Geography (PhD)
In the geography program, you’ll work on important issues affecting society today, like conservation and the changing climate’s effect on human systems.
Our PhD program is research-oriented and designed to develop your expertise in a specific area of geography. You’ll complete a candidacy examination, research proposal, coursework and your final dissertation.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | Yes | No |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Doctorate
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- acquire an advanced understanding of fundamental concepts and skills in one or more of the major domains of geography
- design, execute, produce and disseminate original research relevant to the discipline of geography
- communicate research and data clearly through written, oral and graphic means
- collaborate and build relationships of respect with communities, colleagues and other research partners
- learn the role, ethics and responsibilities of a geography researcher
Find a supervisor
PhD students must have a faculty member who serves as their academic supervisor. When you apply:
- you must list a potential supervisor on your application
- this faculty member must agree to be your supervisor and recommend your admission
- include an email from your supervisor with your application
To find a supervisor, review the faculty contacts. When you’ve found a faculty member whose research complements your own, contact them by email.
Cameron Owens
Teaching Professor Historical geographies; environmental assessment and sustainability; experiential learning
Chris Darimont
Professor, Raincoast Research Chair in Applied Conservation Science Conservation science; resource management; wildlife; marine-terrestrial interactions
Chris Bone
Associate Professor Geospatial technologies; spatial simulation modelling; human-environment interactions
Christina Hoicka
Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Urban Planning for Climate Change Energy geography; sustainability transitions; diffusion of innovations; renewable energy transformations
CindyAnn Rose-Redwood
Associate Teaching Professor Social geography; global migration; Caribbean studies; international student experiences; social justice; anti-racism
Crystal Tremblay
Assistant Professor Environmental governance; participatory community-based research; social justice
David Atkinson
Professor, Department Chair Climate; weather and human and natural systems; data analysis; modelling; the Arctic
Denise Cloutier
Professor Older adults, health services research; quality of life; long-term care; social isolation; homelessness; mixed methods research; Indigenous methodologies
Eva Kwoll
Assistant Professor Geomorphology; sediment transport; flow-vegetation interaction; bedrock canyons
Kristian Dubrawski
Assistant Professor, Canada Research Chair in Water Sustainability for Indigenous and Rural Communities Water; community; nature-based solutions; techno-ecological synergy
Maycira Costa
Professor Remote sensing; coastal oceanography; wetlands; biogeophysical processes
Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles
Assistant Professor Critical Indigenous geographies; human-environmental interaction; political ecology; tribal cultural resource preservation
Noémie Boulanger-Lapointe
Assistant Professor I am interested to better understand ecosystem functioning to solve applied environmental management and conservation issues. My research is interdisciplinary and thrive to create space for a multiplicity of knowledges (Indigenous, local, scientific) in a perspective of ecological and social justice. Spatial modeling is my tool of predilection which I use to synthesize complex information at the landscape to regional scale.
Randall Scharien
Associate Professor, Graduate Advisor Remote sensing; cryosphere with specialization in Arctic sea ice
Reuben Rose-Redwood
Professor, Associate Dean, Academic Social and cultural geography; critical urban studies
Shannon Fargey
Associate Teaching Professor, Undergraduate Advisor Climate; mountain meteorology; hydrology; spatial analysis
Sophia Carodenuto
Assistant Professor Natural resources governance, Global food systems, sustainability, Africa studies
Teresa Dawson
Teaching Professor, Honours Advisor Geography pedagogy; feminist geographies; learning in community
Show me program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Your program details
Application deadlines
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a one-page statement about your academic background, the specific area of research you want to study, why you would like to study at UVic and why you wish to work with your potential supervisor
- a current résumé
- two reference names and their email addresses
- post-secondary transcripts
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must submit:
- a one-page statement about your academic background, the specific area of research you want to study, why you would like to study at UVic and why you wish to work with your potential supervisor
- a current résumé
- two reference names and their email addresses
- post-secondary transcripts
Completion requirements
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Related programs
Need help?
Contact Sally Johnson at geog2@uvic.ca or 250-721-7350.