The role of the Faculty is to support graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and the entire UBC graduate community in pursuit of a personal, professional and academic experience second to none. Among other responsibilities, G+PS seeks to ensure a transparent, consistent and equitable administration of graduate programs and awards, evaluation and quality assurance of graduate programs, advocacy for graduate and postdoctoral needs within the larger academic community, assistance with individual student and postdoctoral problems, and the provision of outstanding opportunities for professional development of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty in their role as supervisors.
At G+PS, we have been defining graduate education as 'the formation of scholars* who make a difference for good in the world'. Here, 'formation' entails learning, but also cultivating habits of heart and mind, and developing a professional identity and sense of purpose. The scholarship pursued refers to the broad activities that bring knowledge, rigour, and creativity to the extension and transformation of knowledge, whether that is inside the academy, outside its walls, or crossing between.
At the Vancouver campus, there are close to 3600 doctoral students and 6200 master's students, the fourth largest graduate student population among Canadian universities. About 30% of master’s students, and 44% of doctoral students at UBC are international.
G+PS plays a central role in the strategic direction of graduate education at UBC. It facilitates discussion on campus about the future of graduate education, provides an information hub for all topics related to graduate education, celebrates the achievement of graduate students and alumni, and provides advocacy for graduate students & Postdoctoral Fellow needs.
In its administrative capacity it provides services to units and graduate students across all academic faculties on the Vancouver campus – from recruitment of new students along the entire lifecycle to graduation and beyond. Services include: orientation, health and well-being, professional development, program administration, and thesis/dissertation support among other things.
G+PS is the home of the Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program (ISGP), a unique graduate program that allows scholars to design their own curriculum under supervision of supervisors from any unit.
The university also hosts 850 postdoctoral fellows. UBC-appointed postdoctoral fellows can be found in over 90 departments and at affiliated sites including BC Cancer Agency, BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital, the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Vancouver General Hospital.
* term taken from Walker et al (2008), The Formation of Scholars. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Research Highlights
UBC offers over 300 Graduate Degree Programs in nearly every academic field imaginable, and opportunities to pursue cutting-edge transdisciplinary study that crosses traditional boundaries. There is sure to be a program offered that aligns with your interests.
UBC attracts $580 million per year in research funding from government, non-profit organizations and industry through 8,800 projects and UBC researchers file over 230 patents a year. Many programs have state-of-art new buildings and facilities. At UBC you will work side by side with passionate scholars as you delve into the most meaningful questions of our world.
Graduate Degree Programs
Recent Publications
This is an incomplete sample of recent publications in chronological order by UBC faculty members with a primary appointment in the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Recent Thesis Submissions
Doctoral Citations
| Year | Citation | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The objective of Dr. Longstaff's dissertation as a collective work, was to contribute to the interdisciplinary body of research that seeks to integrate the fields of bioethics and risk analysis. The research successfully moved the practice of risk communication beyond procedural ethics to focus on the substantive values that guide such strategies in order to cope with the complexity associated with systemic health hazards. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Janzen Loewen asked why academic history-writing rarely includes any guidance as to what wisdom one might learn from that history. She examined the history of biography from the bible and the Classical Greek and Roman historians to the present, and she concludes that a concern to edify the reader has been, can be and should be part of critical historical work. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Brunetti examined B.C. Lower Mainland fruit and vegetable supply chain relationships among its producers and Vancouver's food service industry for barriers and opportunities to improve food security. He discovered significant interest and need for capacity building among industry stakeholders constituting significant community economic development potential, food system integrity, sustainability and security. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Seetzen's dissertation described a new technology using optics and advanced algorithms to deliver realistic high brightness, high dynamic range images. This technology will change the way we see digital images, and is emerging as the major product platform in the TV industry. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Kennedy conducted research with First Nations to examine what is required for fair and successful land management in B.C., particularly in the absence of treaties. She developed key principles for negotiations that would lead to power redress with non-Aboriginal governments and include First Nations' distinct values and governance methods. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr Evoy studied the technical and ethical dimensions of health service funding decision-making processes. This interdisciplinary research provides practical insights for health administration and opportunities for greater public understanding of how local health service funding decisions are made on their behalf. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2009 | Dr. Sheinin negotiated science and story together, to explore sustainability in Eagle Creek, West Vancouver. She incorporated new practices into her daily living that better sustain watershed supplies, recreation, and salmon spawning in the creek. This research illuminates teaching from non-human nature, interdisciplinary questions, and an alternative research ethics. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Bombard examined the nature and extent of genetic discrimination faced by Canadians at risk for Huntington disease. She found that genetic discrimination is frequent among Canadians and results in high levels of distress. This research provides direction to clinicians and informs policy supporting individuals at risk for genetic diseases. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr. Geddes developed themes of adolescent depression generated by adolescents' definitions of depression. Adolescents' self-recognition of depression, and social and emotional competence were also examined in association with dimensions of depressive symptoms. This research provides new insights regarding the concept of adolescent depression and its early detection and intervention. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |
| 2008 | Dr So developed a universal platform for the accurate quantitative analysis of gene expression. Termed the U-STAR platform, it represents the culmination of his investigations into state-of-the-art gene expression technologies, resolving the many deficiencies in these technologies that compromise their ability to provide quantitative information. | Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD) |