Masters program

The MSc degree can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis.

Degree requirements

A primary requirement for the award of the MSc degree is the successful completion of a thesis proposal, thesis and the defense of that thesis. Students must also meet the course requirements. An Advisory Committee is appointed for each student. The advisory committee is available to the student for help and guidance and reviews a student's progress to help ensure successful completion of the degree.

Thesis proposal

By the end of their third term of enrollment (sixth for part-time students) in their MSc program students must have made a formal presentation of their proposed thesis research to their advisory committee.

Course and seminar milestones

Course and seminar requirements are tailored to meet the needs and backgrounds of individual students. A minimum of four one-term (0.5 unit weight) graduate courses (or equivalent) is required. See the OPTOM graduate course list.

All Vision Science graduate students in the Masters program must present at least one talk during their degree program on their current research, as well as, attend a minimum of 10 research seminars for each year of enrolment. The presentation requirements can be fulfilled through the Vision Science Graduate Student Research Conference or at external conferences. The seminar requirements can be partly fulfilled by attending the School’s Vision Science Research Seminar Series (VSRSS) and Graduate Student Research Conference. 

Time limits

The minimum number of terms during which a student must register full-time for an MSc is 2. The maximum time for a full-time MSc is 6 terms (2 years). Students who require additional time must complete a Petition of Extension form and supply a timeline for completion.