Overview

The Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program (ISGP) at the University of British Columbia was established in 1971, the first of its kind in Canada. It is one of the only Canadian programs to offer doctoral degrees in interdisciplinary studies, and is possibly one of the largest of its kind in North America.

The main purpose of the ISGP is to enable qualified graduate students to pursue advanced interdisciplinary research exceeding the provisions of existing departmental programs. There are no restrictions regarding the topic and in many cases the student draws upon expertise from several distinct faculties. The prospective student has to bring together three or four qualified faculty from different departments or units. Because there are no constraints on which fields are brought together, there are virtually no two students in the same sub-field. The ISGP is designed only for a highly motivated and superb student who can steer an independent course.

What makes the program unique?

ISGP gives you the opportunity to:

  • pursue interdisciplinary research that is individually designed by the student
  • select courses and research supervisors from every department at UBC
  • participate in interdisciplinary lectures, workshops and seminars
  • apply for funding for exceptional students

Meet a Representative

How to write a statement of interest

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 10:00 – 11:00 am

The statement of interest (SOI) is an essential part of a graduate school application. In this session, we take a closer look at the statement and provide advice on how to make yours as strong as possible. 
 
This session will cover: 

  • What is the SOI of interest and what should it include? 
  • What contributes to a compelling SOI? 
  • Differences between SOI’s for thesis and course-based programs. 
  • Strategies for writing your SOI. 
  • Q&A 
     

Who is this webinar for? 
 
This webinar is for anyone who has started or plans to start a graduate school application and wants advice on approaching an important part of the application, the statement of interest. Applicable for research and course-based programs. 

Program Enquiries

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Supervisor Search

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