have the minimum required GPA.

• How is the GPA for admission calculated ? What is the minimum academic requirements?"

If you have Canadian or U.S. academic credentials, the minimum academic requirements for the Masters programs are:

• A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of B+ or 76% in upper division (third and fourth year level courses) is required. It does not matter when you took your upper division courses.  For example,  if they were taken in your second year of the program, they would be included if they are third or fourth year level courses.  Calculate your GPA - use this GPA Calculator.
• Also, at least 12 credits of third or fourth year courses in the A grade range (first class) , comparative to UBC's grading system of 80% or higher) is required. This is usually 3 or 4 courses. Note : First and second year courses will NOT be considered to determine your admission eligibility. Please use your university's grading system and DO NOT convert your university's grading system to UBC.

If you have Canadian or U.S. academic credentials, the minimum academic requirements for the PhD programs are:

• A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of B+ or 76% in your Master's degree
• A master's degree from an approved institution with clear evidence of research ability or potential

More information on academic requirements for North American credentials can be found at:  Minimum Academic Requirements page on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.

*For International Students , the admission criteria will vary for different countries. Therefore, select the country your academic credentials were acquired from on the international Minimum Academic Requirements page to see the admission criteria.

The admissions committee will decide if your international educational institution is acceptable for admissions into our programs.

More information can be found at the pre-application link .

• Can I apply without a Kinesiology degree or background in kinesiology? How do I know if my educational background is suitable for the graduate program?

Applicants with an undergraduate degree other than Kinesiology will receive serious consideration, particularly if undergraduate program or other experiences provide a strong relationship to Kinesiology. These students may be asked to take additional Kinesiology and/or Kinesiology related courses as part of the graduate degree, in addition to required courses. Course of study is decided in consultation with the proposed supervisor and committee.

MA/MSc/PhD: Applicants may contact potential faculty supervisors to find out if their educational background is suitable for the graduate programs. Faculty members are in the best position to determine if your education/professional background is eligible for our programs, therefore, you are encouraged to contact them.

MKin: The admissions committee will decide if your educational background is suitable for admissions into the program. You may apply directly to the program if you think your educational background is suitable as the committee may consider other significant formal training, relevant professional experience, and/or possession of demonstrable knowledge or expertise that would prepare you adequately for successful study.

• Can I apply when my degree is not completed or if I have courses in progress ?

Yes, you may apply even though you have courses in progress or if your degree has not been conferred. By the time you enter our graduate program, your courses must be completed and your degree conferred. You will be required to send the final transcript with your degree conferred to the Graduate Studies Office . It is advisable to upload your latest transcript when you applied. For example, if you are taking courses in the Fall term, you should upload the transcript after all your marks for the Fall term has been posted. If not, we would not be able to consider these courses for your GPA calculation.

• Can I be admitted if I don't have the required IELTS/TOEFL scores?

International students must have the required IELTS/TOEFL scores in order to be admitted. No exceptions will be made unless you completed your post-secondary education at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. However, if it is not possible to obtain an IELTS/TOEFL test, our Graduate Office may also accept other tests for English language proficiency. See acceptable tests .

DUOLINGO TESTS: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our Graduate Office may accept Duolingo Tests from students in countries where no other English proficiency test is available.

Until IELTS and/or TOEFL testing centres re-open, the Duolingo English Test (DET) will be accepted. Official scores must be submitted to [email protected] .

Overall required score: 125

Video and writing sample should also demonstrate a strong command of English language.

For more information, please: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/country/iran

• Can I be conditionally admitted if I don't have the required IELTS/TOEFL scores?

International students may be conditionally admitted if their confirmed supervisor agrees to this arrangement. Students would be required to take English courses at UBC English Language Institute . A student must achieve a 75% overall assessment at the 600 level of the UBC ELI English for Academic Purposes Program (or equivalent assessment level in another approved program) to meet the terms of the Conditional Admission Program.

• Do I need to provide the IELTS/TOEFL test if the educational institutional where I completed my degree has English as the primary language of instruction?

International students who have completed their education from a university in which English is the primary language of instruction are not required to provide IELTS/TOEFL tests. However, they may be asked to provide proof that the primary language of instruction is in English.

• Can my application fees be waived?

No, the School will not waive any application fees. Applicants must pay for this fee when they apply.

• How much are the tuition fees and students fees?

The UBC Calendar provides information regarding current tuition fees for the School’s graduate programs. All students are assessed fees as full-time students and charged on a term basis plus student fees .

Students holding UBC scholarships will have their tuition fees deducted directly from scholarship payments.

Mkin Quick Facts and Tuition Fees MA Quick Facts and Tuition Fees MSc Quick Facts and Tuition Fees PhD Quick Facts and Tuition Fees

• Are any GRE tests required?

No, we do not require any GRE tests. More information on admission requirements can be found on the pre-application procedure .

• How do I find a potential supervisor?

MA/MSc/PhD: You may use the Supervision Enquiry form (type "Kinesiology" in the program field and click on faculty profile) to include a brief outline of your academic background, why you are interested in working with the faculty member, and what experience you could bring to the department. It is the applicant's responsibility to reach out to potential supervisors to find out if their area of interest and academic background are a good fit with the faculty member's area of research. The graduate programs operate on a mentorship model and it is important that both parties are well matched for each other to establish a successful academic groundwork.

MKin: No supervisor is required. Interested applicants may apply directly to the Mkin program .

• What if I can't find a potential supervisor?

MA/MSc/PhD: You must find a faculty member willing to supervise you, otherwise you will NOT be admitted into any of these graduate programs. Do not submit an application without confirming a potential supervisor for the research-based programs. Application fees are non-refundable .

• What if the supervisor I want to work with is not available?

You may ask another faculty member to supervise you from the potential supervisor site . Or you may submit your application the following year should he/she be available.

• Is there a limit to the number of potential supervisors I may contact?

No, you may contact as many faculty members that you are interested in working with. However, for research-based programs, at least one of them must be willing to supervise you before you proceed with the application form.

• Can I submit the admission application before I find a faculty member willing to supervise me in the program?

