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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Admission Requirements

The Ph.D. program is governed by the regulations of the College of Graduate Studies, including its standards for admission of students. Two admission streams are available: 1) Completion of an M.Sc. in Medical Physics or closely related discipline with a B+ (76%) average or better in their M.Sc. coursework and thesis, with clear evidence of research ability or potential. 2) Exceptional students may request to be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program after completing 12 course credits within the first year of M.Sc. study with a minimum of 9 credits at the 500-level and a 12-credit average of at least 80% (A-). Clear evidence of research potential and ability must be shown, as determined by the student’s supervisory committee and approved by the graduate program advisor.

Other Requirements

Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Students can demonstrate English language proficiency with a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) minimum score of 600 (paper version) or 100 (internet version); or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) minimum overall band score of 7.0 (with no other component score less than 6.5); or a MELAB score of at least 85.

Students are encouraged to contact the program advisor prior to formally applying to discuss their admission.

Program Requirements

In addition to the general academic regulations for graduate students set out in the College of Graduate Studies Academic Regulations Chapter VII, the minimum requirements for the Ph.D. are:

  • 21 credits of coursework beyond the B.Sc.;

    Students who do not already have credit for the required master's degree courses for their program or the equivalent graduate-level courses from another university (approved by Graduate Program Coordinator) must take these courses in the Ph.D. program.

    Note: coursework that was completed for a master's degree may be counted and credited for the Ph.D. coursework requirement.

  • A minimum average of B+ (76%) must be maintained across all coursework with no grade below B (72%);
  • 0 doctoral dissertation credits (PHYS 649);
  • Successful completion of a comprehensive exam, no later than 18 months after initial enrolment into the Ph.D. program (or no later than six months after transfer from the M.Sc. program);
  • Successful completion of a proposal defence within the first 18 months of the program (or 6 months if the candidate is undertaking the M.Sc. to Ph.D. transfer);
  • Submission of a written research thesis along with an oral defence of the research and doctoral dissertation.

Additional requirements may be established by the student’s supervisory committee. For more information regarding the comprehensive examination, proposal defence, and doctoral dissertation please refer to the College of Graduate Studies Academic Regulations in Chapter VII.


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