Graduate programs (MA, MSc, PhD)
In UVic Geography, you can pursue a master’s (MA or MSc) or PhD tailored to your research interests. You’ll work on important issues affecting society today, like conservation and the changing climate’s effect on human systems. Your degree will be research-focused and supplemented with coursework.
Focus your research in the areas of human geography, physical geography, human-environment interactions or geomatics. UVic’s location on Vancouver Island gives you easy access to marine and alpine ecosystems, freshwater wetlands, rivers, lakes and a temperate rainforest for fieldwork.
See the UVic Academic Calendar for more details on our graduate programs.
Master's programs (MSc or MA)
In these programs, you’ll develop independent research abilities in a specific area of geography while enhancing career-relevant skills. You'll take coursework and develop a research proposal in year 1. Then, you'll pursue independent research and write your thesis in year 2.
PhD program
Our PhD program is a research-oriented degree designed to develop expertise in a specific area of geography. You’ll do nominal coursework, a candidacy examination, a research proposal and a dissertation.
Admissions
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic grad student, from finding a supervisor to submitting your application.
MA program admission requirements
MSc program admission requirements
Funding
Every year, UVic awards $12 million to help fund graduate students through a combination of:
- UVic fellowships and awards
- teaching assistantships
- research assistantships
Most of our students also receive external awards and scholarships and financial aid and bursaries. Consideration for funding is automatic. A funding offer is normally included with an offer of admission.
We offer a yearly guaranteed minimum income (GMI) to all eligible new graduate students. Some funding offers may include a combination of teaching assistantships, graduate awards and/or fellowships.
- MA or MSc: $15,500 to $19,500 per year for the first 2 years
- PhD: $16,500 to $20,500 per year for the first 3 years
International students receive a slightly higher GMI to offset higher tuition fees.
Co-op
UVic is home to the largest co-op graduate program in Canada. Learn about combining co-op placements with your program on the co-op website.
Grad students are also eligible for the shorter Work Experience Program.