MSc degree The M.Sc. degree is usually a student’s first serious exercise in research and prepares the student for a research or a teaching career. In this programme the student is expected to carry out a research project, generally chosen and designed by the research supervisor. The project should not be open-ended, should have sharply defined goals, and should be of limited duration (2-3 years) and designed to give research experience towards solving a problem. (For full regulations, please go to graduate regulations.)

PhD degree The Ph.D. programme prepares the student for a career as an independent researcher or teacher. In this programme the student is expected to design and execute, in consultation with the supervisory committee, a major piece of original work that will significantly advance understanding in the field. In this the supervisor defines the general research area and also acts as an advisor. (For full regulations, please go to graduate regulations.)

Admission:
There are three stages to admission to the Botany Graduate Program:
1. review by the Botany Admissions Committee,
2. acceptance by a supervisor,
3. final approval and offer of admission from the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies (FOGS).
The Faculty of Graduate Studies sets the minimum requirements for admission to any graduate program at UBC.
Given that a student meets these minimum requirements, then the biggest hurdle to acceptance is finding an appropriate supervisor.

How to Find a Supervisor:
Check the potential supervisors list for supervisors in Botany, then contact the faculty member(s) in whose work you are interested by e-mail or letter mail and discuss your prospects. (Please note that students who do not make contact with potential supervisors are rarely accepted.)

Application Procedure:
1. Complete an online application form. (If this is impossible for you, contact the Botany Office to request a paper application form.)
2. Arrange for two official transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended, and are presently attending, to be sent to the Department of Botany. These transcripts must be submitted in original sealed envelopes from the university in order to be considered official by the University of B.C. International students must submit transcripts in the original language and also a certified English translation.
3. Ensure that we have received three letters of reference.
4. Most International students must submit original TOEFL scores. Please note: university institution code is 0965; Botany department code is 37
5. A resume is not required, but is often helpful to the admissions committee.

Application Deadlines:
For September entry, applications must be received in the Botany Dept. by March 31. Late applications may be considered; please check with the department. However, applications are reviewed as soon as the files are complete, therefore earlier applications are encouraged. Students with strong academic credentials should apply early (preferably by the end of December) to be considered for entrance scholarships. (Also see the awards page from FOGS.)
Most graduate students start their programs in September, however January admissions are possible with supervisor approval.
For further information contact the Botany Graduate Secretary: