Complete the MSc Geophysics course-based program in 12 months as a full-time student, or in 24 months as a part-time student. This allows you to complete the program while continuing to work.

The program begins each August and runs until August the following year. Please note: Students must complete the field course Exploration Geophysics GP 9509A, which runs in late August to early September of the student’s first year in the program.

As an MSc Geophysics student, you will complete 8 half-courses tailored to your interests and career goals. A minimum of 50% of your courses (4 half-courses) must be in Geophysics.

Students are also required to complete the Graduate Seminar (GP 9580A) and the Exploration of Geophysics GP 9509A field course.

Tuition is due at the beginning of each term – September 1 (fall term), January 1 (winter term), and May 1 (summer term). Tuition, ancillary fees, student organization fees and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar’s website. Note that tuition and ancillary fees are subject to increase each September. We strongly encourage you to visit this website so that you are aware of your tuition and fees.

Financial assistance may be available for eligible students. Please visit the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Funding and Fees page.

Have questions about applying? Email askearthsci@uwo.ca.

To apply to the MSc Geophysics course-based program, students should:

• Visit the online application website
• Follow the instructions on that page to access the application.
• Select “MSc Geophysics Course Based” from the program options in the application.

Documents required:

• Scanned copies of transcripts from all post-secondary study completed
  • Official transcripts in a language other than English should be provided in their original language, along with a certified translation into English. French language transcripts from schools within Canada are acceptable without an official translation.
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Intent for graduate study
  • This should outline your qualifications for graduate school, your interests in the program, and your reasons for applying to Western specifically. The statement of intent should be no more than one single-spaced page (typed; maximum 500 words).
• Contact information for a minimum of three references
  • References will be sent an online reference form to their email to complete and submit electronically
  • Two of your references must be academic; the third may be academic or professional.
  • If you are using a professional reference, they must be from a previously held position related to the earth sciences.
• English proficiency scores if your first language is not English

Your application will not be assessed until the three letters of reference have been completed. Any submitted applications with information missing will be returned for revision. If your application is judged to be successful, your offer of admission will be conditional upon your forwarding official transcripts and/or test scores to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Please do not send in any official paper documents unless requested to do so by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. 

Application Deadline

Applications are open year-round, however, the primary round of admissions is based upon all completed applications (with all letters of reference received) by January 30.

Students are encouraged to apply by January 30 for their best chance of admission. Applications received after this deadline may still be considered, but spots may be limited.

Successful applicants will be contacted via email, beginning in March.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

• TOEFL IBT: Minimum of 92, with no individual score falling below 20, and a minimum of 23 in the speaking component
• IELTS: Minimum of 6.0, with no individual score falling below 6.0

All decisions of the graduate committee regarding proficiency tests are final.

Additional considerations:

• CAEL or TOEFL PBT scores can be accepted; please contact the department
• A waiver of the English proficiency test may be granted in exceptional circumstances in cases where the applicant has studied at an English-language university in a region where English is not the language of daily use and in which the applicant demonstrates exceptional proficiency
• Students who fail to meet the minimum required proficiency standard may receive conditional admission subject to successful completion of Western's English Language Proficiency Program in exceptional circumstances.

Submission:

• TOEFL results should be sent electronically using the institution code of 0984 and the department code of 71.
• IELTS scores can be sent electronically, by uploading a scanned copy as a part of the online application. Your TRF (Test Report Form) number must be legible in the scan so that Western can verify the results with the British Council.

I have not been in school for a while, what if I can't acquire two academic references?

If two academic references cannot be obtained, a second professional recommendation letter will be considered, written by someone you have worked closely with.

What happens if I apply on time, but my references or transcript aren't available until after applications close?

For the best chance of admission, students are encouraged to apply by January 30. Applications will continue to be accepted until late spring. Your application will not be assessed until the three letters of reference have been completed. Any submitted applications with information missing will be returned for revision. If your application is judged to be successful, your offer of admission will be conditional upon your forwarding official transcripts and/or test scores to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

How can I check the status of my application?

Application status can be tracked through Western's Student Centre. Updates will be posted there once your documents are received and reviewed.

When can I expect to hear whether I have been accepted into the program?

All received applications are reviewed in February/March and offers of admission are made in the Spring. Offers will continue throughout Spring and Summer as applications are received.

Do I need a background in Earth Sciences?

Applicants from related fields such as physics, math, computer science, chemistry, or engineering are welcome. A strong quantitative background is beneficial.

Can I still apply if my average is below 75%/B from my last two years of study?

Applications with an average below 75% will not be considered for the course-based MSc program.

Is the department able to pre-assess my grades before I apply?

The department does not pre-assess grades. All evaluations are done centrally by the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) after a full application is submitted.

Am I eligible to apply as an international student?

International students are encouraged to apply, however they must meet academic and English language proficiency requirements.

Is there any university funding available for the MSc Geophysics course-based program?

The course-based MSc in Geophysics is an in-person program that can be completed in 12-months (full-time) or 24-months (part-time).

Can this program be taken part-time or online?

The course-based MSc in Geophysics is an in-person program that can be completed in 12-months (full-time) or 24-months (part-time).