At a glance
18 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- MA, MSc, and PhD degrees offeredDegree Levels
- Full-time study onlyAttendance Mode
- Master's: 45 credits (15 coursework, 30 thesis)Master's Credit Requirements
- Doctorate: 9 credits (plus comprehensive exam & dissertation)Doctoral Credit Requirements
- Minimum 18 months residence for Master'sMaster's Minimum Residency
- Minimum 3 years residence for PhD (starting Ph.D. 2)PhD Minimum Residency
McGill University's Department of Geography offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The programs are exclusively for full-time students. The Master's program requires 45 credits, with 30 dedicated to thesis research and 15 to coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 18 months (3 semesters) in residence. The Doctoral program requires 9 credits, with most students entering at the Ph.D. 2 level after completing a Master's degree, requiring 3 years (6 semesters) in residence. Students entering directly from a Bachelor's degree begin at the Ph.D. 1 level and require 4 years (8 semesters) in residence. Both programs emphasize original research culminating in a thesis or dissertation.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the graduate programs in Geography is structured around coursework, research, and the completion of a thesis or dissertation. Specific course requirements and research components vary between the Master's and Doctoral levels.
- Master's - Year 1
- Methods of Geographical ResearchGEOG 631
- Graduate-level coursesVarious
- Thesis ProposalGEOG 698
- Master's - Year 2
- Thesis ResearchGEOG 699
- Doctoral - Year 1
- Methods of Geographical ResearchGEOG 631
- Graduate-level coursesVarious
- Doctoral - Year 2
- Comprehensive ExaminationGEOG 700, 701, 702
- Doctoral - Year 2 and beyond
- Dissertation Research and WritingVarious
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Geography graduate program?
- Applicants need a strong undergraduate record in Geography or a related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. Crucially, applicants must secure an explicit agreement from a faculty member to supervise and fund their studies before applying, as students without prior contact are rarely admitted.
- What is the duration of the Master's program?
- The Master's program is exclusively full-time and requires a minimum of 18 months (3 semesters) in residence. It involves 45 credits, split into 15 credits of coursework and 30 credits for thesis research.
- How do I apply to the program, and what is the application deadline?
- To apply, you must first contact a potential supervisor, then prepare documents like transcripts and a research statement, and submit them via McGill's online portal. The application deadline for guaranteed consideration for Fall admission is January 15.
- Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
- Yes, Research Assistant (RA) positions can be secured through your supervisor, and Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are available, typically paying around $2000 per semester. Students are also encouraged to apply for external funding from agencies like NSERC or SSHRC.
- What are the tuition fees and living costs for the program?
- Tuition fees and living costs are not detailed on the program page. Prospective students should consult the university's Student Accounts website for information on fees and other charges.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeStrong undergraduate record in Geography or a related discipline for Master's admission. Typically, a Master's degree in Geography or a related field is required for PhD admission (Ph.D. 2 level). Applicants may be admitted to Ph.D. 1 without a Master's if they meet specific academic standards (e.g., GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale).
GPAMinimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, or 3.2/4.0 in the last two years of full-time study. Successful applicants typically have GPAs above 3.3/4.0.
Applicants are strongly urged to contact potential faculty supervisors to secure funding and supervision before applying. Admission is contingent upon a faculty member's explicit agreement to supervise and fund the student. Students without prior contact with a potential supervisor are rarely admitted. The department may require additional courses or a qualifying term/year for applicants with insufficient background in Geography. International applicants should consult McGill's GPS guidelines for converting transcripts if their university does not use a 4.0 scale.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Tuition fees and living costs are not detailed on the program page. Prospective students are advised to consult the university's Student Accounts website for information on fees and other charges.
How to apply
1. Contact Potential SupervisorIdentify faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Contact them to discuss potential supervision and funding opportunities (e.g., Research Assistant positions). This step is critical and often precedes the formal application.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required supporting documents, including transcripts, a research statement (1-2 pages for Master's, 2-4 pages for PhD, plus references), and proof of English language proficiency if applicable.
3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the application form through McGill's online application portal. Application fees are detailed on the Student Accounts website.
4. Departmental ReviewThe Geography Department's Graduate Affairs Committee (GAC) reviews applications. Favorable reviews lead to a recommendation for admission.
5. University Admission ReviewThe University's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office conducts a final review to ensure all university admission criteria are met. If approved, an admissions package is sent.
Scholarships
Research Assistant (RA) positionsVaries
Teaching Assistant (TA) positionsApproximately $2000 per semester (for 90 hours)
External Funding AgenciesVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Geography graduate program?
+
Applicants need a strong undergraduate record in Geography or a related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. Crucially, applicants must secure an explicit agreement from a faculty member to supervise and fund their studies before applying, as students without prior contact are rarely admitted.
What is the duration of the Master's program?
+
The Master's program is exclusively full-time and requires a minimum of 18 months (3 semesters) in residence. It involves 45 credits, split into 15 credits of coursework and 30 credits for thesis research.
How do I apply to the program, and what is the application deadline?
+
To apply, you must first contact a potential supervisor, then prepare documents like transcripts and a research statement, and submit them via McGill's online portal. The application deadline for guaranteed consideration for Fall admission is January 15.
Are there any scholarships or funding opportunities available?
+
Yes, Research Assistant (RA) positions can be secured through your supervisor, and Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are available, typically paying around $2000 per semester. Students are also encouraged to apply for external funding from agencies like NSERC or SSHRC.
What are the tuition fees and living costs for the program?
+
Tuition fees and living costs are not detailed on the program page. Prospective students should consult the university's Student Accounts website for information on fees and other charges.