At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 40+Years of preparing students for scientific careers
- 1Largest graduate programs at the University of Calgary
- 3Courses required
- 4Years full-time duration
- Thesis-basedProgram structure
- MultipleSpecializations available
The PhD in Medical Science program at the University of Calgary has a long history of preparing students for successful scientific careers in both academic and non-academic settings. Graduates consistently achieve excellent outcomes, securing post-doctoral positions that often lead to faculty appointments or roles in leading industrial research sectors across Canada and globally. This is one of the largest graduate programs at the university, offering specialized training in areas such as cancer biology, critical care, and molecular/medical genetics, with the flexibility to accommodate other research interests through collaborations within the Cumming School of Medicine and across the university. This thesis-based program requires students to complete a minimum of three courses, participate in research seminars and journal clubs, and attend research integrity sessions in their first year. The program culminates in the defense of a written research proposal and candidacy exams, followed by the submission and defense of an original research thesis. Students are required to secure a supervisor before applying, and potential supervisors must be identified during the application process. The program has a full-time duration of four years, with a maximum completion time of six years.
Curriculum
The program structure involves coursework, research ethics training, seminar participation, and culminates in rigorous examinations and a thesis defense.
- Year 1
- Research Integrity Day sessions
- Research in progress seminar
- Journal club
- Subsequent Years
- Coursework (3 courses)
- Supervised research
- Research proposal defense
- Candidacy exams (oral and written)
- Thesis submission and defense
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of research-intensive roles in academia, government, healthcare, and the private sector.
- Academic researchers
- Education
- Medicine
- Government agencies
- Health organizations
- Private sector/industry
- Biotechnology start-up companies
- Clinical trials
- Research-oriented positions in pharmaceutical/biotech companies
- Fortune 500 businesses
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Medical Science program?
- Applicants need a Master's degree, a minimum GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) over the past two years of full-time study, and must identify a potential supervisor before applying.
- What is the full-time duration of the PhD in Medical Science program?
- The program has a full-time duration of four years, with a maximum completion time of six years.
- What is the structure of the PhD in Medical Science program?
- This is a thesis-based program that includes coursework, research seminars, journal clubs, and culminates in rigorous examinations and a thesis defense.
- When are the application deadlines for the PhD in Medical Science program?
- Application deadlines are December 1 for a May 1 intake, April 1 for a September 1 intake, and August 1 for a January 1 intake.
- Where can I find information on tuition fees and financial assistance?
- Information on fees and financial assistance, including available scholarships and awards, is available in the Graduate Calendar.
- What are the career prospects for graduates of the PhD in Medical Science program?
- Graduates are well-prepared for research-intensive roles in academia, government, healthcare, and the private sector, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Entry requirements
Master's DegreeAn MSc or other relevant Master's degree is required.
GPAMinimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
English Language ProficiencyRefer to the Academic Calendar for accepted criteria. Requirements vary based on applicant background.
Potential supervisors must be listed when applying. Applicants whose primary language is not English should consult the 'Admissions' tab in the Academic Calendar for specific English language proficiency requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
Information on fees and financial assistance is available in the Graduate Calendar.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application DocumentsGather required documents including your Curriculum Vitae (CV), transcripts, and any other materials specified in the application guidelines. Ensure you have identified potential supervisors and they are listed in your application.
2. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application form. Pay close attention to the deadlines for each intake period.
3. Await DecisionThe program will review applications, and successful candidates will be notified.
Scholarships
Awards and Financial AssistanceVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the PhD in Medical Science program?
+
Applicants need a Master's degree, a minimum GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) over the past two years of full-time study, and must identify a potential supervisor before applying.
What is the full-time duration of the PhD in Medical Science program?
+
The program has a full-time duration of four years, with a maximum completion time of six years.
What is the structure of the PhD in Medical Science program?
+
This is a thesis-based program that includes coursework, research seminars, journal clubs, and culminates in rigorous examinations and a thesis defense.
When are the application deadlines for the PhD in Medical Science program?
+
Application deadlines are December 1 for a May 1 intake, April 1 for a September 1 intake, and August 1 for a January 1 intake.
Where can I find information on tuition fees and financial assistance?
+
Information on fees and financial assistance, including available scholarships and awards, is available in the Graduate Calendar.
What are the career prospects for graduates of the PhD in Medical Science program?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for research-intensive roles in academia, government, healthcare, and the private sector, including biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.