Graduate Program (MSc, ad hoc PhD)

The Masters and ad hoc PhD programs provide training in multiple areas of research. Applicants are admitted from a wide range of backgrounds, including anthropology, genetics, medicine, neuroscience, and psychology. Our faculty’s research areas are correspondingly diverse, encompassing quantitative and qualitative studies in human and animal models and in psychiatric patients. Areas of focus include behavioral genetics, neuroimaging, neuroscience, public policy and transcultural psychiatry.

Description of MSc curriculum 

In addition to conducting research and completing a thesis, MSc students are required to complete three 3-credit graduate-level courses. There are no required courses (unless indicated in the acceptance letter) and the exact combination of coursework will be determined by the student and their supervisor. Graduate-level courses offered in other departments can also be taken for credit.

Description of PhD curriculum 

In addition to a PhD dissertation, doctoral students are required to complete a comprehensive exam. There are no required courses, unless indicated in the acceptance letter. An individualized coursework plan will be developed by the student and supervisor. 

Procedures for admission

Interested candidates should contact specific faculty members from the Graduate Student Research Supervisors list to enquire if they have a graduate student position available. Candidates for the program will be considered for admission only if a supervisor has been confirmed and when funding is available to support their studies.

Eligibility for the MSc program

To be eligible for the MSc program, applicants must have a

1. Undergraduate degree
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.3 / 4.0 or a GPA of 3.5 / 4.0 in the two last years of full-time study
3. Confirmed supervisor from the Graduate Student Research Supervisors list
4. Sufficient funding to support their studies

Eligibility for the Ph.D. program

To be eligible for the PhD program, applicants must have a

1. Master’s degree
2. Minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.3 / 4.0 or a GPA of 3.5 / 4.0 in the two last years of full-time study
3. Confirmed supervisor from the Graduate Student Research Supervisors list
4. Sufficient funding to support their studies 

Deadlines

Students can enter the graduate programs at the beginning of the winter, spring or fall semesters. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Deadlines for submitting complete applications are: 

• September 15 for entry in January
• January 15 for entry in May (international applicants)
• February 15 for entry in May (Canadian applicants)
• March 15 for entry in September

Application steps

As of October 2012, McGill’s formerly paper-based graduate application process has been replaced with a more convenient electronic version.  For detailed instructions on how to apply and how to upload required supporting documents in the new version, please see:  www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply/prepare.

All supplemental application materials and supporting documents must be uploaded directly to the McGill admissions processing system. Complete instructions are on www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply/submitting-your-documents. On the web application form, applicants must provide the names and e-mail addresses of referees (if required, not for Special Students). McGill will contact these referees and invite them to upload references on their behalf, including the Department of Psychiatry Applicant Evaluation Form (see item 7 below).

A complete application for the MSc program will include:

1. A web application form
2. The following documents from the supervisor
   • Confirmation_of_supervision_form
   • Letter of support from supervisor
3. Thesis proposal (2 – 3 pages)
4. Personal statement of interest (1 – 2 pages)
5. All university level transcripts as originals or officially certified copies. If the transcripts are not in English or French, provide official translations. Include a list of the dates, titles and grade obtained for each course if it is not shown on the transcript. McGill transcripts are not required; they are obtained at the department.
6. Curriculum vitae listing previous research experience and publications, if applicable.
7. Two letters of reference with the Applicant Evaluation Form sent directly by the referee. Letters must be current (not more than six months old).
8. Proof of English Proficiency for non-Canadian applicants whose mother tongue is not English and whose undergraduate education was not in English (see Supplementary Documents below).

A complete application for the PhD program will include the above plus:

Additional documents for the PhD program:

• PhD procedures for admission
• Ad Personam admission GPSO
• PhD comp form

 For additional information, click here.

Supplementary Documents

FAQ

Additional information