Program Overview
The Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy offers students in the physical, biological, clinical, and social sciences challenging and rewarding research-intensive programs leading to:
Master of Science (MSc) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Alongside world-class researchers, our graduate students have the opportunity to explore a diverse landscape of biomolecular, clinical and social research, to solve some of health science’s most pressing problems. Earn your graduate degree in a collaborative environment based in the heart of Canada’s innovation and health research ecosystem, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to advance your research, as well as collaborative opportunities across the University of Toronto.
Our pharmaceutical sciences research spans two dynamic fields—Biomolecular Science and Clinical, Social, and Administrative Pharmaceutical Sciences. In Biomolecular Science, we explore the molecular underpinnings of drug targets, diseases, and diagnostics, aiming to innovate drug development and diagnostic tools. We find and validate new targets; devise novel therapies, vaccines, and dosage forms; and develop diagnostics across the disease spectrum. Clinical, Social and Administrative Pharmaceutical Sciences focuses on real-world applications, enhancing health outcomes by optimizing medication use through clinical trials and drug safety research. We address the societal impact of medication use and health care systems, investigating health services and pharmacy practice and improving medication management and public health on a broad scale. Our interdisciplinary approach offers a unique opportunity to drive healthcare innovation.
We anticipate a limited number of funded spaces for international applicants in 2027-2028. We encourage all interested applicants to research faculty members in the Graduate Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and their areas of research before applying. In particular, international students must confirm a commitment from a faculty supervisor before their application can be reviewed. International applications submitted without confirmation from a potential faculty supervisor will not be reviewed by the admissions subcommittee. Please consult the graduate faculty website to search for supervisors accepting students for 2027-2028. This information will be available in late Fall 2026.
Quick Facts
| Domestic | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Application deadline | MSc, PhD: | MSc, PhD: |
| Minimum admission average | MSc: PhD: | MSc: PhD: |
| Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD? | PhD: Yes, A minimum of A- (80%) average, or its equivalent, in senior level courses relevant to the program in a four-year undergraduate program. The applicant is expected to have completed an undergraduate research project | PhD: Yes, A minimum of A- (80%) average, or its equivalent, in senior level courses relevant to the program in a four-year undergraduate program. The applicant is expected to have completed an undergraduate research project |
| Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? | MSc, PhD: Before | MSc, PhD: Before |
| Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? | MSc, PhD: Applicant | MSc, PhD: Applicant |
| Are any standardized tests required/recommended? | MSc, PhD: N/A | MSc, PhD: GRE/English Proficiency Test scores |