Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacy

The program information below was valid for the spring 2020 term (May 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020). This is the archived version; the most up-to-date program information is available through the current Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is updated 3 times per year, at the start of each academic term (January 1, May 1, September 1). Graduate Studies Academic Calendars from previous terms can be found in the archives.

Students are responsible for reviewing the general information and regulations section of the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.

Graduate research fields

  • Drug Design: Molecular Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology
  • Pharmaceutics: Drug and Vaccine Delivery Systems and Nanomedicine

Program information

  • Admit term(s) 
    • Fall
    • Winter
    • Spring
  • Delivery mode 
    • On-campus (Kitchener campus)
  • Program type 
    • Master's
    • Research
  • Registration option(s) 
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
  • Registration option(s) information 
    • The program may be offered part-time on a case-by-case basis upon consideration of the circumstances by the Associate Director of Research and Graduate Studies, School of Pharmacy, and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Faculty of Science.
  • Study option(s) 

Admission requirements

  • Minimum requirements 
    • Admission to the program requires a minimum 78% average in the last 2 years of a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science program or equivalent.
  • Application materials 
    • Résumé
    • Supplementary information form
    • Transcript(s)
  • References 
    • Number of references:  2
    • Type of references: 

      academic
  • English language proficiency (ELP) (if applicable)

Degree requirements

    Thesis option:

  • Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
  • Courses 
    • Students must successfully complete 4 one-term (0.50 unit weight) graduate courses including PHARM 601 MSc Thesis Proposal and PHARM 610 Topics in Drug Development.
    • Graduate level courses from outside of the School of Pharmacy curriculum may be accepted toward these requirements if approved by the supervisor, Advisory Committee and Graduate Officer. Among the 4 courses taken, one 400-level course may be accepted toward this requirement if approved by the supervisor and Advisory Committee. The main criterion for acceptance will be based on gaining knowledge in an area that is outside the background of the student but will benefit their research program. Graduate students and their Advisory Committee must ensure that the course selection reflects a graduate degree in Pharmacy.
    • Students can only take 1 ‘Special Topics’ course for credit toward their graduate degree program requirements (e.g. PHARM 608 or PHARM 611)
    • A minimum of 70% must be obtained in any graduate course taken by an MSc in Pharmacy student to be granted pass standing, and the candidate must obtain an average of at least 75% in the courses presented in fulfillment of the MSc in Pharmacy degree.
  • Link(s) to courses
  • Academic Integrity Workshop
  • Graduate Studies Seminar
    • This milestone requires students enrolled in the program to attend the School of Pharmacy Research Seminar Series continuously throughout their program. Attendance at 5 seminars each term will be the minimum required for full-time students. Attendance at 2 seminars each term will be the minimum required for part-time students.
    • Reasonable exceptions for not meeting minimum attendance in a term will be granted by the Graduate Officer in cases of illness, unavoidable TA or course conflict and research conference attendance. Outside employment, experimental preparation, final thesis writing and vacation are not considered reasonable exceptions for attendance.
  • Master’s Thesis
    • Students must prepare and orally defend a thesis embodying the results of their research on a topic approved by their supervisor and Advisory Committee.
  • Other requirements 
    • Thesis Advisory Committee meetings: the thesis advisory committee must be formed during the student’s first term.
    • The thesis advisory committee must meet formally to report on the student’s progress, at least annually, according to the following schedule: 1) the first meeting of the thesis advisory committee meeting must be held by the end of the first term; 2) the thesis proposal examination should take place by the end of the second term and no later than the middle of the third term; 3) subsequent general meetings must be held at least annually.
    • The student must submit a written report following each thesis advisory committee meeting.
School of Pharmacy website
Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmacy future students program page