Program Information
Graduate Programs
The Department offers graduate programs leading both to M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. The Department has strong collaborative ties, both teaching and research, with other departments on campus, including Zoology, Agricultural Sciences Agroecolgy, Forestry, Chemistry, Biodiversity Research Centre, Microbiology, Biotechnology Laboratory, Earth & Ocean Sciences, and Geography.
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, 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, go to graduate regulations)
How to Apply
In the Department of Botany, we are looking to admit graduate students who are passionate about learning and exploring the plant, algal, fungal and protist sciences. We are committed to the continued development of our diverse and collegial community of people, ideas, and approaches through our missions of research, education, and public outreach. The Department of Botany will evaluate applicants using holistic review, which is an evidence-based approach to identify people who are likely to be successful in a research-based degree, regardless of what research opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.
During the application process, six questions will be asked.
Admission
There are 5 stages to admission to the Botany Graduate Program:
1. Meet minimum academic requirements
2. Find and contact potential supervisor(s)
3. Complete the UBC online application
4. Review by the Botany Graduate Admissions Committee
5. Acceptance by a supervisor
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral 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 and discuss your prospects. Supervisors might redirect you to this departmental webform in which you can indicate your background and interests, or they might have their own lab-specific process. You also may complete the webform on your own, but following up with potential supervisors by email is strongly recommended because students who do not hear back from potential supervisors are rarely admitted.
Submitting the Application
Encouragement from a prospective supervisor is recommended before submitting a formal application and paying the application fee.
1. Complete the UBC online application form for the Botany program and pay application fee.
2. Ensure that we have received two letters of reference. It is recommended that referees upload their letter to the online application system.
The online application will include the following documents (in .pdf format):
- Curriculum vitae or Resume
- Scanned copies of official transcripts (including grading scale keys) for all post-secondary institutions attended or currently attending. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, please upload a certified literal English translation of the transcripts. If application receives departmental approval, applicants will be required to submit official transcripts to UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
3. Provide results of an English Language Test (if applicable).
Application Deadlines
For September entry, the online application must be submitted by January 10th. Please note that most graduate students start their programs in September; however, January admissions are also possible. For January entry, the online application must be received by July 1st.
Applicants with strong academic credentials should apply by December 31st to be considered for scholarships.
Make sure to check out Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Application Guide and Application Advice.
Botany financial support information for students can be found HERE.
For further information contact the Botany Graduate Program Coordinator:
Botany Graduate Program
Department of Botany
University of British Columbia
6270 University Boulevard
Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6T 1Z4
Telephone: (604) 822-2133
e-mail: alice.liou@botany.ubc.ca