Graduate programs
In UVic Geography, you can pursue a master’s (MA, MCP or MSc) or PhD tailored to your research interests. You’ll work on important issues affecting society today, like conservation and the changing climate’s effect on human systems. Your degree will be research-focused and supplemented with coursework.
Focus your research in the areas of human geography, physical geography, human-environment interactions or geomatics. UVic’s location on Vancouver Island gives you easy access to marine and alpine ecosystems, freshwater wetlands, rivers, lakes and a temperate rainforest for fieldwork.
Master's programs
MA & MSc
In these programs, you’ll develop independent research abilities in a specific area of geography while enhancing career-relevant skills. You'll take coursework and develop a research proposal in year 1. Then, you'll pursue independent research and write your thesis in year 2.
Master of Arts program requirements
Master of Science program requirements
MCP
Learn about the new Master of Community Planning program starting September 2027.
PhD program
Our PhD program is a research-oriented degree designed to develop expertise in a specific area of geography. You’ll do nominal coursework, a candidacy examination, a research proposal and a dissertation.
Admissions
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic grad student, from finding a supervisor to submitting your application.
MA program admission requirements
MCP program admission requirements
MSc program admission requirements
Funding
Every year, UVic awards $12 million to help fund graduate students through a combination of:
- UVic fellowships and awards
- teaching assistantships
- research assistantships
Most of our students also receive external awards and scholarships and financial aid and bursaries. Consideration for funding is automatic. A funding offer is normally included with an offer of admission.
We offer a yearly guaranteed minimum income (GMI) to all eligible new graduate students. Some funding offers may include a combination of teaching assistantships, graduate awards and/or fellowships.
- MA or MSc: $15,500 to $19,500 per year for the first 2 years
- PhD: $16,500 to $20,500 per year for the first 3 years
International students receive a slightly higher GMI to offset higher tuition fees.
Co-op
UVic is home to the largest co-op graduate program in Canada. Learn about combining co-op placements with your program on the co-op website.
Grad students are also eligible for the shorter Work Experience Program.