Only applications for the MKin program will be accepted without a faculty supervisor. For all other research-based graduate programs, please DO NOT submit your admission application before you find a faculty member willing to accept you into the program. If you do not have a confirmed supervisor, your application will be considered incomplete and you will not be accepted. Application fees are non-refundable.

• What kind of references would you require?

MA/MSc/PhD: We require academic references for research-based programs, however, we will accept professional references as well. Please know that in order to be rated highly for awards, all your references must be academic based.

• Do you have any advice or tips on contacting a potential supervisor?

Yes, we have a list of do's and don'ts . You are encouraged to follow these guidelines.

• May I submit my admission application after the deadline?

MA/MSc/PhD: Yes, you may submit your application after the admission deadline if you have a faculty member willing to supervise you. However, in order to be considered for entrance awards, you must submit your application by the admission deadline.

MKin Students can only apply for the September program start date by the January application deadline

*   DUE TO THE HIGH DEMAND AND THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE MKIN PROGRAM, WE WILL REACH OUR MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR STUDENT INTAKES FOR THE SEPTEMBER START DATE AND CANNOT ACCEPT ANY STUDENTS FOR THE JANUARY INTAKE.

• Can I submit/upload my documents (statement of purpose, CV) after I submit my application?

Yes, you may upload and/or change your supporting documents after you submit your admission application. The documents do not need to be uploaded at the time you applied. However, all documents must be submitted by the application deadline . If you require any assistance, please contact [email protected]

** It is advisable to upload copies of your transcripts after your grades are posted for your most current term, which is usually the Fall term for applicants applying for the January deadline for the September admission start date. 

• Can I upload " unofficial" copies of my transcripts for my admission application?

No. Only "official" copies of your transcripts with the grading key/legend should be uploaded for your admission application. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted or reviewed and your application is considered incomplete until we receive copies of your official transcripts. More information on transcript requirements can be found on our formal application procedures.

• Do I need to upload official copies of my transcripts from educational institutions where I went on an exchange program and/or received transfer credits only?

Yes. You must upload "official" copies of your transcripts with the grading key/legend from educational institutions where you went on exchange and/or received transfer credits. Even if your primary degree transcript indicates your exchange and/or transfer credits on it, we require the transcripts from these educational institutions.  Your application is considered incomplete until we receive copies of all  official transcripts from all your postsecondary institutions. More information on transcript requirements can be found on our formal application procedures.

• When will students be notified if they are admitted into the program? "What terms can students be admitted into the program?"

Students who apply by the January admission application deadline will be notified by the end of April whether or not they have been accepted into the program.

There are two terms (Fall and Winter) that students can be admitted into the graduate programs. Please see application deadlines for further information.

• Can I be admitted in the summer term?

We do not usually accept students in the summer term as there are fewer course offerings at this time and many faculty are engaged in research and professional development activities which take them away from the classroom. Many students spend the summer months working on their thesis or directed studies/fieldwork courses.

• Can I apply for part-time studies in the Master's and PhD program?

Although it is strongly recommended for all students to undertake full-time study, the Master's and PhD program may also be undertaken on a part-time basis, if the proposed supervisor is in agreement with this arrangement or the Mkin committee, in the case of Mkin students. Students fees are assessed on a term-basis, regardless of the number of courses enrolled for that term.

• Are there awards and funding for graduate students?

Yes, there are various types of awards and funding for graduate students in our School. See awards section for more information .

• Would I become a certified kinesiologist or physiologist upon completion?

Currently, the School of Kinesiology does not certify kinesiologists or physiologists, nor are we formally affiliated with any certifying agencies. You will need to contact the agency responsible for these certifications and find out what courses/program you need in order to qualify. However, the School is working closely with the BC Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) to make sure our programs lead the way in embuing knowledge and skills necessary to practice and to comply with any potential accreditation which may come into effect as kinesiology becomes recognized as a regulated health profession.

• I am interested in physical therapy and/or rehabilitation science.

We are transitioning our program to offer a Clinical Kinesiology stream and courses will be offered relevant to Clinical Kinesiology (as of September 2020). If you are interested in physical therapy and/or rehabilitation science, please contact UBC's Physical Therapy department or UBC's Rehabilitation Science department . The School is not affiliated with the Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Science departments, nor do we provide training for physical therapists.

• What streams are available in the Mkin program?

We are very pleased to be moving towards a two stream MKin program - Performance and Coaching Science and Clinical Kinesiology . Although there are no formal streams as yet, from September 2020 we are offering course offerings relevant to both career streams. No supervisor is required for admission to the program.

Other than the Coaching Science and Clinical Kinesiology streams, there are limited faculty members who are willing to accept students in the course-based Mkin program as research and a final thesis is usually required. However, you are welcome to contact individual faculty members and find out if they are willing to supervise you in their area of expertise in a course-based Mkin program.

• Can I do any of your programs online?

Our graduate degree programs required you to be on-campus to attend classes and/or conduct research. However, due to the current COVID-19 situation, we may be offering some of our courses online. Please check Course Scheduling for information on the current course offerings.

The only permanent online programs are the HPCTL/MHPCTL programs, available to elite coaches with extensive experience in the field.

• Are there resources to assist with the application process?

The Faculty of Graduate Studies has produced an informative guide for prospective students with tips and practical advice on preparing and applying for graduate programs.

See what some of our graduate school alumni are doing now!

Jasmine Gill

Jasmine Gill is part of the UBC Fall Class of 2021 and will graduate with a Master’s degree in Kinesiology (MKin). She took courses in both Performance Sciences and Clinical Kinesiology streams, focusing on the prevention and management of sports injuries and performance planning. Jasmine has worked throughout her studies with youth, ages 6 and […]

Graduating Student Spotlight: Jamie Hawke

Congratulations to Jamie Hawke, who will join the UBC Class of 2021 this fall, with her MA in Kinesiology. Her graduate research combines dance education and dance science by using interpretive methodologies to explore participant experiences. For her master’s thesis, she examined what dance educators experience when helping pre-professional ballet dancers develop their dance skills. […]

Watson, Laura

Graduating year: 2006, 2018 Degree: BHK, MHPCTL Laura Watson is a High Performance Coaching Advisor with Own the Podium where she is responsible for implementing the Coaching Enhancement Program. This program aims to support Canada’s coaches in the pursuit of world class coaching excellence in Olympic and Paralympic sport.

