Admission Requirements

General

The Chemistry department offers programs of study leading to the degrees of MSc and PhD. Complete admission requirements are supplied as part of the application package. Students accepted for admission are provided with a detailed outline of current policy and procedures for graduate study in the department. Based on past experience and performance, students may be permitted to enter either the MSc or PhD degree. For further information contact either the Graduate Admissions and Records Office or the Chemistry department at email: <chemoff@uvic.ca>.

Applications are accepted from students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in chemistry or its equivalent. Depending on available positions, admission to the graduate school will be recommended for students who have achieved a grade point average of at least 5.0 (B average) in the last two years of senior courses leading to their undergraduate degree. In addition, students completing a baccalaureate degree at a non-Canadian institution will normally be expected to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General and Chemistry test scores. A score in the 85th percentile or better is expected on the GRE Chemistry subject test. Students admitted to graduate programs in Chemistry who do not have the equivalent of an Honours degree may be required to take additional undergraduate course work as deemed appropriate by the Chemistry Graduate Studies Committee in consultation with the student's supervisor.

Applicants whose first language is not English, who are not holding a recognized degree from a country where English is an official language, or who have not resided in an English-speaking country for at least three years prior to application, are required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 575 on the paper-based or 90 on the internet-based test. Students meeting the minimum TOEFL score may still be required to complete additional English language courses in addition to their other course work.

Admission to the MSc Program

1. Normally, students with a B.Sc. in chemistry who achieved a minimum grade point of 5.0 during their last two years of senior courses will be admitted to the MSc program.
2. Applicants who already hold a Masters degree in chemistry must have their application reviewed by the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Graduate Studies before being considered for the MSc program. Normally, applicants already holding an MSc in chemistry will only be considered for admission to the PhD program.

Admission to the PhD Program

1. Students entering with a first class undergraduate degree or a previous MSc degree from a recognized institution may be admitted directly to PhD studies.
2. Graduate students in a Master's program may transfer to a PhD program with the support of their supervisory committee. Students wishing to transfer to a PhD program must complete a written transfer report summarizing their progress to date and future plans and complete an oral transfer examination within 16 months of entry into the MSc program. Students who have not completed the transfer process within 16 month of first registering will be expected to complete an MSc degree.
3. Applicants who already hold a PhD in chemistry must have their application reviewed by the Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Graduate Studies before being considered for the PhD program. Normally applicants already holding a PhD in chemistry will not be considered for the PhD program.