Faculty Affiliation

Pharmacy

Degree Programs

Pharmaceutical Sciences

MSc and PhD

• Fields:
  • Biomolecular Pharmaceutical Sciences;
  • Clinical, Social, and Administrative Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmacy

MScPhm

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Addiction Studies
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Bioethics
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Biomedical Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Cardiovascular Sciences
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Global Health (U of T Global Scholar)
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Health Services and Policy Research
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Neuroscience
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD
• Next-Generation Precision Medicine
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, PhD
• Toxicology
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSc, PhD

Overview

Pharmaceutical sciences encompasses all aspects of the discovery, development, administration, distribution, and utilization of therapeutic drugs, and the nature, functioning, and dysfunctioning of the biological systems with which drugs interact. As a global leader in pharmaceutical research, the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is home to some of the most prominent and distinguished experts in the area of pharmaceutical sciences. The department is centrally located in the heart of Toronto’s Health Sciences Discovery District. Students have the opportunity to conduct their research in collaboration with a wide range of departments at the University of Toronto and nearby world-class teaching hospitals and research institutes to solve some of health science’s most pressing problems.

A degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences can lead to a variety of career opportunities. Graduates have found employment in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, government, community or hospital pharmacy, consulting, and other businesses.

The Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers research opportunities and courses in two fields of study:

• Biomolecular Pharmaceutical Sciences: drug receptor interactions, molecular biology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, clinical, adverse drug reactions, drug metabolism; pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical formulations, radiopharmaceutical synthesis, drug discovery, biophysical chemistry, basic pharmacokinetics, and clinical research;

• Clinical, Social, and Administrative Pharmaceutical Sciences: bioethics, clinical pharmacy, drug policy, drug safety, global health and corruption, health economics, health policy, health services research, pedagogy, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacy administration, pharmacy practice, social pharmacy, and social psychology.

Contact and Address

Web: pharmacy.utoronto.ca/programs/graduate-department-pharmaceutical-sciences
Email: phm.grad@utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-8896
Fax: (416) 978-8511

Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
University of Toronto
144 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2
Canada

Master of Science

Program Description

The Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy offers students in the physical, biological, clinical, health, and social sciences a challenging and rewarding research-intensive program leading to the MSc degree. The result is an educational program that encourages multidisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and collaboration between students and faculty members. Graduate students are immersed in a challenging program that equips them with new ways of thinking and provides them with multiple tools to solve problems.

The MSc program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Admission and program requirements are the same for the full-time and part-time options. A limited number of students will be admitted to the part-time option.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with at least a mid-B average in each of the last two years of undergraduate study.

• The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee considers the applicant's background and accomplishments, academic standing, and financial support from the potential supervisor.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination is not English, must demonstrate facility in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following English-language proficiency tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

    • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

    • Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): a score of 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 in each component.

  • The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): a score of 76, with at least 22 in each component and 32 in the writing component.

  • Academic Preparation Course: a final grade of B in Level 60.

• If the undergraduate degree was not obtained from a recognized Canadian or US university, the applicant must write and achieve scores at the 50th percentile ranking or better on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test).

Program Requirements

• The MSc is a program of study that provides the appropriate foundation for thesis research. The program depends on the student's background and is planned in consultation with the supervisor and advisory committee, with the approval of the graduate director(s).

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE).

• Yearly advisory committee meetings.

• Attend at least one research ethics workshop (0.0 FCE) for graduate students.

• One poster presentation to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP).

• Annual attendance at GRIP.

• Regular attendance at a minimum of eight Pharmaceutical Sciences departmental seminars as well as student group seminars for two years (or less if all other program requirements are completed).

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• Final seminar to be given during the thesis defence.