Kopecky, Igor

Graduating year: 2019 Degree: MHPCTL Igor Kopecky has been a coach and athlete for the past 35 years, and is currently the technical director for BC Diving and the South Surrey White Rock Diving Club. Igor has coached at the World Cup, World Series, South American Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Junior Championships and the Pan Am Games.

Bahrami, Ben

Graduating year: 2013 Degree: MKin Ben Bahrami, a Strength and Conditioning Coach for McMaster University. He is grateful that the UBC Masters of Kinesiology allowed him to focus on his passion and believes that although his knowledge of human physiology and biomechanics improved significantly, the most valuable thing he learned was how to establish a culture as a coach.

MSc and PhD opportunities in exercise physiology at the Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at St. Paul’s Hospital

The Cardiopulmonary Exercise Physiology (CPEP) Laboratory is recruiting new students interested in pursuing graduate studies in human exercise physiology. The CPEP laboratory is located within the world renowned UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at St. Paul’s Hospital. The lab studies the physiological mechanisms and management of exercise limitation and breathlessness across the full spectrum of health and fitness, including elite athletes to those suffering from chronic cardiorespiratory diseases. Students will work under the mentorship of Dr. Jordan Guenette and will collaborate with physicians, scientists, and graduate students from multiple institutions around the world. The following links provide more details about these exciting opportunities:

• MSc position: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/ad/55184
• PhD position: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/ad/55188

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Master of Engineering (MEng)

The MEng program is a non-thesis, course-based professional program designed for students who would like to further their studies in Civil Engineering without pursuing research. The program requires completion of at least 30 credits of coursework beyond the Bachelor’s degree level. In addition to the 30 credits of required coursework, some specialty groups may require a project to be completed in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements.

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The thesis-based MASc is a traditional research-based degree taken over two years of full-time study. The program includes a total of 18 credits (or more) of coursework and the completion of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The MASc is the recommended course of study for students who are interested in eventually pursuing a PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The thesis-based PhD is an advanced research-based degree. The program normally takes five years of full-time study to complete and includes 30 credits of coursework, the completion of comprehensive examinations in the candidate’s major and minor fields, and the completion of a dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member. It is normal department practice to initially register students into the MASc program, and to transfer them to the PhD program upon completion of the MASc (or earlier if recommended by the supervising faculty member).

Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)

Beyond the MEng, MASc, and PhD programs, the Department also participates in two Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) programs offered by the Faculty of Applied Science.

The MEL offers one-year, non-thesis professional degree programs for practicing professionals who want to excel in their careers, broaden their technical perspectives and gain new business and leadership skills. These programs combine cross-disciplinary technical instruction and personal leadership development offered by UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science and the Sauder School of Business. Civil Engineering offers one MEL program, Urban Systems: Infrastructure for Resilient Cities (offered jointly with the School of Community and Regional Planning). Find more information at mel.ubc.ca .

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UBC Theses and Dissertations

Open collections, limit this search.

The UBC Theses and Dissertations collection promotes open and comprehensive access to a significant body of unique knowledge created by graduate students to support further research and for private study. The authors retain copyright ownership and moral rights to their theses. The content of theses and dissertations may not be re-purposed or exploited for commercial gain without the explicit permission of the authors. 

See Theses and Dissertations at cIRcle: Discovery and Use to learn more about finding and using openly available theses and dissertations in Open Collections. 

UBC graduate students began submitting their theses online via cIRcle, UBC’s digital repository, in fall 2007, a practice that both simplified the submission process and also ensured the availability of this research to a global audience in a timely manner. As of March 2012, UBC Library has digitized and made openly accessible the full-text of more than 32,000 theses submitted by graduate students between 1919 and 2007. In addition to providing information about specific fields of study these theses also reveal important information about changes in pedagogy at the University and within academic disciplines. Authors concerned about having their pre-2007 theses included as part of this collection can notify [email protected] to have their thesis removed. Similarly, if copyrighted material appears in a thesis the copyright owner can request that material be removed.

Browse Theses & Dissertations

• {[{degree.key}]} ({[{degree.doc_count}]})

• Graduate School

Notification of Non-Thesis Master's Program Completion

Graduate programs use this form to notify the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies when students in non-thesis programs have completed all degree requirements.

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MSc Program

Description and options.

There are two choices available to MSc students: the thesis options (12 or 6 credit thesis) and the essay option (3 credit essay).  The choice between the two options depends on what the student hopes to achieve with the MSc degree, and whether the student wants to pursue a PhD degree. Each choice has its own advantages.

There are two types of MSc theses: the 12 credit and the 6 credit thesis.  Either type allows the student to learn how to do research.  In choosing to write a thesis, a student will have a better understanding of what goes on in a research establishment. If the student continues on to the PhD program, the thesis option provides valuable experience in performing research and writing it up appropriately.  Since PhD work is judged by external examiners, choosing the thesis option provides valuable experience in preparation for the PhD.  For students who have not decided on whether to pursue a PhD, the choice of the thesis MSc option will provide a taste of performing and writing up research.  The 6 credit thesis is available, but not encouraged, since it typically will require substantially more than half the work of the 12 credit thesis for both the student and the supervisor.

Choosing the essay option gives the student a broader perspective on computer science. It allows the student to sample many areas and see research without becoming overly specialized. If the student is going on to the PhD program, this route can be a fast-track to the MSc degree without doing the extra work of writing a thesis. Since the comprehensive course requirement is also a requirement for the PhD program, completing the essay option for the MSc will give the student a head start in that some of the course work for the PhD program will have already been done.  Newly accepted PhD students can get into research straight away, but these students will not have had the experience of performing research and writing up a thesis.

