FAQ

What is an “ideal” academic background for a Surgical and Interventional Sciences candidate?

Ideal backgrounds depend on which concentration a potential student is interested in. The Department encourages potential students to contact our administrative team for more information.

 

What types of concentrations does Surgical and Interventional Sciences have?

Non-Thesis, Core, Global Surgery, Surgical Education, Surgical Innovation, Digital Health Innovation. Please visit the “Apply” tab of our website for more details.

 

What is the minimum GPA required for the program? Are recommendation letters necessary?

A GPA of 3.2 is standard minimum for the Surgical and Interventional Sciences program. However, please contact our administration team as admission to graduate programs at McGill is holistic, meaning that many factors are taken into consideration in the admission decision, including academic credentials and grades.

 

If I am exempt from a course, does that mean I am exempt from the credit requirement?

No. If you are exempt from a specific course, please be aware that you will still have to register for a different course with the same credit weight. The credit requirements of a program cannot be altered.

 

I have completed my Master’s degree and graduated; can I re-use 15 credits from the Master’s degree for my PhD?

This is known as “double dipping” and is NOT allowed.

 

As a Non-Thesis student, is the EXSU 623 project a requirement?

Yes. It is mandatory for Non-Thesis students to complete the EXSU 623 project. The course takes one semester and we encourage students to complete it in their first year.

 

As a Non-Thesis student, can I register for the EXSU 622 project before the EXSU 623 project?

No. The non-thesis students must complete the EXSU 623 project first and then the EXSU 622 project if they wish to do both. Please remember that EXSU 622 is to be taken over two semesters (D1, D2). No credit will be given for this course unless both EXSU 622D1 and EXSU 622D2 are successfully completed in consecutive terms.

*Note that EXSU 622 cannot replace EXSU 623.

 

Is it possible for me to enroll in the Non-Thesis program to get to know more about ongoing activities in the field, and then switch to a Thesis stream later?

Students may switch from the Non-Thesis program to the Thesis program. Their acceptance is contingent on finding a supervisor who is willing to accept them and will provide space, equipment and a stipend.

 

Is it mandatory for Thesis students to secure a supervisor?

Yes. It is required that Thesis students secure a supervisor prior to applying to our program. A completed funding form from the supervisor is required before admissions application will be processed.

 

Must students have a project ready to propose before approaching a potential supervisor? Or is it entirely up to the supervisor to assign a project to the student?

It depends on the supervisor as some already have a project in mind. Often students approach supervisors and have to produce their own project.

 

Can a Master’s Non-Thesis student fast track to PhD?

No.

 

Can a Master’s Thesis student fast track to PhD?

Yes. A student can only fast track from Master’s Thesis to PhD upon recommendation by the program and approval by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). A candidate for transfer must submit an application to the Doctoral program according to normal procedures and deadlines.

 

How do I contact the Program Director to sign the letter of understanding between myself and my supervisor?

Please send an email to surgicalresearch.med [at] mcgill.ca

 

If I backtrack to a Master’s degree from PhD, will it be possible to re-apply again to the same PhD program?

No, this is not allowed however you have the option of applying to another PhD program in a different program/department. For more information click here.

 

Can a student change from the Diploma program to the Master’s Thesis stream without completing the diploma?

Yes, it is up to the GPD to approve. Once approved, eligible credits will be transferred to their Master’s program.

 

How would a student qualify for advance standing when changing from the Diploma program to the Master’s Thesis stream?

When the student has completed 15 credits, they are eligible for advanced standing. Advanced standing status is determined and approved by Admissions and Records. However, advanced standing is not mandatory.

 

Can courses from School of Continuing Studies be counted towards Graduate degrees?

No. These courses do not count toward the fulfilment of an academic program, such as a graduate certificate or a master's degree.

 

Life after graduating Surgical and Interventional Sciences - what awaits out there? More focus on clinical work? Working strictly in health / hospital environment?

It depends on your undergraduate background and your interests. Some students go on to do medical training, academia, private industry etc. It is dependent on which concentration and whether you complete a Masters or PhD.

 

What is the difference between Experimental Medicine and Surgical and Interventional Sciences surgery?

One is administered by the department of medicine and the other by the department of surgery.

 

What are the tuition fee for a domestic student?

For information on tuition fees, please click the following link: https://www.mcgill.ca/student-accounts/tuition-fees/general-tuition-and-fees-information/fees-residency

 

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