Social Dimensions of Health - PhD at University of Victoria - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

The Social Dimensions of Health (PhD) program at the University of Victoria (UVic) is an interdisciplinary initiative that merges the faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, and Health. This program is designed for students who are eager to engage in advanced research concerning health and its societal implications. As a PhD candidate, you will collaborate with faculty members who are at the forefront of health research, providing a rich environment for academic growth and exploration.

Program structure

The Social Dimensions of Health PhD program is structured to be research-intensive, requiring students to complete various components that contribute to their academic and professional development. The program is designed to be completed in 4 years and includes:

Coursework that lays the foundation for advanced research.
Candidacy exams to assess your readiness for independent research.
Independent, original research culminating in a dissertation that contributes to the field of health research.
Opportunities to mentor Master’s students during colloquiums and research methods courses.

Students are required to have two faculty members as academic co-supervisors, who must agree to support your admission and guide your research journey. The program is offered on-campus and is available for full-time study.

Featured Experiences

Research-intensive focus allowing for in-depth exploration of health-related topics.
Mentorship opportunities for PhD students to guide Master’s students.
Collaboration with faculty engaged in leading-edge health research.
Original dissertation work that aims to advance health research.

Career Options

Health Researcher: Conduct studies to explore health issues and develop solutions to improve public health.
Policy Analyst: Analyze health policies and recommend changes to improve health outcomes in communities.
University Professor: Teach and mentor students while conducting research in health-related fields.
Public Health Consultant: Advise organizations on health initiatives and strategies to promote community health.
Program Coordinator: Manage health programs and initiatives within organizations, ensuring effective implementation and evaluation.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Victoria official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Social Dimensions of Health PhD program at the University of Victoria, applicants must meet specific academic requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies as well as the individual program requirements. Here are the key points to consider:

Completion of an acceptable master’s degree (or equivalent) from an institution recognized by UVic.
For those without a master's degree, you may be considered if you have the equivalent of an A- average in the last two years of a bachelor’s degree.
Any requirements specific to the Social Dimensions of Health program must also be met.

Important Note: Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, it is essential to review the specific requirements that may apply. If you are a Vietnamese or Asian student, please ensure you check for any additional details that may pertain to your application.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding the application process, we encourage you to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support and guidance.

Language Requirements

To attend the University of Victoria (UVic), you must demonstrate English language proficiency. This requirement can be met through various means, including:

English is your primary language
You have a degree from a designated English-speaking country
You have a degree from a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English

UVic accepts the following six language tests as proof of English language proficiency:

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
MET (Michigan English Test)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Official test score reports must be sent directly to UVic by the testing agency. Please note that we cannot accept test scores more than two years old.

For the Social Dimensions of Health - PhD program, the minimum test scores required are as follows:

CAEL: a score of at least 70 with no component below 60
Cambridge C1 Advanced: a score of at least 180 with no component below 170
IELTS: a score of at least 6.5 with no section less than 6.0
MET: a score of at least 64 with no section less than 60
PTE: a score of 65 with no skill less than 60
TOEFL iBT: for tests taken after January 21, 2026: a score of at least 4.5 with no section less than 4.0; for tests taken before January 21, 2026: a score of at least 90 with no section less than 20

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!