Admissions | Pathology | School of Medicine

Programs of Study

There are two training programmes within the Department: Master's (MSc) and Doctoral (PhD).

Master of Science (MSc)

The minimum requirement for applicants is a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree with at least a B+ average. The average time to completion is 2 years.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applicants with an excellent academic record and demonstrated research experience through practical laboratory work may wish to apply directly to the PhD program. Applicants are encouraged to discuss this option with prospective supervisors. The completion time for a doctoral degree is approximately 4 to 7 years.

Intake & Start Dates

Applicants may apply at any time throughout the year for start dates in January, May, and September. September is the most common start date, as most incoming students complete their undergraduate degree in April or May.

Academic Background

Individuals without a background in the basic sciences (e.g., anatomy, biochemistry, physiology) or without research experience — such as an undergraduate thesis project — may find themselves at a disadvantage relative to their peers. Preference is given to applicants with a background in a recognized basic sciences program relevant to the research focus of the Department.

English Language Proficiency

A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required as proof of English proficiency for students not educated in English. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. The Graduate Studies Committee, in consultation with a supervisor, may require a student to undertake additional English language training. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the student.

For information on how to submit your test results to Queen's University, please see the SGSPA How to Apply webpage (Step 4). The minimum acceptable scores are:

Paper-based: 600
Computer-based: 250
Internet-based (IBT): 88

Contacting a Supervisor

Finding a supervisor is the responsibility of the applicant and an important part of your graduate journey. You are encouraged to search the departmental website for faculty members whose research interests align with yours, and to reach out directly by email, phone, or in person to inquire about available positions. This may be done before, during, or after the application process. International students in particular are advised to establish a favourable interaction with a potential supervisor prior to submitting a formal application and payment.

When contacting a potential supervisor, consider including:

A brief introduction of yourself and your academic background
Your CV or resume
Your specific research interests and how they relate to the faculty member's work
Any relevant research experience you have
Your goals for graduate studies

Funding

Graduate students in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine receive a stipend, the value of which is reviewed each July for the upcoming academic year. Current stipend values are listed in the Graduate Student Manual available on this website. Students are generally guaranteed funding for the first two years of the Master's program and the first four years of the Doctoral program.

Beyond the stipend, students may also be funded through scholarships, awards, and faculty research grants. To be eligible for scholarship and award competitions, an A (80%) average in the last two years of study is required. Applicants meeting this threshold are strongly advised to apply for funding through the Ontario Graduate Scholarships Program and/or NSERC, if they meet additional eligibility requirements. Eligibility for internal competitions is dependent upon acceptance into the program by a supervisor. Award-eligible students are encouraged to apply by February 1.

More information on available awards can be found on our Awards page.

Ready to Apply?

When you are ready to begin your application, the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA) provides a step-by-step guide covering required documents and submission instructions.