• 12-Credit MSc Thesis (Thesis Master's)
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The Master’s (MA) program in the Department of History is a 24-month program and requires full-time residential study. The history master’s program includes regional and thematic courses, methods and historiography, and a research seminar, culminating in the writing of thesis.

Program Requirements – MA Degree

Master’s students must complete six courses for a total of 18 credits. Below are the required courses.

• HIST 599 - The MA Research Seminar (3 credits) : The MA research seminar introduces students to the problems, materials, and research methods in the discipline; candidates must demonstrate their ability to use documents and other sources, and to write and defend papers based on such research. Ideally, the seminar paper will be the nucleus of the MA thesis. This is a mandatory course for MA students taken in Year 2 of the MA program.
• HIST 548D - Historiography (3 credits): The Historiography seminar involves an intense introduction to varieties of historical writing and the philosophic assumptions behind historical thinking. The Comparative History courses are designed to broaden student's knowledge and compensate for gaps created by specialization. This is a mandatory course for MA students taken in Year 1 of the MA program.
• Area and Thematic Courses (12 credits): The History Department's readings courses introduce students to the main historiographical problems and secondary literature in their fields of specialization. Readings and topics courses require written work (approximately 3,000-4,000 words per course) from students as evidence of their growing mastery of secondary literature.

Possible Options in lieu of Area and Thematic Courses (Readings and Topics Courses)

• HIST 525 - Professional Development For Historians (3 credits): This course (HIST 525) introduces students to professional skills and options for historians in both academic and non-academic careers.
• HIST 547D - Directed Studies Course (3 credits): This course (HIST 547D) represents a one-on-one directed readings course with a professor.  Normally, these courses are done with a supervisor and their student if there are no suitable graduate courses available for the student.  When a professor (usually the supervisor) agrees to do a directed readings course with a student, the professor must contact the graduate programme assistant to set up the course and register the student into the course.
• Graduate courses (3 credits) offered from outside of the History Department: With the permission of the Graduate Advisor, students may take up to 6 credits of graduate coursework from outside the History Department in lieu of readings and topics courses. Language courses may not be substituted for graduate readings courses.  Coursework should be consistent with the student’s program and approved by the supervisor, and if applicable, the graduate advisor.  Please consult your supervisor for possible graduate courses offered outside of the History Department, and then contact the graduate advisor for permission.  (Examples of non-history graduate seminars represent 500+ level courses from the STS department, Asian Studies, FNIS, etc.).
• Graduate course (3 credits) through the Western Dean's Agreement (WDA): Students at participating Universities in Western Canada can attend partner institutions as visiting students without having to pay the host university's tuition fees through the Western Dean's Agreement . Courses taken by MA students under the Western Deans' Agreement are eligible to be transferred as credits to their degree programs.

To Request a Transfer of Credits for Courses taken through the Western Dean's Agreement:

• Read through the GPS guidelines for Transfer Credits: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/policies-procedures/transfer-credit
• Order an official transcript (hardcopy or e-transcript) from the University where you completed the graduate course to the UBC History Graduate Program:

For Hardcopy Transcripts (Mailing Address):

UBC History Graduate Program Room 1297 - 1873 East Mall Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z1

For Electronic Transcripts:

The issuing institution must send a link to a secure site to the History Graduate Program at [email protected] .  The graduate program will download the transcript from the secure site. Important: an e-transcript is downloaded via a link to a secure site. It is NOT an email attachment of any kind, even if sent from an authority at the issuing institution.

• Contact the History Graduate Programme Assistant ( [email protected] ) to assist you in preparing the "transfer credit form".

Updated: May 29, 2024

Link to Document: Graduate Course Schedule Link to Document:  Graduate Course Planning Guide

The MA thesis is the culmination of your work in the history graduate program. The preparation of this document involves isolating, defining and explaining a historical problem through the use of primary materials. The emphasis of the thesis is on the quality of the historical work, rather than exhaustive treatment of the subject.

Once a research topic is identified in consultation with the advisor, students should prepare a thesis prospectus indicating the nature of the problem they plan to investigate, the research methods, the literature relevant to the problem, and the availability of relevant materials. Students will need to select a second committee member who will provide advice and assistance throughout the remainder of the process.

The master’s thesis is about 40 pages (10,000 words) in length and in the genre of a scholarly article ready for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

A thesis is evaluated and graded by the supervisor, committee member, and a third independent reader. A thesis may be accepted as presented, returned for revisions, or rejected. If there is a disagreement among the evaluators, the graduate advisor will mediate. A thesis earning a grade lower than 60 will be rejected. If the thesis is rejected, the student will be asked to withdraw from the MA program.

When a thesis has been approved, the Master's Thesis Approval and Program Completion form, signed by each of the student's committee members (Supervisor, committee member, third reader) must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

MA thesis evaluation procedure

• When the supervisor, committee member, and MA student consider that the MA thesis is ready to be submitted, they should choose an independent 3rd reader. As a general rule, the 3rd reader should be from the UBC History Department. However, recruiting a reader from another UBC department or even another institution would be acceptable if the supervisor, committee member, and student think it is advisable.  The use of an examiner external to the department should be exceptional. It would be the responsibility of the supervisor to discuss the department’s grading standards with the 3rd reader.
• The supervisor should contact this reader himself or herself on the advice of the committee member and MA student. In exceptional circumstances, she or he could submit a list of names to the graduate advisor who could contact the reader for the committee.
• The examiner would be given up to 2 weeks to assess a 40-pages MA thesis. She or he would be asked to submit a written report to the MA committee. This report should include a short summary of the thesis as well as a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses.
• The grade would be decided by a consensus between the supervisor, the committee member, and the 3rd reader. In matters of disagreement or failure to reach a consensus, the issue will be mediated by the graduate advisor on a case-by-case basis.
• The supervisor is responsible for conveying the decision to the graduate advisor and graduate programme assistant in writing. The final report should include the grade awarded by the examining team and summarize the reason behind the grade.

Before receiving the MA degree in History, candidates must satisfy the department's language requirement by demonstrating an adequate reading ability in a language other than English - either French or a foreign language appropriate to their field of study. Students who require a foreign language for their thesis research will be expected to take the language exam in that language.

