In support of the University of British Columbia’s mission to be one of the world’s very best universities, the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) strives to elevate achievement and enhance the education of graduate students in a global context.

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

Graduate Student Stories

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

A doctoral citation summarizes the nature of the independent research, provides a high-level overview of the study, states the significance of the work and says who will benefit from the findings in clear, non-specialized language, so that members of a lay audience will understand it.
Year Citation Program
2020 Dr. Barker examined the impact of the child welfare system on health and substance use outcomes among young people who use drugs in Vancouver. Her research identifies policy opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of marginalized youth in care, and suggests extending services to facilitate successful transitions among those who age out. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2020 Dr. Atkins developed a new type of practical display to simulate the visual sensation provided by a window overlooking a distant space. This research will help inform the design of indoor environments such as shopping malls, working spaces, and living spaces, especially in underground and confined locations. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2020 Dr. Hippman built a feminist, woman-centered, theoretical model of decision making from women's stories, and showed that there is not yet enough evidence for genetic testing to guide antidepressant prescribing during pregnancy. Her work can be used to support women making decisions about how to care for their mental health during pregnancy. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2020 Dr. Maharaj explored the meaning of pets for people with cancer. Inspired by her bulldog, Dally, she highlights the importance of meaning-making for the human-pet relationship. Her findings can support patients in reflecting on their experiences, as well as bring new understandings for health care providers to better address the needs of patients. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2020 Dr. David developed epidemic models of indirect transmission to study the role of heterogeneity, human mobility, and diffusion in the spread of infection. She investigated the co-interaction of HIV and syphilis infections among men who have sex with men, and looked at how different interventions could be combined to eliminate both infections in BC. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2020 Dr. Byram studied how families and physicians make life-or-death decisions for patients in intensive care. He proposed standardizing decision-making via a value-centric protocol focused on patients' individual best interests. His novel approach may improve quality of care and relieve families of some of the burdens of these difficult decisions. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2020 Dr. McKenzie facilitated a project with urban Indigenous women on the homelands of the Métis and Treaty One, Treaty Four, and Treaty Six territories. This project highlighted the centrality of self-determination to Indigenous women's reproductive and sexual justice, as well as the need for transformative change. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2019 Dr. Argento examined the interplay between drug use, violence and suicidality among a community-based cohort of women sex workers and explored the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Her research found that increased social cohesion and psychedelic use were protective against suicidality, underscoring the importance of connectedness. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2019 Dr. Greer qualitatively examined the work and pay conditions for people who use drugs engaged in harm reduction settings. Her findings point to various economic, social, and political systems that impact these conditions. Her research advances participatory methods that promote equity for marginalized groups engaged in harm reduction work. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
2019 Dr. Franke conducted a study on the mobility experiences of active older adults with low income in Metro Vancouver. She developed a framework that advances our understanding of how low income older adults overcome disparities and maintain their mobility. Her research will help inform decision making to improve the health and mobility of older adults. Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)

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