Question about applying to Canadian PhD Programs

[Richter]

Hi everyone, I will hopefully be applying to some polisci PhD programs within the next two years. Due to some family reasons, I will most likely be limited to applying to programs in Canada. My question is regarding most programs' masters requirement. It seems that in the U.S. most programs do not require a masters degree before applying to their PhD programs whereas Canadian programs seem to be a bit different. Most of the program websites require a masters degree before applying except a few schools (I think McGill, UBC, UoT off the top of my head) which state that they might make exceptions for extremely qualified students who have only completed their BA. I was wondering if anyone has any personal experience with this issue and whether some schools are more lenient than others.Thanks.

[jogatoronto]

I'm a UofT student in History and Political Science. I spoke to the Head of Admissions for the Poli Sci MA & PhD programs in January. According to her, the chances of getting accepted directly from your BA are very slim. The exception on the website is basically for highly qualified American students that the department does not want to lose to American schools that do not require the MA. She stated that getting an MA before your PhD would actually be better in the long run because those who don't possess an MA normally have to spend more than 5 years on their PhD while those who possess an MA spend between 4-5 years on the PhD. Hope that helps.

[Richter]

Thanks for the response. I figured that that would be the case but its good to get that information from someone inside the department. Does anyone else have any experience with applying to Canadian PhD programs without a masters? Anyone actually accepted without one?

[cba626]

Thanks for the response. I figured that that would be the case but its good to get that information from someone inside the department. Does anyone else have any experience with applying to Canadian PhD programs without a masters? Anyone actually accepted without one?

I applied to UBC this year (MA, haven't heard back yet). From what I've gathered, unless you have done incredibly well in your undergrad (published work, conferences, good grades, practical experience etc..) you won't be considered for the PhD program. They do, however, refer PhD applicants to the MA program. I'm not sure if you have a better chance of ultimately getting into the MA program if you apply directly or you are referred from the PhD applicant pool. I suppose taking the initiative of trying to get into the PhD program would look good, and you could always put in your personal statement that you would be interested in their masters program if they are unable to place you in the PhD program.

[Richter]

I don't think that a masters is realistic for me because of finances, particularly as I would be considered an international student.

[Count de Monet]

I'm a UofT student in History and Political Science. I spoke to the Head of Admissions for the Poli Sci MA & PhD programs in January. According to her, the chances of getting accepted directly from your BA are very slim. The exception on the website is basically for highly qualified American students that the department does not want to lose to American schools that do not require the MA. She stated that getting an MA before your PhD would actually be better in the long run because those who don't possess an MA normally have to spend more than 5 years on their PhD while those who possess an MA spend between 4-5 years on the PhD. Hope that helps.

Given that there were only 4 spots for International students, the odds of getting in at all are slim to none if you are an international student anyways.

[kaykaykay]

I guess that depends on the year too. I do not really see why that would be a set rule. Other than there are less fellowshipsthat international students can apply I do not see why the Canadian departments would consider international students extra costly or undesirable.

[kaykaykay]

I guess that depends on the year too. I do not really see why that would be a set rule. Other than there are less fellowships that international students can apply to I do not see why the Canadian departments would consider international students extra costly or undesirable.