Master's & PhD Programs

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Admission and Applying

Fields of Study and Research Supervisors

Western’s Graduate Program in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) centres around nine different fields of study that reflect areas of strength among researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences and provides students with an opportunity to explore issues and ideas related to the health of people around the world. Unique program offerings allow students with varied learning objectives to pursue health-related graduate degrees (master’s and PhD) while developing expertise related to their program of research.

Master of Science (MSc)

A two-year program that provides opportunities to study health and rehabilitation from multiple perspectives. Working alongside a research supervisor, students select one of nine fields of study and complete their degree requirements through a combination of coursework, seminars and the creation of an original thesis. The MSc program often serves as a springboard to a professional program or as the foundation for students to pursue a PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A four-year program that builds on the research experience of a master's degree, the PhD program provides opportunities to study health and rehabilitation from multiple perspectives. Working alongside a research supervisor, students select one of nine fields of study and complete their degree requirements through a combination of coursework, seminars, comprehensive examinations, and the creation of an original thesis that introduces new knowledge to the field.

Combined Programs

Through its links with the six schools that make up the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Graduate Program in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences has created opportunities for a limited number of its students to work toward a PhD while also pursuing a clinical master’s degree in one of the four areas of rehabilitation listed below.

Students in this program pursue a research-based degree (PhD) in Hearing Science and earn the professional qualifications to practice as a registered Audiologist (MClSc).

Program Model and Requirements

The combined MClSc/PhD program takes fives years to finish and students complete all of the requirements of both the PhD program in Hearing Science and the MClSc program in Audiology, offered through the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Students complete most of the MClSc course requirements during the first two years of study. The PhD program requirements are integrated into the full five years, with the clinical requirements necessary to practice as an audiologist completed near the end of the program. In completing the research components of the program, students are required to work with a research supervisor in the field of Hearing Science and should make arrangements for supervision prior to applying to the program. Students are also required to develop an original thesis that introduces new knowledge to the field and pass comprehensive examinations.

Students in this program pursue a research-based degree (PhD) related to occupational therapy in one of nine fields of study and earn the professional qualifications to practice as a registered Occupational Therapist (MScOT).

Program Model and Requirements

The combined MScOT/PhD program takes fives years to finish and students complete all of the requirements of both the PhD program and the MScOT program in Occupational Therapy, offered through the School of Occupational Therapy. Students begin with two years of full-time study in the PhD program, followed by two years of full-time study in the MScOT program. The MScOT degree is conferred following the fourth year of study. The final components of the PhD program are completed during the fifth year. In completing the research components of the program, students are required to work with a research supervisor appointed in the School of Occupational Therapy in one of the nine fields of study and conduct research related to occupational therapy. Students should make arrangements for supervision prior to applying to the program. Students are also required to develop an original thesis that introduces new knowledge to the field and pass comprehensive examinations.

Students in this program pursue a research-based degree (PhD) related to physical therapy in one of nine fields of study and earn the professional qualifications to practice as a registered Physical Therapist (MPT).

Program Model and Requirements

The combined MPT/PhD program takes fives years to finish and students complete all of the requirements of both the PhD program and the MPT program in Physical Therapy, offered through the School of Physical Therapy. Students begin with two years of full-time study in the PhD program, followed by two years of full-time in the MPT program. The MPT degree is conferred following the fourth year of study. The final components of the PhD program are completed during the fifth year. In completing the research components of the program, students are required to work with a research supervisor in one of the nine fields of study and conduct research related to physical therapy. Students should make arrangements for supervision prior to applying to the program. Students are also required to develop an original thesis that introduces new knowledge to the field and pass comprehensive examinations.

Students in this program pursue a research-based degree (PhD) in Speech and Language Science and earn the professional qualifications to practice as a registered Speech-Language Pathologist (MClSc).

Program Model and Requirements

The combined MClSc/PhD program takes fives years to finish and students complete all of the requirements of both the PhD program in Speech and Language Science and the MClSc program in Speech-Language Pathology, offered through the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Students complete most of the MClSc course requirements during the first two years of study. The PhD program requirements are integrated into the full five years, with the clinical requirements necessary to practice as a speech-language pathologist completed near the end of the program.

In completing the research components of the program, students are required to work with a research supervisor in the field of Speech and Language Science and should make arrangements for supervision prior to applying to the program. Students are also required to develop an original thesis that introduces new knowledge to the field and pass comprehensive examinations.