Geography and Planning: Geography MSc

Master of Science

Program Description

The MSc program offers studies in the areas of physical geography, spatial information systems and some areas of environmental studies. Applicants should apply to the MSc degree program (rather than the MA) if their planned research contains a substantial physical science component and if two-thirds of their planned coursework comprises Geography courses accepted by the department as physical science courses.

 

MSc Program (Thesis Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Geography and Planning's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+ in the final two years.

  • Applicants are expected to have completed at least 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in geography or a related discipline. Applicants lacking the minimum requirements should consider doing qualifying work at the undergraduate level prior to application. Such work should be undertaken in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. Applicants who hold an appropriate bachelor's degree but are changing disciplines or require further preparatory work, may be required to complete an additional year of graduate-level coursework.

Program Requirements

  • Progress into the second session is dependent on achieving an overall B average in the first session and satisfactory progress as outlined in the Graduate Geography Handbook.

  • Students undertake research leading to the preparation of a thesis (RST9999Y), in conjunction with at least the equivalent of 1.5 FCEs in coursework including:

    • 0.5 FCE core course GGR1200H Physical Geography Core Course;

    • 0.5 FCE elective course in geography or from an approved list of courses available from the department; and

    • 0.5 FCE elective course that may be taken inside or outside the department.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

 

MSc Program (Research Paper Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Geography and Planning's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum standing equivalent to at least a University of Toronto B+ in the final two years.

  • Applicants are expected to have completed at least 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in geography or a related discipline. Applicants lacking the minimum requirements should consider doing qualifying work at the undergraduate level prior to application. Such work should be undertaken in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. Applicants who hold an appropriate bachelor's degree but are changing disciplines or require further preparatory work, may be required to complete an additional year of graduate-level coursework.

Program Requirements

  • Progress into the second session is dependent on achieving an overall B average in the first session and satisfactory progress as outlined in the Graduate Geography Handbook.

  • Students will undertake research leading to the preparation of a major research paper (GGR1100Y; 1.0 FCE), in conjunction with the equivalent of 3.0 graduate FCEs in coursework including:

    • 0.5 FCE core course GGR1200H Physical Geography Core Course;

    • 1.5 FCE elective courses in geography or from an approved list of courses available from the department; and

    • 1.0 FCE elective courses, 0.5 FCE of which must be taken outside the department.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time