Admission Requirements

Candidates must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Admission requirement for the MSc Clinical Vision Science is a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours or Bachelor’s Degree with 4 years of undergraduate study from a recognized institution of higher education with a minimum of B average (GPA 3.0).

Entrants should have a minimum of one class in human anatomy and/or physiology, and one class in psychology with a laboratory component.  Exceptional students without these prerequisites may be admitted on the condition that they are fulfilled either prior to, or concurrent with, the program.

It is also recommended that students have the following or equivalent undergraduate classes: research methods, e.g. statistics or research design; biochemistry, e.g. BIOC 3200.03 Biological Chemistry; perception and psychophysics, e.g. PSYO/NESC 3051.03 Sensory Neuroscience I. Vision; and one class in neuroanatomy or neurophysiology.

Students whose native language is not English, must also, as required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, demonstrate their ability to participate in a graduate program conducted in English prior to acceptance to our Program. See the English Language Competency section of this website for information about accepted tests and required scores. The language competency test for international students is waived if the applicants have completed their degree in an English speaking country at an institution where the language of instruction is English.
 

Application Process

In addition to completing the online graduate application form of Dalhousie University, you need to submit supporting documents and pay a non-refundable application fee. All supporting documents required for admission are to be sent directly to the Clinical Vision Science Program. The application fee is payable to the Registrar’s Office.  

You may select to send a paper application form to the Registrar’s Office instead of applying online. All other documents need to be submitted as at online applications. See information on the application process and the required supporting documents below. For complete instructions, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Admission Information page at http://dalgrad.dal.ca/prospectivestudents/admissions/admissioninfo. 

Online Application
To apply online, click here or go to the website titled “Applying as a graduate student” at http://www.registrar.dal.ca/prospective/graduateapp.html and follow the link for online applications. When you are filling in your application form, double check your entries as no corrections are possible after submission. Dalhousie University’s electronic reference system will allow you to track the status of your online application. Access will be provided once you have completed your application online. 
 

Supporting Documents
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all required documents listed below are received by the Clinical Vision Science Program office.

1. Post-secondary academic transcripts
Two copies of all official transcripts of your academic record are required from each university you have attended to be sent by the issuing institution directly to the Clinical Vision Science Program office. Official transcripts issued by Dalhousie University are not required from current or previous Dalhousie students.  

2. Confidential Reference Letters
Three letters of reference (two academic and one career related) are to be completed by referees and to be sent directly to the Clinical Vision Science Program office. The letters should be in sealed envelopes with the referee's signature over the seal. The official template for the reference letters is available in both PDF and Word formats. Follow the links from http://www.registrar.dal.ca/prospective/graduateapp.html.

3. Curriculum Vitae / Personal Statement
A complete Curriculum Vitae, including information regarding academic background and work/volunteer experience should be sent to the Clinical Vision Science Program office along with a hand written personal statement outlining the reason for your interest in orthoptics / ophthalmic medical technology. 

4. Documentation of English Language Competency
If proof of English language proficiency is required for your application you have to arrange the submission of documentation of successful TOEFL or other recognized language test. Official test results are to be forwarded by the Testing Service directly to the Clinical Vision Science Program. For more information on accredited language testing institutions and on accepted scores visit the English Language Competency section of this website.

Application Fee
Payment of a non-refundable application fee of $70 must be received by the Registrar’s Office before your application can be processed or reviewed. You can submit the application fee online, by phone, fax, or mail. You should contact the Registrar’s Office if you need to make arrangements for your payment. Email: Admissions@Dal.Ca, Phone: (902) 494-2450, Fax: (902) 494-1630.
 

Paper Application Form
Instead of applying online, candidates have the option to fill in the printed application form available at http://www.registrar.dal.ca/prospective/graduateapp.html. The completed application form and the application fee are to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office and all supporting documents are to be sent to the Clinical Vision Science Program office.