The department holds language exams twice a year (usually in November and April). Candidates must translate a passage from the language they have chosen into English, with the aid of a dictionary, but without the assistance of a laptop computer.

The exam is a one page translation of text testing for reading ability of the target language. The grading scale represents:

• First class: student demonstrates professional level translation in target language.
• Pass: student demonstrates reading ability in target language
• Fail: student does not demonstrate reading ability in target language.

Requesting an Exemption to the Language Requirement/Exam:

Exemption from the language exam may be granted under certain circumstances, on a case by case basis, by submitting a written request to the History graduate advisor:

• Several departments at the university offer courses to help students acquire a reading knowledge of a foreign language, such as French, German, or Russian. Students who have successfully completed such a course at the third-year level or above, with at least a B (72%) average, can apply for exemption from the History Department's exam by submitting evidence of completion of the course to the History graduate advisor.
• Students whose projects rely on oral sources in a language other than English can make a request to be exempted from the language exam and to instead satisfy the language requirement with their demonstrated oral proficiency in the relevant research language. In such cases, the graduate advisor will consult with the student’s supervisor to confirm their ability and determine whether this requirement has been met.
• For all other circumstances, please contact the History graduate advisor in writing.  Exemptions may be granted on a case by case basis.

4. Submitting your MA Thesis To Formally Close Your Program

Once the MA thesis has been approved, the final step will be to submit the thesis to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) to close your program.

Step 1: Read the overview of the submission process: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/final-dissertation-thesis-submission

Step 2: Carefully follow the steps in the link below to submit your thesis to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies to close your program: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/final-dissertation-thesis-submission/final-submission-instructions

In step 1, the MA student must fill out the "MA Thesis Approval Form" and coordinate with each committee member to get their signature approval.  Committee members can sign separate "MA Thesis Approval Forms" and return this to the student.  Once the student has all of the forms in step 1, they can email them to the History Graduate Programme Assistant ( [email protected] ) to verify the signatures and forward the forms to GPS on behalf of the student.

Dissertation/Thesis Submission Deadlines:

Check deadlines for dissertation/thesis submission dates: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/deadlines (Under Deadline Type --> Select Option: Thesis Final Submission --> Click: Filter)

Thesis approval deadlines are for having your thesis fully approved in cIRcle , not just submitted. You are expected to submit at least five days ahead of any deadline in order to allow yourself time to make any needed corrections.

5. Applying For Graduation

For Reference: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/current-students/graduation/applying-graduate

Every candidate for a degree must make formal application for graduation. Students apply through Student Workday . Login with your Campus-wide Login (CWL). Please check the Deadlines section of this website or contact your program to find out when the Application to Graduate is open.

If your application to graduate is not approved, then you must re-apply for the next graduation season.

Not attending the graduation ceremony?

You must apply to graduate regardless of whether or not you plan to participate in the scheduled ceremonies.

For questions about applying to graduate, please contact [email protected]

Conference Travel Funding

Graduate students are now eligible to receive travel funding to attend a conference at which they are presenting a paper. Over the course of a graduate career, each MA student will have access to $1,500 to attend conferences. Eligibility continues for up to four months after completion of the degree. As per University guidelines, payments will be made via reimbursement.

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This subreddit is for anyone who is going through the process of getting into graduate school, and for those who've been there and have advice to give.

UBC versus McGill : Masters in CS Non thesis

I am planning to apply for a masters in computer science in Canada as an international student. I find both UBC and McGill somewhat ambitious for me but i would like to apply to one of them for the Non thesis masters.

I can see on the program website that the McGill masters can cost 27k CAD per year while UBC costs 10k USD per year.

Which program has the less stringent masters requirements? I would wish to rather work on a project with some professor than a masters program with very difficult courses and graduation requirements.

Also how about the employment opportunities in software industry after masters? Which program can offer better?

Can someone share opinion considering my above points?

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• Submissions
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Graduate Work (Non-thesis)

For instructors or supervisors, what can i submit.

Graduate students may submit exemplary non-thesis manuscripts or projects to the UBC Graduate Research collection, with approval from their course instructors or supervisors. If you are a graduate student interested in depositing a published article, please contact the cIRcle Office for assistance.

To see what kinds of content are eligible for submission to cIRcle, please view the Student section of our Content Guidelines .

This collection is NOT for UBC Theses and Dissertations which must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS, UBC-V) or College of Graduate Studies (CoGS, UBC-O) into the Electronic Theses and Dissertations collection in cIRcle.

How do I submit?

UBC Vancouver and Okanagan graduate students upload their own work, subject to course instructor/supervisor or graduate administrator approval, to the UBC Graduate Research collection. Before submission, discuss the approval process with your course instructor or supervisor as appropriate.

If your program requires you to submit your work to cIRcle, please follow the instructions provided to you by your graduate administrator or contact them for assistance.

Graduate students submitting non-thesis materials must complete the following steps prior to deposit :

cIRcle License

If you are depositing the work on behalf of a group, confirm that all authors have read and agreed to the terms of the cIRcle License .

• For works with multiple creators, only one author needs to submit the license.
• You will be asked to agree to the terms of the license during the online submission process.

Confirm your course instructor or supervisor is willing to approve the submission. Where applicable, follow the instructions provided to you by your graduate administrator as failing to do so may cause errors or delays with your submission. Ensure that you and your instructor/supervisor agree on their preferred email address to receive notification regarding submission approval.

File Preparation

• Confirm copyright status of all materials. View the Copyright tab for more information on how to do this.
• Ensure that you have the final, clean copy of the submission. Text files should not contain any annotations, comments, handwritten notes, or private information (e.g. student number, phone number, fax number, personal email address or mailing address). See ' What is Personal Information? ' for further information.
• Where possible, video files should include title credits listing, as applicable: Title, Creators, Date, Course Code, open licensing (e.g. Creative Commons) information.
• Name your file according to the File Naming Conventions .
• Check that your file adheres to the File Format Guidelines .

Follow the cIRcle Graduate Research Submission Instructions for students.

