Geography and Environment

The M.A. and M.Sc. combine course work with a thesis and each are tailored to the needs and interests of each Master's student. There is opportunity to obtain graduate education in a wide range of areas of geographic knowledge, research and applications. In their initial year, students take mandatory courses in geographical philosophy and research practice and also choose from an array of more specialized courses in their area of interest and research. The program provides a blend of formal instruction, seminar discussions, personal supervision and field experience as well as the opportunity to practice and improve communication, teaching and research skills.

Program Length

• 6 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):

• Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master's (CGS-M)
• 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

• Successful completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree.
• Minimum GPA of 78% or B+ in the final two years of the undergraduate program.

Additional Requirements

• Covering letter (offering additional information or clarification of application items).
• Résumé (a brief summary of experience, achievements and skills).
• Copies of relevant publications, if available.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). iBT (internet-Based Test): The minimum acceptable score is 86, with no individual score below 20 for the internet based version, or 550 for the paper and pencil version. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service Academic (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9. The IELTS is offered in six test centres in the US and three in Canada.

The Department of Geography and Environment does not require applicants to submit GRE scores, but these can be submitted in support of an application.

Application Deadline

• February 1

While we technically receive applications year round, the Graduate Affairs Committee begins review of applicant files for Fall admission in February. Applications received after the deadline may have a lower chance of success for admission and funding.

Fields of Research

• Environment, Development and Health
• Geographic Information Science
• Physical Geography
• Urban Studies