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Program Description
The PhD in Interdisciplinary Cancer Sciences (ICSP), offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, is a research-intensive program that offers innovative, structured training across the cancer research continuum.
The program's objective is to equip students with skills in critical thinking, effective communication of complex ideas, and collaborative problem-solving to pursue professional opportunities in academia, industry, and beyond.
Keywords: Oncology, Cancer Research, Cancer Biology, Epidemiology, Psychosocial Oncology, Interdisciplinary PhD, Cancer.
Unique Program Features
- Structured interdisciplinary training model: ICSP integrates coursework, research, and cohort‑based activities through a cohesive training framework designed to bridge diverse scientific approaches to cancer research.
- Broad and inclusive cancer research community: ICSP offers a unique program culture that brings together the full breadth of McGill’s cancer research community for the first time, creating a unified and collaborative environment across departments, research centers, and disciplines. The program includes 70 cancer research experts from 17 departments, spanning four research pillars:
(1) Cancer Biology; (2) Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnostics; (3) Cancer Etiology, Prevention, and Prognosis; and (4) Psychosocial Oncology. - Depth within discipline, breadth across cancer research: Doctoral candidates specialize in a specific discipline while also gaining a holistic understanding of the entire cancer research continuum. The program prepares trainees to synthesize knowledge across disciplines, identify critical knowledge gaps, and devise innovative solutions through teamwork and collaboration.
- Designed for diverse academic backgrounds: ICSP welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds—including biomedical sciences, epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, nursing, psychology, physical and occupational therapy, computer science, and social work—who seek a collaborative and interdisciplinary PhD experience.
- Training with the patient in mind: ICSP integrates patient perspectives throughout doctoral training, including through Patient Partner Testimonials and a Patient Mentorship Program. These activities foster meaningful connections and support the development of skills in communicating research complexity, while encouraging reflection on the broader impact, long‑term significance, and real‑world relevance of their work.
University-Level Admission Requirements
- An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
- English-language proficiency
Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please contact the icsp.med [at] mcgill.ca (unit )for more details.
Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.
Program Website
Interdisciplinary Cancer Sciences Program (ICSP) website
Department Contact
Program icsp.med [at] mcgill.ca (email)
Available Intakes
Fall
Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline - International | Application Deadline - Domestic (Canadian, Permanent Resident of Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL | September 15 | December 1, 2025 | June 1, 2026 |
| WINTER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUMMER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.