Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs

Contact Information

Faculty of Graduate Studies

Location: University Centre, second floor, Room A255

Mailing Address:

Courier Address:

Telephone Number: 250-721-7970

Fax Number: 250-721-8957

E-Mail: fgssec2@uvic.ca

Website: <web.uvic.ca/gradstudies>

Dean: Dr. Aaron H. Devor

Interdisciplinary Graduate Adviser: Dr. Deborah Begoray

INTD Assistant: Jennifer Shelbourn

What is Interdisciplinarity?

Interdisciplinarity involves the process of integrating knowledge, skills, data, ideas and insights from different domains of knowledge to examine a phenomenon that lies beyond the purview of a single area of knowledge and/or specific disciplines. Interdisciplinary research may also involve integrating research approaches from different domains or disciplines. The form of interdisciplinary graduate studies varies. Some programs focus on bringing two or more discrete disciplines together to address a research question. Other programs may focus on an interdisciplinary phenomenon or area of research that requires interdisciplinary knowledge development. The questions raised and explored by interdisciplinary research may lead to expanded knowledge about a phenomenon as well as new perspectives and/or areas of investigation for the disciplines themselves.

Degrees and Specializations Offered

MA, MSc, PhD

Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs are offered through a variety of options:

1. Students may undertake interdisciplinary studies as part of a regular existing program that is interdisciplinary in nature. These programs include Dispute Resolution; Social Dimensions of Health Research; Indigenous Governance; Studies in Policy and Practice (refer to individual program listings for descriptions); interdisciplinary graduate programs in Cultural, Social, and Political Thought (refer to calendar entry for English, History, Political Science or Sociology).
2. Students may enrol in a program within a regular disciplinary academic unit and engage in interdisciplinary research supervised by a faculty member associated with an interdisciplinary research centre. Research centres at the University of Victoria include: British Columbia Institute for Co-operative Studies; Centre for Addiction Research of British Columbia; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology; Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives; Centre for Biomedical Research; Centre for Earth and Ocean Research; Centre for Global Studies; Centre for Forest Biology; Centre for Health Promotion; Centre for Studies in Religion and Society; Centre for Youth and Society; Centre on Aging.
3. Student may undertake an individual interdisciplinary studies program to pursue interdisciplinary research in an area that has not been formally approved as a regular graduate degree program by the University of Victoria Senate. A unique proposal can be approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies for an Individual INTD degree supported through a combination of academic units of which one must have an established graduate degree program at the same level as the proposed interdisciplinary degree program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to arrange the details of the program. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and academic units are under no obligation to arrange or approve interdisciplinary programs.

Individual Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

Individual interdisciplinary programs are subject to all of the usual Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations. Applicants are required to make an appointment with the interdisciplinary Graduate Adviser for an information session before proceeding to the application process. The application and approval process typically takes four to six months. (See the application process outlined below) The program proposal must be formulated by the applicant and prospective supervisors, permission for certain courses obtained and the program approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies Interdisciplinary Committee. Approval is not guaranteed. Courses should not be started without formal approval of the program by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.