Biology: Master of Science (MSc) is a master's degree in Biological Sciences programme taught at University of Victoria in Victoria, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 2,857 per semester (CAD 2,265 per semester for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Master's Degree
Field:Biological Sciences
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 2,265 / semester
International tuition: CAD 2,857 / semester
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
The MSc in Biology at UVic is a full-time, research-intensive two-year degree in which coursework supports an original research thesis rather than dominating the program. Students design and carry out laboratory or field work intended to advance understanding in their area of biology, then defend the thesis in an oral examination. Along the way they build connections with scientific institutes such as the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, which opens up coastal and marine research settings beyond the main campus. Training covers advanced technical skills across laboratory, field, computing and statistical methods, together with science communication through presentation and writing, and grounding in the role, ethics and responsibilities of biological research. Study is on-campus with an optional co-op component.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:6.50 / 9.0
Admission Requirements: This University of Victoria master's program requires background knowledge of basic biology at least equivalent to that of an undergraduate biology student, together with a minimum B+ (6.5 GPA on UVic's 9-point scale) average over the final two years of the undergraduate degree. The program page states no IELTS, TOEFL or other English-language test score. Applicants must arrange a faculty supervisor willing to recommend their admission, and must submit a letter of intent naming at least one potential supervisor, a current résumé, two reference names and email addresses, and post-secondary transcripts. The program admits in January, May and September, with applicants encouraged to apply by February 15 for September entry to be guaranteed consideration for University of Victoria Entrance Awards.
Application Details
Start Date:January, May and September
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through EducationPlannerBC, which opens for 2027-entry applications on 1 October 2026: most degree programmes see September 2027 entry close 31 January 2027, January 2027 entry close 30 September 2026, and Summer 2027 entry close 31 March 2027, though Teacher Education post-degree programmes close 2 January 2027, Indigenous Education post-degree admits on an ongoing basis, and Engineering's Summer entry (high-school graduates only) closes 31 December 2026. International applicants use the same portal and face identical dates, since UVic publishes no separate international deadline. UVic treats these as fixed annual dates rather than rolling admission, though it warns any programme can close early without notice. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
