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The Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy is one of four departments in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia. Curriculum and Pedagogy encompasses but is not limited to investigations of teacher education, the social construction of knowledge, the curriculum as culturally and politically situated, analysis of contemporary curriculum and instructional practices, and educational reform in K-12 and other learning environments. 

Inquiry in Curriculum and Pedagogy is disciplinary and interdisciplinary, and includes numerous theoretical perspectives and orientations. Doctoral students (Ph.D.) enroll in the Curriculum Studies program (course-work, comprehensive exams and dissertation) with the assistance of a supervisor in their area of specialization. Masters students enroll in programs and specializations within the Department. Students with particular interests in teacher education research apply to any of the specializations in the Department. The Department offers the following graduate degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Quicklinks

• Applications
• Ph.D. Program Guidelines
• Masters Program Guidelines

PhD Admission Requirements

University Requirements
Faculty of Graduate Study Requirements

Department Requirements

1. Master's degree with high standing in a relevant educational discipline,
2. Sample of work demonstrating an ability to do scholarly writing,
3. Letter of intent describing the proposed focus of the research,
4. Proficiency in the English language. Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Test scores must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application, and official test scores ordered from the testing agency is required for application. Photocopies of test scores are not acceptable.
   Proof of such proficiency is usually a degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction, or a score of at least 580 on PBT, or 237 CBT, or 92 on IBT (with a minimum of 22 on each component) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the academic (NOT general) International English Lanquage Testing Service (IELTS) test.
5. Support of three referees (at least two should be academic references), and
6. Two copies of all transcripts from post-secondary institutions sent directly to the Department. If the official transcript does not indicate the degree name and the degree conferral date, then two official copies of the degree certificate are required.

For students possessing a thesis-based Master's degree from other than a relevant educational discipline, it may be possible to proceed into the Ph.D. after taking the core course requirements of an appropriate Master's degree in education at UBC.

The application package requires a processing fee.

The program has one starting date: September (Winter Term 1). The following submission deadline is for complete applications (including references, transcripts, and other supporting documents) received by the Department.

Deadline for Complete PhD Applications

Assessment of Application

Initially, the entire application is reviewed by professors in the relevant specialization, and then forwarded to the department's Graduate Advisory Committee. Admission is based on (a) an evaluation of the applicant's academic performance and potential for scholarship and independent research, (b) the match between the applicant's interests and the Department's programs, and (c) the availability of a suitable pro tem advisor. 

Masters Admission Requirements

University Requirements
Faculty of Graduate Study Requirements

Department Requirements

1. Normally 18 credits of senior course work or a professional concentration in the area of interest.
2. Normally two years' teaching experience or other relevant professional experience.
3. A letter of intent clearly outlining the area of interest and focus for study. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their plans with a Department member before applying.
4. Statements of support from three referees including, whenever possible, professors familiar with the applicant's academic work.
5. In special circumstances teacher education may be waived for those applicants who have a university degree with sufficient standing and experience related to their proposed field of study.

Admission requirements are the same for all Masters programs. The application package requires a processing fee.

Offer of Admission into Masters Programs

Any offer for admission is valid only in the university year within which it is made (May 1- April 30). Applicants who do not accept an offer must reapply if they wish to be considered for admission in a subsequent year.