• A thesis based on an approved research problem in an area of pharmaceutical sciences.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a challenging and rewarding research-intensive program leading to the PhD degree. Students in the program are immersed in pharmaceutical sciences, working, and collaborating with world-renowned researchers while gaining profound depth and experience in their area of study.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an appropriate master’s degree; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto's Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc program; or 3) direct entry following completion of an appropriate bachelor’s degree. Direct-entry admission spaces are limited.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum overall B+ average.

• The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee considers the applicant's background and accomplishments, academic standing, and financial support from the potential supervisor.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination is not English, must demonstrate facility in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following English-language proficiency tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

    • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

    • Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): a score of 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 in each component.

  • The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): a score of 76, with at least 22 in each component and 32 in the writing component.

  • Academic Preparation Course: a final grade of B in Level 60.

• If the undergraduate degree was not obtained from a recognized Canadian or US university, the applicant must write the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test) and achieve scores at the 50th percentile ranking or better on the Verbal and Quantitative components and a minimum score of 5.0 on the Analytical Writing component.

Program Requirements

• The PhD is a program of study that provides the appropriate foundation for thesis research. The program depends on the student's background and is planned in consultation with the supervisor and advisory committee, as well as with the approval of the graduate director(s).

• Coursework. Students normally complete 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) within the first three years of registration.

• Yearly advisory committee meetings.

• Successful completion of a PhD qualifying examination within the first 24 months of the program. Students are permitted a second attempt, if necessary, to satisfactorily complete the examination. The format of the examination will include the student giving a 20-minute presentation based on the proposal distributed to the Qualifying Examination Committee, followed by a question period. The student is expected to demonstrate appropriate understanding of the scientific basis of the research, the methodological approaches, and the technical details. Failure to successfully complete the PhD qualifying examination will result in a recommendation for termination of registration in the program.

• Attend at least one research ethics workshop (0.0 FCE) for graduate students. Students who completed this requirement while registered in the MSc program are not required to attend a second workshop.

• One poster presentation to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP).

• Annual attendance at GRIP.

• Regular attendance at a minimum of eight Pharmaceutical Sciences departmental seminars as well as student group seminars in each academic year for four years (or less if all other program requirements are completed).

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• An open final oral presentation (50 minutes long) immediately prior to a closed thesis defence.

• A thesis in conformity with University of Toronto regulations, based on research conducted while registered in a PhD program at the University of Toronto.

• Students must be on campus and participate full-time (including Summer) until all program requirements are completed. Simultaneous registration in another full-time degree program is not allowed.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

• Students who have a high academic standing and a clearly demonstrated ability to do research at the doctoral level may be eligible to transfer to the PhD program after one year in the MSc program. The student must have completed at least 1.0 full-course equivalent (FCE) with an average grade of A– during Year 1 of the master's program and must have financial support.

• A transfer from the MSc program to the PhD program occurs normally within 15 to 18 months of the student's first registration in the MSc program.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

• Successful completion of the MSc to PhD transfer examination.

• The transferred student must complete all remaining course requirements of the MSc program, except the thesis, in addition to the requirements of the PhD program. Credit is given in the doctoral program for research and graduate courses completed prior to the transfer.

• Yearly advisory committee meetings.

• Attend at least one research ethics workshop (0.0 FCE) for graduate students. Students who completed this requirement while registered in the MSc program are not required to attend a second workshop.

• Two poster presentations to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP), one of which may be at a peer-reviewed conference upon approval.

• Annual attendance at GRIP.

• Regular attendance at a minimum of eight Pharmaceutical Sciences departmental seminars as well as student group seminars in each academic year for four years (or less if all other program requirements are completed).

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• An open final oral presentation (50 minutes long) immediately prior to a closed thesis defence.

• A thesis in conformity with University of Toronto regulations, based on research conducted while registered in a PhD program at the University of Toronto.

• Students must be on campus and participate full-time (including Summer) until all program requirements are completed. Simultaneous registration in another full-time degree program is not allowed.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Under exceptional circumstances, students may be admitted directly to the PhD program with an appropriate bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum A– (80%) average, or its equivalent, in senior-level courses.

