McGill University - Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Social Work (Joint Program)

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Program Information

School:McGill University - Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Faculty:Faculty of Arts
Degree:Doctorate
Field of Study:Social Work
Description:As one of the top Ph.D. programs in Canada, the School of Social Work promotes leading scholarship on social policy and practice. Students work closely with their supervisor, pursuing individualized programs of study, which include coursework, research, and professional development. Faculty have expertise in a variety of areas such as aging; social exclusion; child welfare; international social welfare; Aboriginal people and communities; violence against women and children; health and disability; poverty and social development; migration and community organizing. Students normally take two semesters of coursework after which they complete a comprehensive exam. In the second year of the program students begin their thesis work and take a course designed to facilitate the research process. Research and writing usually takes two to three years to complete. McGill offers competitive entrance fellowships, access to computers and library resources, and active student networks. There are many opportunities to be involved in faculty research projects and sessional teaching. Students go on to careers in teaching, organizational leadership, and social policy analysis.
URL:Social Work (Joint Program) at McGill University - Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Thesis Based:Yes
Cost per year:*
Provincial: $4,991
National: $4,991
International: $1,870

Cost per year represents typical annual fees based on credits taken during Fall and Winter terms.
Careers:Social WorkersCommunity and Social Service Workers

Admission Requirements

Test Scores:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 96] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 8]
Application Notes : Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English. Before acceptance, appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Office. An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL or IELTS test result is not available. For the TOEFL, McGill's institutional code is 0935.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – International applicants must achieve a minimum score of 96* on the Internet-based test.
* Each individual component of reading, writing, listening, and speaking must have a minimum score of 24.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – International applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 8.0**.
** Each individual component of reading, writing, listening, and speaking must have a minimum score of 7.5.
Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Letter(s) of Reference
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Research Interests
Applicants apply directly to the School of Social Work. Applicants applying to the Ph.D. program must hold a master's degree in social work or, exceptionally, a bachelor's degree in social work with a master's degree in a related subject from an accredited program. However, applicants who hold a master's degree in a related social science discipline with strong research interests and experience in social work/social policy may also be considered. All applicants must also have completed, at the university level, coursework in statistics and in research methods within the last five years.

Criteria considered in weighing applications include: quality and relevance of the student's research proposal and one-page narrative; quality of reference letters; and previous experience as demonstrated in the CV.

* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

Modified on September 19, 2022