• Ensure you input the correct email address you and your instructor/supervisor agreed upon in advance. If your instructor/supervisor attempts to logon to approve your submission using a different email address than the the one you entered, it will cause errors/delays.

If you have additional questions about submitting your work to cIRcle, please take a look at our cIRcle FAQs or visit our Contact Us page.

Overview of the Graduate Work (non-thesis) Submission Workflow

Checking Copyright

All submissions to cIRcle must comply with copyright law. If your paper or project contains copyrighted materials, those materials must be used with proper permission. For more information, please see the Student Copyright FAQ and the Copyright Guidelines for UBC Faculty, Staff and Students .

Determining if your paper or project has copyrighted materials

Generally speaking, any material which was not created by you or your group may be under copyright. Some questions you should ask yourself to determine if your paper or project contains copyrighted materials are:

• Does it include any images, including stock images, that were not made by me/members of the group?
• Does it include images that were made by me/group members but incorporate images made by others, such as edited versions of other peoples' images?
• Does it include videos that were not shot by me/group members?
• Does it include graphs that were not made by me/group members?
• Does it include logos or graphics of community partners?

If your paper or project contains copyrighted materials

If your paper or project contains copyrighted materials, you must obtain permissions from the copyright holder to use them. If you cannot receive permissions, you must remove all copyrighted materials from the version you deposit into cIRcle. Placeholder text describing what was removed and, if appropriate, providing a citation to the copyrighted material is recommended. Alternately, you can also consult the UBC Copyright page for public domain or Creative Commons resources to use instead.

Help with Copyright

Copyright can be complicated. If you aren't certain if your paper or project contains copyrighted material or how to properly use your copyrighted material, you should ask your supervisor or contact the Copyright Office .

The UBC Graduate Research collection in cIRcle is for exemplary non-thesis graduate student work at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan . All work destined for this collection must be approved online (using a cIRcle login) by the students' course instructors, supervisors or graduate administrators. Only submissions of exemplary quality should be approved.

Please note that once you receive an email notification that a submission is ready for review, you must login to approve the submission using the same email address the student provided during their submissions process or it will not be archived in cIRcle.

Supervisor/instructor names or emails do not appear in the publicly viewable non-thesis graduate submission unless this information appears in the item itself.

Please see the cIRcle Graduate Research Submission Instructions for further information on completing the approval process

If your department has a graduate administrator coordinating submissions for capstone or graduating projects, please contact them for support and assistance with the submission process.

If you have additional questions about submitting your work to cIRcle, please review our Submissions Page for Faculty & Staff or visit our Contact Us page.

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Research Masters (MAP/MScP)

As you decide which path is right for you, it's fair to ask:, why ubc  , why planning and why scarp  , and  why a research-based masters, it opens so many paths..

SCARP's Research Masters degree is for you if any of the following rings true:

• You're interested in progressing to Doctoral research
• You're a mid-career professional who can’t commit to a PhD full time schedule right now
• You're building your professional platform for high-level planning and public-policy work
• You're seeking new insights, a broader lens, and honed skills in the field of Planning

If you want your research to ask today's big questions, you've come to the right place.

Today, many established assumptions of how to build and plan communities are being transformed and made more equitable, inclusive, and flourishing. 

Immerse yourself in the insights and challenges of planning on your own terms. With the support of a flexible curriculum, open yourself up to your own research vision with all the tools, support, and expertise of UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning.   

With the freedom to undertake a regimen of SCARP and other UBC courses, bridge the gap between disciplines to truly become a transdisciplinary expert in any number of today’s most pressing Planning challenges, from building healthy communities to planning equitable urban design.    

A few words from our graduates

Savonnaé Street, grad 2023

First job after graduation: Planning Technician

"SCARP’s Research Masters program was the perfect next step in my academic journey. SCARP cultivated my research and communication skills, and opened doors to academic, personal, and professional opportunities. SCARP was life-changing, as a researcher and an individual."

Christine Nesbitt, grad 2019

First job after graduating: planning assistant.

"I completed a BA Honours in geography, and I wanted to combine that with my Olympic experience and get my hands dirty as I move forward in a new direction. Planning is so multidisciplinary: I have developed hands-on, theoretical, and research skills that allow me to meaningfully contribute in many different fields. I'm building an integrated and wholistic approach to problem solving, whereas in another field, I would likely be more siloed."

This strong and robust degree program is designed to provide an especially rich theoretical understanding of complex issues in city and community planning, environmental planning, and international development planning, as well as intensive study of instructive case studies.

It's completed within 24 months, incorporating a selection of course work (including a theory course and thesis workshop), and a thesis prepared with the guidance of a supervisor and second committee member. Successful applicants will work closely with a faculty supervisor, who should be identified in your application. 

Your Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

MAP and MScP represent the same degree program. Upon graduating, you receive a Master of Arts in Planning (MAP) if you entered the program with a Bachelor of Arts degree, or a Master of Science in Planning (MScP) if you entered the program with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Research Masters degree programs are not formally accredited by the Canadian or American boards. Those seeking a degree accredited by professional accreditation boards would apply to the School’s Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP) program.

Should I choose a SCARP Research Masters program or SCARP's Master of Community and Regional Planning Program?

Program Courses, Structure, and Requirements

MAP/MSCP students can access all elective courses available to MCRP students except core MCRP courses and studios reserved for MCRP students only. 

Required courses: 

Note you must spend your first year in residence taking required and elective courses.

Master's Programs Fees

Graduate Student Fees

Cost of living in the Vancouver area

Please review all information on requirements before you proceed here.

I've chosen a research masters program. how do i apply, please note:.

• Only invited applications will be considered.
• The Admissions Committee considers many factors in making admissions decisions. Factors include academic preparation, academic capability, experience, and fit with School of Community and Regional Planning.
• Due to the volume of documents received we are unable to confirm receipt of documents by email or phone. Please check your online application regularly for updates.
• It is not possible to defer admission. If you are offered admission and decline or if you are offered admission but do not register you may apply again by submitting a new application form and paying the fee. Your admission would be considered along with others applying for that year. Admission is not guaranteed.

