Geology

The project-based MSc program is designed to meet the growing demand in industry for highly-trained applied geologists. Project-based Master's students are an important component of Resource Geoscience Western, an endeavour that we are pursuing in collaboration with Industry Partners and which places us at the forefront of Earth Sciences in Canada across a broad range of applied Earth Science disciplines.

The thesis-based MSc program is designed to prepare young scientists for independent research, through the formulation of a research problem, the collection of data, development of analytical methods, review of literature, to writing of the final thesis. This process is the principal means by which our students learn the process of research. Learning through independent investigation is supplemented by instruction in a variety of graduate courses that may include formal lectures and laboratories, and various projects, research papers and seminars.

Program Length

• 3 Terms (Project-based)
• 6 Terms (Thesis-based)

Program Design

• Full-time study
• Project-based or 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

• Four-year degree in science, engineering, math, computer science, geography, or a related discipline from an accredited university.
• For course-based degree: achieved at least a 75% average over the last two years of the Bachelor's degree.
• For thesis-based degree: achieved at least a 70% average over the last two years of the Bachelor's degree. An average of 78% over the last two years of the Bachelor's degree is necessary to be eligible to receive departmental funding.

Note: Equivalent or professional qualifications may be considered based on the standards of the discipline or profession.

Additional Requirements

• Scans of transcripts from all post-secondary study completed.
• A CV or resume.
• Statement of Intent for graduate study.
• Contact information for three referees, who will be asked to complete confidential letters of reference online.

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). Minimum acceptable score is 92 for the internet version with no individual score below 20 and a minimum of 23 in the speaking component. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). Minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9 with no individual score falling below 6.

We can offer a waiver of the English proficiency test when the applicant has completed at least one year of study at an accredited university where English is the medium of instruction. Waivers are not guaranteed and are judged on a case-by-case basis.

Application Deadline

Domestic and International Applicants:

• Deadline is January 24 for a September 1 start date. Please note that students who apply to the thesis-based MSc can also start on May 1. We do not offer January or May admission for the one-year, course-based MSc.

Students can be accepted who apply after the January 24 deadline in exceptional circumstances. Please visit the department website for more information.

Acceptance notifications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year beginning in March.

Fields of Research

• Earth and Planetary Systems
• Earth Evolution: Surface, Life and Climate
• Resource Geoscience
• Tectonic Processes and Crustal Dynamics