Graduate Studies | Faculty of Health Sciences | Queen's University

Passionate? Dedicated? Looking for the next step?

Our programs are where ideas are challenged, theories are explored, knowledge is cultivated and scholars thrive.

The Faculty of Health Sciences has 17 graduate programs in our three schools including interdisciplinary and cross-faculty programs. Queen's University has more than 4,200 graduate students from over 70 countries, and offers you a transformative experience supported by professional development, academic workshops, resources and services.

Aging and Health - G.Dip, M.Sc., PhD

Queen’s University Graduate Diploma (GDip), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctorate (PhD) in Aging and Health are innovative new programs that provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of aging, with a focus on health and healthy living. Students will develop multi-disciplinary knowledge of individual aging processes, the effect of aging on social systems, and the policies needed to support healthy aging.

Biomedical & Molecular Sciences - M.Sc., PhD

The former programs in Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Pharmacology & Toxicology and Physiology, have now combined have become the new interdisciplinary program in Biomedical & Molecular Sciences. Students are no longer able to sign up to the old programs listed.

The Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (DBMS) at Queen’s University offers programs leading to the Master of Science (Anatomical Sciences), Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. In the latter two degree programs (M.Sc. and Ph.D) students would choose from one of the five fields of specialization which represent the research strength of the department:

Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Experimental Medicine
Microbes, Immunity, and Inflammation
Reproduction and Developmental Sciences
Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology

The Department provides you with the best conditions to develop into an independent, productive, research scientist and offers a dynamic learning environment.

Biomedical & Molecular Sciences - Anatomical Sciences (Pattern II) - M.Sc. (Anatomical Sciences)

The Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen’s University offers a 16 month Master of Science program in Anatomical Sciences. This program is structured around three pillars of competency (content, pedagogy, inquiry) and designed to educate students interested in the art of teaching and designing curricula in the anatomical sciences.

Biostatistics (Collaborative) – PhD and MSc (Specializing in Biostatistics)

The MSc program with a specialization in biostatistics is jointly offered by the Department of Public Health Sciences and Department of Mathematics and Statistics. The two departments offer strong graduate programs that include a broad range of courses in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, and health services research.

The Department of Public Health Sciences also offers a PhD in Public Health Sciences Specializing in Biostatistics.

Cancer Research (Collaborative) - M.Sc., PhD (specializing in Cancer Research)

The graduate program in cancer research is jointly offered by the Departments of Public Health Sciences, Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Psychology and Biomedical & Molecular Sciences. The strengths in graduate education in Cancer Research at Queen’s span many research areas including structural and tumour biology and genetics, through epidemiology, to outcomes research, cell signaling and health policy development.

Combined Medicine with Graduate Research - M.D./PhD, M.D./Master's

The combined MD/PhD and MD/Master’s programs at Queen’s University are offered jointly by the School of Medicine and the School of Graduate Studies, with the participation of the graduate programs in Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Biomedical Engineering (Collaborative Program), Cancer Research (Collaborative Program), Computing, Epidemiology, Neuroscience, Pathology and Molecular Medicine, and Rehabilitation Science. The program admits a limited number of exceptional students who wish to combine their medical training with advanced training in research.

Epidemiology – PhD and MSc

These programs aim to provide students with the educational opportunities needed to acquire the knowledge, attitudes and methodological skills necessary to participate in health services or epidemiology research teams, or in public health practice.

Both the PhD and MSc programs offer the opportunity to specialize in cancer research through the Collaborative Cancer Research Program

The Ph.D. program trains epidemiologists as independent investigators and leaders in health or health-related agencies where research is an important function.

Health Quality Programs (online) – M.Sc. (HQ), PhD (HQ)

The Health Quality Programs are the first of their kind, specializing in linking theory and practice in quality, risk, and safety in health. We offer interdisciplinary courses, led by leaders in their fields, valuable international experience and convenient distance learning. Unparalleled in its scope, the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality (MScHQ) and Doctor of Philosophy in Health Quality (PhDHQ) address the growing need for interactions across disciplines, professions and communities. Join us on the forefront of improving health quality, risk, and safety in Canada and worldwide.