Minimum Admission Requirements

The School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP) adheres to the minimum academic requirements established by the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies . Learn more below, based on which of the following applies to you:

• I received my undergraduate degree from a post-secondary institution within Canada or the United States
• If you received your undergraduate degree from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada or the United States

Pre-Application Steps

If you would like to apply for the September intake, please review the following steps: 

• Read SCARP's minimum requirements for admission in the program overview tab.
• Complete Pre-Application by November 30 - Prospective applicants must complete a short Research Masters Pre-Application questionnaire . 
• Receive Invitation to Apply by December 15 - Prospective applicants will be notified on whether they are invited to submit an official application.  
• Submit Full Application by February 1 - Deadline for official Research Masters application  by invited applicants only. Uninvited applications will not be considered.
• Receive Admission Decision in early April - Applicants will be notified of admission and funding decisions at approximately this date. Date may shift slightly to coincide with relevant funding announcements.

Application checklist

Transcripts.

Please note the following  required  information:

• Applicants are required to scan and upload digital copies of  all official transcripts, including transcripts for study abroad semesters, non-degree studies, or credential programs.  
• Please ensure that the uploaded documents are  official transcripts   and include a transcript key . (Transcript keys are often printed on the reverse sides of official transcripts.) 
• Grade reports, marking sheets, and transcripts marked “unofficial” are not acceptable and will not be considered for review.  
• Degree certificates are required only if the degree conferral is not listed on the transcript. 
• Transcripts in a language other than English or French must be accompanied by certified translations. If applicable, transcripts that do not have an indication of the date the degree was conferred must be accompanied by a degree certificate (and translation, if appropriate).
• Uploaded transcripts should be in PDF format, with each transcript complied as one PDF document.  Include only one copy of the transcript key.  Any additional or extraneous documents will be excluded from the final application file.

The uploaded copies of official transcripts are considered “unofficial documents” . We use the unofficial documents to evaluate applicants and make conditional offers of admission. 

Please note that applicants are not required to send hardcopies of official transcripts  to the School of Community and Regional Planning office at the time of application.

For more information, please visit the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies sections on  Canadian Official Transcripts  or  International Official Transcripts .

GRE-Graduate Record Exam (General Test)

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is  not mandatory , and is only recommended in situations where an applicant’s GPA is close to the minimum and does not reflect the applicant’s true academic potential. GRE scores show students' level of reasoning skills, critical thinking and the ability to communicate in writing which provides us with additional information about the likelihood of a student's success in graduate school.

The GRE is particularly helpful in situations where applicants do not have undergraduate grades (because their program may have been ungraded), or if there are obvious gaps in an applicant’s academic record. A strong GRE score will provide the admissions committee with another data point to consider academic ability.

The GRE is widely required for graduate school applications throughout North America. We urge applicants to carefully review the guidebook that comes with the test application. It illustrates the kinds of questions on the test and helps the student practice for the test. Please see the  GRE website .

Submission of GRE test scores must be followed in accordance to the instructions outlined by the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Standardized test of English language proficiency is required unless the previous post-secondary degree is from a university where the primary language of instruction was English.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following  minimum  scores:

TOEFL: 

• Overall score of 100 or higher
• Reading & Listening: Score of 22 or higher
• Writing & Speaking: Score of 21 or higher

 IELTS (academic only):

• Overall score of at least 7.0
• Reading, Writing, Listening, & Speaking: Score of 6.5 or higher

More information on these tests can be obtained from their websites:  TOEFL  |  IELTS .

Submission of English language proficiency test scores must be followed in accordance to the instructions outlined by the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Research Statement of Intent | Proposed Thesis Topic

Applicants are required to prepare and submit a research statement of intent/thesis proposal (approximately 1,000 words). The statement should outline the thesis project you wish to undertake, the research methods you expect to use, and how the work builds on or draws from your previous training or experience.

Sample of Academic Research & Writing

Each applicant must also submit at least one sample of academic research and writing. An undergraduate thesis, previous academic publications, or previous academic project are all acceptable writing samples.

Each applicant must submit a resume detailing educational background, work and/or volunteer experience, publications (if any), and any academic or professional awards earned. Please include any travel experience.

• Letters of Reference

Exactly three references are required for the application. Additional references will not be considered as part of the final application file.

References should be from individuals who can assess your academic or professional qualifications and your communication skills. In most cases,  at least two references should be academic.  If you have been away from school for several years, all references may be from non-academics who are capable of assessing your professional and, if possible, your potential academic performance.  Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their references submit documentation by the deadlines specified.   The reference deadline is 10 days after the application deadline.  Contact references in advance of submitting an application to ensure they have adequate time to provide a letter. Reference letters may be addressed to the "Research Masters Admissions Committee". 

Please note that an online application must be submitted before referees receive a request to provide a reference.

There are three possible formats for references: electronic references, paper letters of reference, and paper reference forms. SCARP strongly prefers that references utilize the electronic reference system in the online application to submit a letter of reference. Please note that the system is unable to accept e-mails from Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, MSN or other free e-mail accounts for referees. Letters should be in PDF format, on letterhead, with signature.

If using the electronic reference is not possible, please send paper letters of reference and reference forms to: 

School of Community and Regional Planning Faculty of Applied Science The University of British Columbia - Vancouver Campus   433 - 6333 Memorial Road Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z2

For more information, please visit the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies section on  Letters of Reference . 

At time of admission

• Applicants selected for consideration for admission will be invited to an interview with their prospective research supervisor and Program Chair. Final admission decisions will be made after the interview. 
• Applicants admitted to the program will commence full-time studies in September. The School of Community and Regional Planning does not admit students at any other time of year. 

Complete pre-application: November 30 Application open: December 15 Application closes: February 1 Referee deadline: February 10

Please contact the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for any of these inquiries: 

• Application fees
• Online application problems
• Minimum academic requirements
• Transcript requirements
• Translations of transcripts

Pre-applications will open later in the fall. Stay tuned!

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Master of Science in Nursing

UBC's MSN prepares you to enact advanced roles in nursing practice, education and research.

