Nursing

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program prepares nurse scientists to conduct research and to assume major roles in the development, evaluation and dissemination of knowledge about issues of interest to Nursing. Acculturated into an academic environment that embodies scholarship, graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers as researchers and educators in both academic and health care settings.

Students benefit from small classes and excellent access to world-class professors with varied expertise. Nurtured by close mentoring relationships with faculty advisors, students in the doctoral program engage early and continuously in research under the supervision of an advisory committee.

The program emphasizes openness to, and respect for, multiple ways of knowing, living, and being healthy, and valuing of varied philosophical, epistemological, and theoretical viewpoints. The program is closely linked with the research programs of faculty members.

The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program will help you become a career-ready graduate with the skills necessary to excel in your studies and achieve your future goals. By participating in the program, you will assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth, choose what skills you want to enhance during your time at Western, and learn how to articulate the skills you gained in your degree to optimize your future career opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

• 12 Terms

Program Design

• Full-time study
• Thesis-based

Funding Information

• Graduate Student Funding Support Package

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

Both general and program-specific requirements must be met to be considered for admission. All programs have one intake annually, beginning in September.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program that is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) or approved by an appropriate provincial nursing organization.
• GPA of 78 per cent (B+) or higher
• Undergraduate preparation in research and statistics
• RN registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and able to practice without restrictions (expect international students).
• Current membership in the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (except international students).

• Completion of a master's degree in Nursing (or other field related to health care).
• Agreement for supervision from a faculty member whose research aligns with the applicant's interests and who has been approved to supervise PhD students.
• Completion of a master’s thesis/research project.
• Applicants from non-thesis Master's programs will also be considered, and may be asked to complete a Qualifying Research Project early in their program of study.
• PhD applicants may be required to interview with a panel of core faculty as part of the application process.

Additional Requirements

• International students must meet English language fluency requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 600 and minimum score of 5/6 on the Test of Written English (paper-based test); minimum total score of 250 and minimum score of 5/6 on the Test of Written English (computer-based test); minimum score of 100, with no score less than 23 on each of the four skill categories (internet-based test).[Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 7 out of 9 on the overall test and on each subcomponent.
• The Duolingo English Test.  The minimum acceptable score is 140.
• Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
• Applicants whose current IELTS scores are 6.5 can complete the English Boost program.
• Students may contact WELC for a free assessment of English fluency and a determination of the length of any recommended program.
• Applicants are responsible for the costs of this program.

Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency.

Application Deadline

• February 1