Students may be eligible to transfer from a master's program into a related doctoral program if they have completed the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree, and have completed a minimum of one year of study in a master's program with 9 credits at the 500-level or above and of first class standing (80% or better), and demonstrate clear evidence of research ability or potential.
Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after completion of the first year of study at the master's level and will not be permitted after completion of the second year. Transfers may not be restroactive.
Note: If a student transfers from a master's program to a doctoral program without completing the master's degree, the start of the doctoral program will be the date of first registration in the master's program. The student is expected to complete all requirements for candidacy (i.e., the comprehensive exam and candidacy exam/proposal defense) by the end of three years from the date of first registration in the master's program.
UBC MSN students who are interested in transferring into the PhD program:
- Are required to interview with the PhD Program Coordinator prior to application, and ideally within the first term of their MSN program. This is to ensure that the student understands the implications and requirements of the transfer, and is best prepared for success in the doctoral program.
- Are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits of MSN core courses with first class standing (80% or better) prior to application to the PhD program.
- Are required to complete NURS 511 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice and NURS 552 Methods in Nursing Science prior to enrolling in the PhD program.
- Are advised to apply for a CGS-M award within their first Winter Term 1 of the MSN program.