• The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee considers the applicant's background and accomplishments, academic standing, and financial support from the potential supervisor.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination is not English, must demonstrate facility in the English language through the successful completion of one of the following English-language proficiency tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

    • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

    • Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): a score of 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 in each component.

  • The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): a score of 76, with at least 22 in each component and 32 in the writing component.

  • Academic Preparation Course: a final grade of B in Level 60.

• If the undergraduate degree was not obtained from a recognized Canadian or US university, the applicant must write the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test) and achieve scores at the 50th percentile ranking or better on the Verbal and Quantitative components and a minimum score of 5.0 on the Analytical Writing component.

Program Requirements

• The PhD is a program of study that provides the appropriate foundation for thesis research. The program depends on the student's background and is planned in consultation with the supervisor and advisory committee, as well as with the approval of the graduate chair.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

• Yearly advisory committee meetings.

• Successful completion of a PhD qualifying examination within the first 24 months of the program. Students are permitted a second attempt, if necessary, to satisfactorily complete the examination. The format of the examination will include the student giving a 20-minute presentation based on the proposal distributed to the Qualifying Examination Committee, followed by a question period. The student is expected to demonstrate appropriate understanding of the scientific basis of the research, the methodological approaches, and the technical details. Failure to successfully complete the PhD qualifying examination will result in a recommendation for termination of registration in the program.

• Attend at least one research ethics workshop (0.0 FCE) for graduate students. Students who completed this requirement while registered in the MSc program are not required to attend a second workshop.

• Two poster presentation(s) to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP), one of which may be at a peer-reviewed conference upon approval.

• Annual attendance at GRIP.

• Regular attendance at a minimum of eight Pharmaceutical Sciences departmental seminars as well as student group seminars in each academic year for four years (or less if all other program requirements are completed).

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• An open final oral presentation (50 minutes long) immediately prior to a closed thesis defence.

• A thesis in conformity with University of Toronto regulations, based on research conducted while registered in a PhD program at the University of Toronto.

• Students must be on campus and participate full-time (including Summer) until all program requirements are completed. Simultaneous registration in another full-time degree program is not allowed.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

The department offers a flexible-time PhD program option for selected students. This program benefits professionals with career obligations and whose employment is closely related to their intended area of research. Applicants must meet all the admission requirements for entry to the full-time PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The program requirements for the flexible-time PhD option are identical to those for the full-time PhD program.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Appropriate master's degree from a recognized university with a minimum overall B+ average.

• The Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee considers the applicant's background and accomplishments, academic standing, and financial support from the potential supervisor.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination is not English are required to write the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

  • paper-based TOEFL: 600 and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE)

  • Internet-based TOEFL: 100/120 and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

• If the undergraduate degree was not obtained from a recognized Canadian or US university, the applicant must write the Graduate Record Examination (GRE; General Test) and achieve scores at the 50th percentile ranking or better on the Verbal and Quantitative components and a minimum score of 5.0 on the Analytical Writing component.

• A letter of support from the employer.

• The departmental admissions committee reviews the applications; admission is highly selective with preference given to applicants who are members in good standing of a regulated profession or scientific society.

Program Requirements

• The PhD is a program of study that provides the appropriate foundation for thesis research. The program depends on the student's background and is planned in consultation with the supervisor and advisory committee, with the approval of the graduate chair.

• Coursework. Students normally complete a total of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs).

• Yearly advisory committee meetings.

• Successful completion of a PhD qualifying examination within the first 32 months of the program. Students are permitted a second attempt, if necessary, to satisfactorily complete the examination. The format of the examination will include the student giving a 20-minute presentation based on the proposal distributed to the Qualifying Examination Committee, followed by a question period. The student is expected to demonstrate appropriate understanding of the scientific basis of the research, the methodological approaches, and the technical details. Failure to successfully complete the PhD qualifying examination will result in a recommendation for termination of registration in the program.

