Dalhousie University

Overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie University is designed to equip students for research-oriented careers in diverse fields such as virology, microbial pathogenesis, cancer biology, and cellular/molecular immunology. Throughout the course, students will undertake a thesis project under the mentorship of experienced faculty, allowing them to tailor their research according to their specific interests in bacteriology, virology, immunology/inflammation, and cancer research.

• Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Microbiology and Immunology
• Credits: Primarily thesis-based (exact requirements may vary)
• Duration: Typically 2 years of full-time study (may vary based on research progress)
• Delivery: On-campus, research-focused
• Programme type: Thesis option (independent research under supervision)
• Language of instruction: English
• Tuition/fees: Vary depending on student category—please check Dalhousie’s current fee schedule
• Intake: Generally available in fall and/or winter (confirm for your application year)
• Funding: Research awards and teaching assistant opportunities may be accessible for full-time students

What you'll study

This MSc programme is fundamentally research-oriented. Students will focus on developing an original thesis project with guidance from faculty mentors and research teams.

• Thesis (core requirement): Engage in independent research, document findings, and defend your thesis.
• Research training: Gain hands-on experience with laboratory and/or computational techniques relevant to your area of study, such as virology, bacteriology, immunology, or cancer biology.
• Graduate development: Benefit from continuous mentorship, participate in research seminars, and have opportunities to present your findings.
• Teaching opportunities: Some full-time students may have the chance to serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses, where available.

Note: Specific course requirements and curriculum plans may differ based on the supervising faculty member and research focus. It is advisable to consult the department for the most accurate and current curriculum information.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• Minimum GPA: 3.3 (based on the last 60 credit hours of study)
• Degree: A recognized four-year Bachelor’s degree

English language requirements

• TOEFL iBT: 100 (minimum)
• IELTS: 7.5 (minimum)
• Note: Ensure that your scores meet the programme's minimum criteria; additional departmental or faculty-specific benchmarks may apply.

Typical application materials

• Completed online application
• Official academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• Academic background in microbiology, immunology, or related life sciences
• Any additional documents as requested by the department (e.g., research interests, references, CV)

Deadlines and intake: Application deadlines and start dates can vary. It is important to verify the current application cycle on Dalhousie’s graduate admissions pages and the programme website.

Career prospects

Upon completion of the MSc in Microbiology and Immunology, graduates will be well-prepared for a variety of career paths in research, academia, healthcare, or industry. The skills and knowledge gained during the programme will enable them to contribute effectively to advancements in microbiology and immunology.

Additionally, graduates may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada, subject to immigration regulations.