PhD Degree in Geography (Environment and Sustainability)

see also the MA or MSc in Environment and Sustainability (collaborative program)

Description

The PhD in Geography (Environment and Sustainability) is an interdisciplinary degree offered within Geography in collaboration with the Environment and Sustainability Program.  The PhD is a research degree in which the PhD thesis, contributing original knowledge to the field of research, is the primary focus. The thesis research should be in an area relevant to the Environmental Sciences.

The degree consists of all mandatory program components in Geography along with the mandatory program components required by Environment and Sustainability.  The program blends formal instruction and seminars with individual supervision and research experience, and provides the opportunity to improve and practice research skills, communication and teaching.  The program provides an opportunity for interaction with students, and supervision by faculty, from a wide range of other disciplines engaged in environmental science research. 

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for funding in the form of teaching assistantships and internal scholarships requires a minimum of 78% for both domestic (Canadian or Permanent Residents) and international students. In practice, only those students eligible for funding are admitted and are guaranteed a minimum level of funding per annum from any number of sources: $19,000 for domestic and $26,000 for international students respectively. The difference between guaranteed domestic and international funding reflects the difference in fees paid by each.  Most students also receive Summer term research assistantship money from the Supervisor.

In exceptional cases, very strong Masters students may be considered for promotion to the PhD without completing the Masters degree.  Students who want to enter the Environment and Sustainability Program apply for graduate admission to Geography and subsequently (typically) apply to Environment and Sustainability early in their first term in the program.

Evidence of proficiency in English is required for applicants born outside Canada whose first language is not English. The required level of proficiency can best be demonstrated by the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which must have been administered within the last two years.  An Official Examiner's Score can be submitted directly to Western by the Educational Testing Service.  Western's TOEFL ID is 0984.  The minimum total score for the internet-based test is 88, with individual minimum section requirements as follows:  reading - 22; listening - 20; speaking - 22; writing - 24.  If submitted in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) score is 7.

The Department of Geography does not require applicants to submit GRE scores, although these can be submitted in support of an application.

Degree Requirements

The degree consists of all mandatory program components in Geography along with the mandatory program components required by Environment and Sustainability. 

Supervision

PhD students are supervised through an Thesis Supervision Committee of three, consisting of the Supervisor and two other faculty members knowledgeable in the area of research. The thesis supervisor must be listed as a member of the Environmental Sciences "Core Faculty" and the Committee must include a member of the Environmental Science Core Faculty from a department other than Geography. The Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the student's academic program, especially the thesis research and thesis preparation. Applicants are asked to identify three possible supervisors of their intended research on their application form. The advisory committee provides a formal support system, but students are encouraged to draw widely on faculty for informal assistance in their research.

Questions?

Please contact the Program Administrator in the Environment and Sustainability program with any questions regarding the collaborative program.

Phone: 519-850-2570

Email: hsanders@uwo.ca

Program requirements, course offerings and funding can change due to unforeseen circumstances.