• Attend at least one research ethics workshop (0.0 FCE) for graduate students. Students who completed this requirement while registered in the MSc program are not required to attend a second workshop.

• One poster presentation, or two poster presentations by those without a master's degree, to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP).

• Annual attendance at GRIP.

• Regular attendance at a minimum of eight Pharmaceutical Sciences departmental seminars as well as student group seminars in each academic year for four years. Students whose current professional background is such that they would be deemed to have fulfilled a significant portion of the requirements contained in the department seminar series may be eligible for a reduction of four seminars upon consultation with the Director.

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• An open final oral presentation (50 minutes long) immediately prior to a closed thesis defence.

• A thesis in conformity with University of Toronto regulations, based on research conducted while registered in a PhD program at the University of Toronto.

• Students must ensure that they have adequate time on campus to attend classes and to fulfil the academic requirements.

• Full-time registration is required for the first four years and thereafter, students may register part-time.

Program Length

8 years

Time Limit

8 years

Please consult the department's timetable for courses offered in a given year.

⁺ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Master of Science in Pharmacy

Program Description

The Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPhm) program is designed to train future academic clinical pharmacist leaders. As members of patient care teams and as pharmacy practice researchers, graduates of the MScPhm program will influence the provision of pharmaceutical care at the patient and population level. As teachers, they will shape the development of current and future pharmacists.

Applicants may apply to the Fall session only.

MScPhm Program (Full-Time Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants must have status as a pharmacist, based on one of the following:

  • a bachelor's degree from a Canadian pharmacy program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or an American pharmacy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE); or

  • a license to practise pharmacy (any Canadian jurisdiction); or

  • a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, from any international pharmacy school and successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Exam.

• Applicants with pharmacy practice experience, including completion of a Year 1 Pharmacy residency program, are preferred. Applicants must also have an equivalent of a University of Toronto B+ (77 to 79%) in the last two years of study and have identified a primary graduate supervisor for the program.

Program Requirements

• Each student's program will be tailored to suit the student's background and interests and will be planned in consultation with the supervisor and graduate advisory committee, with the approval of the graduate chair.

• Students must complete a minimum of 9.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including a clinical practicum (3.0 FCEs) and a research project (3.0 FCEs).

• Graduate advisory committee meetings will be held at minimum once each year.

• One poster presentation given to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP).

• Annual attendance at GRIP.

• Regular attendance at the graduate departmental and student group seminars for two years.

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• An oral presentation of the completed research work will be submitted and assessed at an oral examination.

Program Length

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

Time Limit

3 years full-time

MScPhm Program (Part-Time Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants must have status as a pharmacist, based on one of the following:

  • a bachelor's degree from a Canadian pharmacy program accredited by the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or an American pharmacy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE); or

  • a license to practise pharmacy (any Canadian jurisdiction); or

  • a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, from any international pharmacy school and successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Evaluating Exam.

• Applicants with pharmacy practice experience, including completion of a Year 1 Pharmacy residency program, are preferred. Applicants must also have an equivalent of a University of Toronto B+ (77 to 79%) in the last two years of study and have identified a primary graduate supervisor for the program.

Program Requirements

• Each student's program will be tailored to suit the student's background and interests and will be planned in consultation with the supervisor and graduate advisory committee, with the approval of the graduate chair.

• Students must complete a minimum of 9.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including a clinical practicum (3.0 FCEs) and a research project (3.0 FCEs).

• Graduate advisory committee meetings will be held at minimum once each year.

• One poster presentation given to all faculty and graduate students at Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP). Students will attend GRIP yearly.

• Regular attendance at the graduate departmental and student group seminars for four years.

• An annual oral presentation of the student's own research work is given in the student seminar series.

• An oral presentation of the completed research work will be submitted and assessed at an oral examination.

Program Length

12 sessions part-time

Time Limit

6 years part-time

Required Foundational Courses

Practica and Research Project

Elective Courses