MA/Msc in Social Dimensions of Health in Canada at UVic Canada

Program Overview for MA/Msc in Social Dimensions of Health in Canada:

The Social Dimension of Health (SDH) is an interdisciplinary program that combines the social sciences, humanities, education, and the School of Human and Social Development. SDH allows you to understand and conduct advanced research on health and its relationship with society. You will work and study with professors who are committed to lead research. 

Our plans are flexible and personalized. You will be free to pursue your research interests through discussion and experiential learning. Our few required courses cover the core topics of Health Research Fellowships and Research Skills. You will explore and receive training in various research methods, including indigenous and community engagement methods, evidence-based models, hybrid methods, and more.

Our master's program uses a unique graduate health research method. You will participate in flexible and relevant courses, as well as practical research experience. You will study with a small group of other SDH students and share your unique perspectives in research methods courses and seminars. 

You can apply for a master's or master's degree. However, your supervisor and SDH program supervisor will decide your appointment. Both of these degrees require a thesis.

Areas of focus

• Social determinants of health
• Health policy, law, and bioethics
• Health of populations
• History of medicine
• Indigenous peoples' health
• Mental health and addictions
• Environmental healthHealth over the life span

The eligibility for MA/Msc in Social Dimensions of Health in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Students applying for master’s level degrees will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline from a recognized university. Applicants must meet the general requirements set out by the Faculty of Graduate Studies in the Graduate Studies calendar. Ordinarily, a B+ average (6.0 GPA) in the last two years of university work is a minimum requirement for admission to the program. However, students may request consideration based on life or work experience equivalency.

Application deadlines

Students will be admitted to the SDH program in September of each year.

• January 15 for September entry

These are the test eligibilities for the MA/Msc in Social Dimensions of Health to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for MA/Msc in Social Dimensions of Health in Canada.

All graduate students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:

• You must list a potential supervisor on your application
• This faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission.

To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you've found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.

Contact the graduate secretary at sdhadmin@uvic.ca or 250-721-8204.

Graduate students registered in full-time programs are automatically considered for a fellowship. This is based on a qualifying GPA.

Individual award amounts may vary depending on the program.

UVic Fellowship Awards

• Up to $17,500 per year (masters)
• Up to $20,000 per year (Ph.D.)

UVic Graduate Awards

• Up to $10,000 per year (masters and PhD)

Eligibility

• The minimum requirement for funding consideration is an A- average on the last two years of coursework
• Domestic and international students are considered equally for funding
• Full-time registration (3.0 units) for UVic Fellowship holders and at least part-time registration (1.5 units) for UVic Graduate Award holders
• Full-time registration for students registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is 1.5 units

Every year we employ many graduate students to assist with teaching, research, and lab instruction.

• Their academic units hire teaching assistants (TAs) to assist with teaching and grading courses. These are unionized, hourly positions.
• Faculty members hire research assistants (RAs) to help with their research. These roles are sometimes called scientific assistants or laboratory instructors. RA salaries come from faculty members’ research grants. Because of this, RA hours, salary, and other details are worked out between you and the faculty member.

Work-study

The work-study program offers part-time jobs on campus that fit your course schedule.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a full-time student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Co-operative Education Program (co-op)

UVic is home to the largest graduate co-op program in Canada. You can add a co-op to your master’s or doctoral studies for work experience in your field of study.

Bursaries

We offer non-repayable bursaries based on financial needs.

To be eligible for a bursary, you must be:

• Already receiving the maximum government student loans available to you
• In full-time status as determined by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• In good academic standing