At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 8-10MA students admitted annually
- 2-3PhD students admitted annually
- Small seminar classesClass size benefit
- Ample access to professorsFaculty interaction
The University of Victoria offers Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Sociology. The MA program welcomes students with strong backgrounds in sociology or related fields, while the PhD program typically requires a Master's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline. Both programs emphasize research and provide opportunities for students to work closely with faculty. Admission to the PhD program requires contacting a potential supervisor in advance.
Careers
Graduates from the Sociology program are prepared for a variety of roles in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
- Academic researcher
- Policy analyst
- Community development officer
- Social researcher
- Program evaluator
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MA and PhD programs in Sociology?
- For the MA, a Bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average of B+ (6.0) in the final two years of coursework is required. For the PhD, a Master's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline with a minimum average of 7.0 to 7.5 (A- to A) in graduate courses is normally required.
- Do I need to contact a professor before applying to the Sociology MA or PhD program?
- Contacting potential supervisors is mandatory for PhD applications and recommended for MA applications. You should also reference potential faculty supervisors in your Statement of Intent.
- What are the application deadlines for the Sociology MA/PhD programs?
- The application deadline with financial consideration is January 15 for September entry. The application deadline without financial support is May 31 for September entry.
- How is tuition assessed for international students in the Sociology MA/PhD programs?
- Graduate tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term (September, January, May). Most Master's programs require a minimum of 5.0 fee installments, and most PhD programs require a minimum of 7.5 fee installments.
- What documents are needed for the Sociology MA/PhD application?
- You will need to submit an online application form, statement of intent, writing sample, resume, transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and at least two letters of reference. English proficiency scores are required if applicable.
- What kind of career opportunities can I expect after graduating from the Sociology program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, including positions like policy analyst, social researcher, and program evaluator.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeMinimum overall average of B+ (6.0) in the final 2 full years of credit units or undergraduate work for MA.
Master's degreeNormally required for PhD, with a minimum average of 7.0 to 7.5 (A- to A) in graduate courses in sociology or a related social science discipline.
IELTS/TOEFLNot specified, but required.
GRE is not required. Applicants to the PhD program must contact potential supervisors in advance. MA applicants are recommended to do so.
Fees
Tuition (international)Graduate tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term (September, January, May). Most Master's programs require a minimum of 5.0 fee installments, and most PhD programs require a minimum of 7.5 fee installments.
Tuition (home)Graduate tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term (September, January, May). Most Master's programs require a minimum of 5.0 fee installments, and most PhD programs require a minimum of 7.5 fee installments.
LivingNot specified.
Ancillary fees for services like U-Pass, health and athletics are charged in addition to tuition. International students must have health insurance and are provided with a mandatory temporary medical insurance plan (MTMI) for their first term.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online Application FormSubmit the online application form through UVic's application portal.
2. Prepare Your Statement of IntentWrite a 1-2 page essay that clearly states and situates your research interests, referencing relevant academic literature. Explain how your background prepares you for graduate study, why you are a good candidate, and why UVic's program is a good fit. Identify potential faculty supervisors you wish to work with and whether you have contacted them.
3. Submit a Writing SampleProvide a sample of your scholarly work that demonstrates your ability to undertake sociological analysis.
4. Prepare Your Resume/CVInclude your academic and professional experience.
5. Arrange for Letters of ReferenceRequest a minimum of 2 assessment reports and/or letters of reference from academic authorities familiar with your work. These will be sent electronically to your referees.
6. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including transfer credits.
7. Submit English Language Proficiency Scores (if applicable)If required, submit your IELTS or TOEFL scores.
8. Contact Potential Supervisors (PhD Required, MA Recommended)For PhD applications, it is mandatory to contact potential supervisors before applying. For MA applications, it is recommended.
Scholarships
UVic FellowshipsUp to $20,000 per year
Teaching AssistantshipsNot specified
Research AssistantshipsNot specified
External Awards & FellowshipsVaries
BursariesVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MA and PhD programs in Sociology?
+
For the MA, a Bachelor's degree with a minimum overall average of B+ (6.0) in the final two years of coursework is required. For the PhD, a Master's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline with a minimum average of 7.0 to 7.5 (A- to A) in graduate courses is normally required.
Do I need to contact a professor before applying to the Sociology MA or PhD program?
+
Contacting potential supervisors is mandatory for PhD applications and recommended for MA applications. You should also reference potential faculty supervisors in your Statement of Intent.
What are the application deadlines for the Sociology MA/PhD programs?
+
The application deadline with financial consideration is January 15 for September entry. The application deadline without financial support is May 31 for September entry.
How is tuition assessed for international students in the Sociology MA/PhD programs?
+
Graduate tuition is assessed as a total degree program fee, divided into installments charged each term (September, January, May). Most Master's programs require a minimum of 5.0 fee installments, and most PhD programs require a minimum of 7.5 fee installments.
What documents are needed for the Sociology MA/PhD application?
+
You will need to submit an online application form, statement of intent, writing sample, resume, transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and at least two letters of reference. English proficiency scores are required if applicable.
What kind of career opportunities can I expect after graduating from the Sociology program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, including positions like policy analyst, social researcher, and program evaluator.