The program equips you to actively contribute to improving health care delivery, advancing and applying nursing knowledge, and evolving health policy.

• Develop leadership skills in professional nursing practice
• Contribute to the development and application of nursing knowledge
• Engage with partners in the nursing community
• Learn from leading nursing education, practice and research scholars
• Study at one of the world's top-ranked universities
• Tailor your learning focus to suit your interests and career aims

Interested in learning more? Take a look at the MSN Handbook .

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CNPS Application Information

Selection criteria.

Selection among applicants who have met the basic criteria will be based on:

• Academic and professional promise.
• Personal integrity and suitability for a counselling psychology career.
• The availability of space in the applicant’s declared area of interest (for Masters applicants) and the availability of supervisory expertise in the applicant’s declared area of research (for Doctoral applicants).
• We are committed to accepting and training school counsellors. Therefore, we reserve several guaranteed spots for school counsellors every year.
• The Department admits students on the basis of merit and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. UBC is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas.

How To Apply

Individuals are able to apply to both the M.A. and M.Ed. programs. However, a separate application must be completed and a separate application fee must be paid for both the M.A. and M.Ed. applications.

M.A. and M.Ed. applicants must complete a hard copy of the CNPS Supplementary Application Form .

Admission to Master's programs in Counselling Psychology is based on the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications

Applicants to Master's programs must have completed an appropriate bachelor's degree (typically a 4 years degree). All bachelor's degree requirements must be completed by April 30th of the year of application.

An overall average of B+ of senior course work is required.*

In addition, applicants must have certain prerequisite courses at the undergraduate or graduate level prior to applying/admissions. These include CNPS 362 Basic Interview Skills (or equivalent), CNPS 363 Career Counselling (or equivalent), CNPS 365 Theories of Counselling (or equivalent), a 2 nd year course in Learning/Cognitive Psychology (or equivalent), (2 nd year level or higher) course in Abnormal Psychology/Behavioural Disorders (or equivalent), and an undergraduate course in statistics.

*76%/3.33 out of 4 or 4.33

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

All MA applicants are NOT required to complete the GRE.  The GRE is not required but can be submitted.

Footnote: Some students may choose to submit GRE scores because they feel these better represent their academic potential than their GPA. Other students, however, may feel their GPA better—or sufficiently—represents their academic potential and will choose not to submit GRE scores .

GRE scores must be sent directly from ETS. Please note that ETS only sends out GRE scores within 5 years of test completion.

The GRE is no longer required for the M.Ed. applicants.

Relevant Work Experience

There is no required minimum amount of relevant experience.  However, relevant experience is considered when applications are adjudicated.

Research Experience

Applicants to the M.A. Program should have prior formal research experience, as evidenced by, for example, volunteer research assistant experience, an undergraduate honours degree research project, an independent study course project that involved conducting empirical research, conference presentations, or journal publications. Compatibility between faculty and applicant research interests is a very important consideration for admission.

Upon receipt of application forms, we will send an electronic letter of reference form to the named referees for them to complete electronically. These letters should be from academic instructors and/or professional supervisors (senior teachers, counsellors, administrators, psychologists) supporting the applicant's academic/professional competence, personal/professional integrity, and ability to work well with people.

Please note that you must submit all application information if you are re-applying to the program.

Other Useful Information

Admissions information sessions are scheduled in the fall. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session prior to submitting their application. See our events page for the next scheduled admissions information session.

The admissions committee members review all the above evidence in evaluating academic and counselling potential. For example, a strong grade point average and a good GRE performance will support a positive judgment of academic potential. For example, a strong grade in CNPS 362 and crisis line work/volunteer experience will support a positive judgment of counselling potential.

For more information on previous admissions rates to the CNPS MEd and MA programs please visit the below links.

Admission Rates MEd Program: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/master-of-education-counselling-psychology

Admission Rates MA Program: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/master-of-arts-counselling-psychology

Program Duration

For both full-time and part-time students: the masters program must be completed within 5 years. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may apply for an extension from 4 to 12 months.

Applicants must satisfy the general academic requirements of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and have completed a master's degree reasonably equivalent to the UBC CNPS M.A. with thesis or research-equivalent project and supervised training in providing professional counselling in counselling psychology or a highly related area with an overall grade average of at least 80%. Theses should be completed or expected to be completed (with supervisor verification) by June 30th of the year of application. Having a thesis completed by January 15th of the year of application is strongly preferred and will be evaluated favourably. In exceptional circumstances, a non-thesis master's degree will be considered if the student is able to demonstrate completion of thesis-equivalent research (e.g., first-authored publication in a reputable peer-reviewed journal). Applicants are also required to write the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test, and, if applicable, the TOEFL test, IELTTS test, or other test of English language proficiency approved by UBC’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

• A hard copy of the CNPS Supplementary Application Form (Ph.D.)

Please note that you must submit all application information if you are re-applying to the program. 

For more information on previous admissions rates to the CNPS PhD program please visit the below links.

Admission Rates PhD Program: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/graduate-degree-programs/phd-counselling-psychology

https://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/counselling-psychology/graduate-programs/phd-program/cnps-phd-student-admissions-outcomes-and-other-data/

Mandatory Criminal Record Checks

All students MUST undergo a criminal record check (CRC) before commencing CNPS 588 (normally at the start of year two). CRC paperwork can take up to 6 weeks after submission of the appropriate fee and documentation. Therefore, all students must initiate this process no later than May 31st of the year in which they are planning to take CNPS 588.

This form is for any students needing a CRC from any other Faculty of Ed department (other than TEO) https://payment.teach.educ.ubc.ca/crc-form-students/

• Complete web form online
• Submit a signature on the consent form provided, as a PDF to: [email protected] (that means you have to print out the form and then sign it before you send the PDF to [email protected])

If you’ve completed a CRC within the last twelve months, submit a copy of your clearance letter to the Program Area Assistant .

Learn more information about Criminal Record Checks .

General departmental graduate application details are outlined on our main prospective students resource page .

CNPS Information Session – November 2022