A pharmacist works at a desk on a laptop.
  • icon house

    Faculty

    • College of Pharmacy
    • Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
    • Faculty of Graduate Studies

  • icon award

    Degree

    • PhD in Pharmacy

  • icon graduate

    Expected duration

    • 4+ years

Program details

Graduate programs at the College of Pharmacy give you access to world-class researchers in a state-of-the-art facility. With few mandatory electives, you’ll have the flexibility to create a program that meets your needs and suits your interests.

Expected duration: 4 years

Tuition and fees: Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees.)

This program is comprised of both research and coursework, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

Coursework

Your coursework may take place at the beginning of your program; however, it will depend on the availability of courses offered. Students require approval from their advisor when selecting courses.

  • Complete advisor-student guidelines
  • Completion of 12 credit hours
  • Complete mandatory academic integrity and research integrity tutorials
  • Attend the pharmacy seminar course during each year you are registered as a full-time student
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to continue

For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.

Research 

Research components begin early and continue throughout your program. You will need to complete the following steps:

  • Establish thesis topic with advisor
  • Completion of research proposal (~12 month milestone)
  • Completion of candidacy exam (~ 24 month milestone)
  • Obtain other approvals as required (ie ethics)
  • Conduct research
  • Complete yearly progress reports

Thesis

All PhD students will complete an oral examination to defend their thesis. You will complete the following steps:

  • Submit thesis for evaluation by the advisory committee
  • Have committee complete approval to proceed to Ph.D. thesis examination
  • Submit thesis to Faculty of Graduate Studies for distribution to examining committee and external examiner
  • Complete oral examination and public defence of thesis
  • Final report submitted to Faculty of Graduate Studies

Admission requirements

The following are minimum requirements for entry into the Pharmacy PhD program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To qualify for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmacy, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Master's degree: A Master of Science degree in Pharmacy or a related field from a recognized university.
  • GPA: A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.5 scale, based on the last 60 credit hours (or two full years or equivalent) of university study.
  • Program advisor: A faculty member who agrees to serve as your program advisor. Review our list of advisors accepting graduate students and check their profiles to ensure your research interests align. When contacting a potential advisor, include:

    • CV or resume
    • Academic transcripts from any post-secondary institutions
    • Descriptions of previous research or teaching-related experience

    If you do not receive a response after several inquiries, it may indicate that the advisor is not pursuing further conversation.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Transferring from a master's program

In some circumstances, students enrolled in the Master of Science in Pharmacy Program at UM can transfer into the PhD program. 

How to apply

Applications for the Pharmacy PhD program are accepted for:

  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

To apply, you must complete the application online and include:

  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Unofficial copies of transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation: Must be requested within the application
  • Current CV
  • Statement of agreement: With a proposed advisor who has agreed to serve as your advisor
  • Proof of English language proficiency: If required

Important: Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before starting your application.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Canadian and US applicants

Term  Annual application deadlines
Fall (September) June 1
Winter (January) October 1
Summer (May) February 1

International applicants

Term  Annual application deadline
Fall (September) March 1
Winter (January) July 1
Summer (May) November 1

Start or continue your application

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Learn more

Contact us

Admission and application inquiries

Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
143 Apotex Centre
750 McDermot Avenue
University of Manitoba (Bannatyne campus)
Winnipeg, MB  [R3E 0T5]

pharmacy.gradstudies@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9306
Fax: 204-789-3744