Health Professions Education – M.

The Master of Health Professions Education program will provide health professionals a focused program addressing the diverse teaching needs within the clinical or health related setting. Specifically, the program targets individuals employed in the health professions sector filling a gap between clinical knowledge and teaching skills, and/or residents/allied health students seeking a position at an academic setting.

Medical Sciences - G.Dip, M.M.Sc.

The programs in Medical Sciences have been developed to provide graduates of medical schools, both in Canada and internationally, with an opportunity to enhance their clinical and research skills before applying to a postgraduate residency program. Students will build on the foundations of their medical degree in a variety of ways. They will further develop their clinical skills in the context of the Canadian healthcare system and explore current issues in medical sciences. They’ll interpret foundational research and its relationship to clinical practice, conduct research responsibly using appropriate guidelines and procedures, and apply ethical behaviours consistent with academic integrity and professional standards.

The Graduate Diploma and Professional Master of Medical Sciences are expected to prove beneficial when graduates submit their applications for postgraduate residency positions. The residency admission process, coordinated through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), is highly selective and applicants will be well-positioned to demonstrate the new clinical and research skills they have developed through these programs.

Neuroscience - M.Sc., PhD

The multidisciplinary graduate program in Neuroscience is educating the next generation of leaders who will build on our progress in reducing the impact of neurological disorders. Top students from across North America and beyond come to the Centre to learn in a collaborative environment where they can learn from the best minds in the field. The Neuroscience graduate program is firmly rooted in research because our objective is to produce highly-trained graduates who will continue our efforts to prevent and treat neurological diseases. Our program offers studies at the master’s and doctoral levels spanning the full spectrum of neuroscience research, from cellular/molecular to clinical studies.

Nursing - G.Dip, PHCNP Dip, MNSc., MN(PHCNP), PhD

We offer a wide variety of programs including PhD, Master’s and Diploma programs to build on your clinical, research and leadership interests.

Our Online PhD Program will prepare you for a career as a leader in research and scholarship, clinical practice or health care administration with the skills required to expand knowledge related to clinical, theoretical and health system issues. Our program consists of six courses, five of which are offered online and one on-campus. You will attend two mandatory onsite residencies in the first year then be expected to be onsite each spring for our Graduate Student Research Day. Following the completion of courses after the first year, you will focus on comprehensive exams then your thesis.

Our MNSc program will prepare you for a career as a leader in clinical practice, education or health care management, through the development of the critical appraisal skills needed for developing the scientific basis for nursing practice, and the knowledge and skills to conduct small research projects and participate in research teams. Our program consists of in-person course work and a thesis.

Our MN(PHCNP) program will prepare you for a career as a leader in clinical practice and education with the knowledge and skills to provide advanced nursing care to individuals and families in primary care settings and conduct small research projects, as well as the critical appraisal skills needed for developing the scientific basis for practice. Our program combines self-directed learning online, in-person classes, and clinical placements to provide a broad range of learning methods.

Our PHCNP Diploma will provide you with the knowledge and skills to provide advanced nursing care to individuals and families in primary care settings. The program is for nurses who already have a master’s degree and combines self-directed learning online, in-person classes, and clinical placements to provide a broad range of learning methods.

Occupational Therapy - M.Sc.OT

We are pleased to offer a graduate level educational program that prepares graduates to become occupational therapists who demonstrate evidence-based practice and innovative leadership. Our overall aim is to ensure that each graduate acquires the essential competencies necessary to become a practicing Occupational Therapist with an ability to provide leadership within a changing healthcare and practice environment. Our program offers a dynamic curriculum including courses and fieldwork that bridge theory and practice to meet and exceed professional practice standards. The Queen’s OT Program puts a lot of emphasis on communication skills, collaboration and interprofessional education and practice. Students also get the chance to experience community development course work and fieldwork, in both local and international contexts. Our facilities include the Bracken Health Sciences Library and the Glaxo-Wellcome Clinical Education Centre which ensures that students have access to extensive resources, educational technology and state-of-the-art laboratories.

