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School of Public Health & Social Policy

Social Dimensions of Health master’s degree

The Social Dimensions of Health (SDH) master’s program is a unique academic opportunity for students interested in engaging in health research that transcends traditional disciplines.

This research-intensive 2-year program combines the faculties of Education, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences. You’ll learn about advanced research in health and its relation to society, and work with faculty leading that same research to produce your own original findings.

Willow Paul, a woman with dark hair and denim jacket, facing the camera and smiling

Prepare your application

Find out what you need to apply to the Social Dimensions of Health program and what's required to complete it.

Admissions requirements Program planning
Willow Paul (SDH MA '25) is the research manager for the Fireweed Project, an initiative that provides information about abortion access and support to Indigenous communities.

Program overview

Social Dimensions of Health is affiliated with more than 130 full-time faculty members engaged in health research across the faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities, Education and Health. The innovative approach of our programs brings together researchers with a breadth of experience across theoretical and methodological backgrounds who challenge students to examine health research from a variety of perspectives.

Note: this program is offered on-campus and in-person only.
See our Master of Public Health program for online and remote graduate studies.

Study with flexibility

The SDH program is flexible and personalized, so you can pursue studies that fit with your background and future goals.

You can apply for either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MSc) degree. Your co-supervisors will decide the designation in consultation with the SDH graduate adviser at the time of acceptance.

Whether you pursue an MA or MSc, the final output is a thesis which you must defend according to the regulations of the SDH handbook and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Student stories

Fireweed Project research team members standing in a row wearing blankets

Abortion access project lights fire in health grad student

Willow Paul had planned to work in Indigenous child welfare when she finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Victoria. But serendipity—and a supportive mentor—changed her career path.

Read Willow's story

Career possibilities

Thanks to its interdisciplinary approach, the SDH program prepares you for a wide range of careers. These include:

  • clinical or community health research coordinator
  • social epidemiologist
  • health policy analyst
  • health promotion manager
  • health data analyst
  • non-profit leadership
  • social services coordinator

Ready to apply?

Applications to the SDH program must be submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Visit our admissions page for more information about requirements and deadlines:

Apply online