Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)



Meet Ashley Mckeown, MScN candidate in Nursing

“In every nursing course I have taken, faculty are always highly supportive of students. Also, faculty are always going above-and-beyond to provide students with professional development opportunities.”

Supervisor: Yolanda Brenda Babenko-Mould

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
After exploring different graduate nursing programs, and consulting research conducted by possible thesis supervisors, I felt that the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing would be able to provide me with the courses and mentors that would enable me to develop myself further in a nurse educator role, and provide me with the strongest foundation in nursing research.

Where’s your favourite place on campus?
There are several places I frequent on campus, depending on the type of work I am doing. The collaborative learning spaces at Taylor library are wonderful for group work, allowing up to eight people to work on a single document together on a large screen. If I am in a serious writing or research mode, I prefer a private study corral in a silent area of Taylor Library or Weldon Library. In contrast, when I am trying to think creatively, I like to sit in the Mustang Lounge in the University Community Centre.

What’s your favourite book?
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood (well…I love the entire MaddAddam trilogy)

Have you taken any professional courses that Western makes available to grad students?
I have taken many courses through the Teaching Support Center to work towards completing the Western Certificate in University Teaching in Learning, such as the Teaching Assistant Training Program, Advanced Teaching Program, and several of the Future Professor workshops. These courses were invaluable in my development as a nurse educator. They have connected me with many other graduate students in different disciplines, providing opportunities to exchange knowledge, share ideas, and enhance creativity within my own practice. I have gained so many insights into the learning process at a university level, which has transformed how I teach nursing students.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Shayna McKay (gradnurs@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Assistant

FIMS & Nursing Building

Western University
Room 3308
London, Ontario N6A 5C1

t. 519-661-2111 x83409

Western's Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) program is the longest-standing graduate nursing program in Canada, and provides the basis for leadership in professional Nursing and the foundation for doctoral studies. This flexible research-based program provides opportunities for co-op study as well as the option to fast-track to the PhD Program after the first year of full-time study.

Program Length

  • 6 Terms (Full-time study)
  • 9 Terms (Part-time study)

Program Design

  • Full-time study or part-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

Both general and program-specific requirements must be met to be considered for admission. All programs have one intake annually, beginning in September.

  • Completion of a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program that is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) or approved by an appropriate provincial nursing organization.
  • GPA of 78 per cent (B+) or higher
  • Undergraduate preparation in research and statistics
  • RN registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and able to practice without restrictions (expect international students).
  • Current membership in the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (except international students).

Additional Requirements

  • International students must meet English language fluency requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 600 and minimum score of 5/6 on the Test of Written English (paper-based test); minimum total score of 250 and minimum score of 5/6 on the Test of Written English (computer-based test); minimum score of 100, with no score less than 23 on each of the four skill categories (internet-based test).[Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
  • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 7 out of 9 on the overall test and on each subcomponent.
  • The Duolingo English Test.  The minimum acceptable score is 140.
  • Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
    • Applicants whose current IELTS scores are 6.5 can complete the English Boost program.
    • Students may contact WELC for a free assessment of English fluency and a determination of the length of any recommended program.
    • Applicants are responsible for the costs of this program.

Applicants who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to complete one of the above tests or programs and to have the official results sent directly to SGPS by the testing agency.

Application Deadline

  • February 1
Acceptance notification begins at the end of March.