Pathology & Molecular Medicine - M.Sc., PhD

The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine is a clinical department with a major research focus in cancer, hemostasis and vascular biology. Trainees therefore have opportunities to pursue comprehensive training in basic and translational biomedical research, an example being diagnostic, predictive and prognostic biomarker research.

The graduate programs offer opportunities to pursue advanced degrees under the supervision of an exceptional group of basic, clinical and translational researchers.

With a focus on cancer – 15 of our 20 investigators are cancer biologists – our department members deliver comprehensive diagnostic laboratory and clinical services to Southeastern Ontario through the Kingston General Hospital, offering great training for the next generation of biomedical research scientists and laboratory physicians.

Queen's therefore is a great setting to learn first-hand how the fast pace of molecular genetic research is changing clinical practise, leading to exciting new diagnostic and treatment approaches for cancer and other diseases.

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Management and Innovation - G.Dip PHMI

The Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Management and Innovation is targeted to enhance the competitiveness and employability of graduate students interested in pursuing careers in pharmaceutical and related health industries.

Graduates of this program will possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience to make them ideal candidates to enter progressive career positions. The diploma will offer a combination of course work and practical experience to recent graduates in the health and science sectors (e.g. MD, MSc, PhD, PharmD) from across Canada and internationally.

Physical Therapy - M.Sc.PT

The mission of MScPT program is to provide an outstanding learning environment for the education of future physical therapy professionals. The curriculum follows a competency-based framework in which the specific goal of the educational program is to prepare individuals to undertake the roles of a Physical Therapist in Canada. These roles include clinical practitioner, communicator, collaborator, manager, advocate, scholarly practitioner, and professional.

With critical enquiry and evidence-based practice as the foundation, our program promotes the acquisition of advanced academic knowledge, skills and behaviors that are essential for a primary health care provider in a complex and continually evolving health care environment.

Public Health - MPH

Public health education at Queen’s puts the spotlight on what works in public health.

The Queen’s University Master of Public Health is a professional, course-based degree that educates, equips and inspires students to take Evidence-Informed Action for Public Health.

The degree is 16 consecutive months in duration, attracting applicants from a range of disciplines.

A 12-month accelerated program is available for candidates with at least two years of cumulative paid work experience in health care, public health or a related field.

Rehabilitation and Health Leadership - D.Sc.

The DSc (RHL) is a 36 month executive-style degree program that allows students to continue working while completing the degree through a blend of onsite sessions and online learning.

The DSc (RHL) equips currently practicing rehabilitation and health professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently pursue career opportunities that require advanced competencies in leadership, program development, applied research and evaluation, advocacy, change management, and knowledge translation.

The program format and curriculum design are firmly rooted in the belief that collaboration, creativity, and the discovery of new knowledge can inspire changes that benefit people affected by or at risk of disability.

The program is open to all professionals, whose current work or future career goals focus on advancing programs, services, and systems that will positively influence the everyday lives of people affected by or at risk of disability.

The cohort-based program has been designed with the working professional in mind. The blended program format includes short, intensive on-campus components (3-7 days) once or twice per year (depending on year of study), coupled with online learning.

Rehabilitation Science - M.Sc., PhD

The graduate programs in Rehabilitation Science at Queen’s University stress the multidisciplinary contribution of many health professions and disciplines to rehabilitation. Our areas of research and expertise encompass speciality areas in rehabilitation, including human mobility and motor control, community participation of people with disability across the lifespan, work place health and accommodation, social policy in health and disability, the science of knowledge mobilisation into practice, and health professional education. The innovative feature of this program is the interdisciplinarity which attracts students from varied backgrounds including occupational and physical therapy, kinesiology, psychology, social work, epidemiology and others.

Translational Medicine - M.Sc., PhD

The innovative Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Translational Medicine is a unique research based graduate program. The program provides students with a fresh perspective, offering a curriculum interweaving graduate level research with authentic clinical experiences in a multidisciplinary environment across departments at Queen’s University.