Graduate admissions FAQ
Visit the graduate admissions site for details on how to apply.
What's the application deadline?
With financial consideration: January 15 for September entry
Without financial support: May 31 for September entry
Do I need an undergraduate degree in sociology to do a master's degree?
We welcome applications from students with strong backgrounds in sociology or related fields. If you did not major in sociology for your undergraduate degree, contact our graduate advisor for advice early in the application process.
Do I need a master's in sociology to do a PhD in sociology?
Admission to the PhD program normally requires a master's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline. We require a minimum average of 7.0 to 7.5 (A- to A) in graduate courses.
To be admitted to the program, you must have excellent letters of reference, present a clear statement of research interests and submit an example of strong scholarly work.
Do I need to contact a prospective supervisor before applying?
It is important for there to be a good fit between student and supervisor if graduate study is to be successful, especially at the doctoral level. Accordingly, all PhD applicants are required to contact potential supervisors in advance of submitting an application for admission. It is recommended, but not required, that MA applicants do so.
How many students are admitted each year?
We usually admit 8-10 master's students and 2-3 PhD students each year. Because of our size, students selected for admission benefit from small seminar classes and gain ample access to professors.
What are the GPA requirements?
Admission to the master's program requires a bachelor's degree, with a minimum overall average of B+ (6.0) in the final 2 full years of credit units or undergraduate work.
Admission to the PhD program normally requires a master’s degree in sociology or a related social science discipline with a minimum average of 7.0 to 7.5 (A- to A) in graduate courses.
What documents are required in the application?
You should review the application process checklist.
We require the following items to complete your application:
- online application form
- statement of intent (1-2 pages in length)
- a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to undertake sociological analysis
- resume
- (if applicable) IELTS or TOEFL scores
- 2 assessment reports and/or letters of reference (see below for guidelines)
- transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (including transfer credits)
Is a written statement of intent required?
Yes, we require this as part of your application package.
Your statement of intent should specify the area of study that you are interested in and any potential research topics that you would like to work on.
It should explain how your academic background and achievements have prepared you to undertake graduate study in this area and why you believe that you would be successful.
You should also explain why our graduate program would be a good fit for you. You should identify which faculty member(s) you would like to work with as a potential supervisor and state whether you have already been in contact with them.
The statement should be a 1-2 page essay that clearly states and situates your research interests (with references to relevant academic literature) and explains why you are a good candidate for admission.
Is the GRE necessary and what is the minimum score required?
The GRE is not necessary for our department.
What are the language proficiency requirements for UVic?
You must demonstrate English language proficiency to attend UVic.
What are the institutional codes for the GRE and TOEFL exams?
The institutional code for both the GRE and the TOEFL is 0989.
How many transcripts need to be submitted?
Learn about submission of documents on the graduate admissions site.
Will I be considered for financial assistance?
All students who submit applications by the funding deadline are considered for financial support. We normally fund master's students for 2 years. You would need to make adequate progress in the first year to qualify for second-year funding.
Doctoral students are normally funded for 4 or 5 years. We strive to support doctoral students with funding approaching $20,000 a year. International students must have first-class degrees to be eligible for full funding.
Sources for funds can include teaching and research assistantships, grants and fellowships from the Faculty of Graduate Studies, external grants and fellowships, and sessional teaching work for doctoral students in their fourth or fifth years of study.
All eligible students are encouraged to apply for funding from provincial, federal and external sources.
Learn more on the graduate admissions site.
Who should provide assessment reports or letters of reference?
We require assessment reports from a minimum of 2 professors or other academic authorities who are familiar with your work.
Once you apply online, your assessors will be sent an email with the online assessment report to be completed. Letters of reference may be supplied as part of the assessment reports. Applicants are not be permitted to see these documents.
How do I check the status of my application?
You can view the checklist on your for a list of received and outstanding documents. Submit any outstanding documents not already uploaded as PDFs as part of your application to graddocs@uvic.ca.
Once your file has sufficient information for evaluation, a graduate admissions and records officer will review it to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Once this is confirmed your file will be forwarded to our department for assessment. You will be advised of the decision as soon as possible, usually by the end of March.
Are there supports and resources available for Indigenous students?
We welcome applications from Indigenous students. There are a range of supports and funding opportunities available for you at UVic.