Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Master of Science (MSc)



Meet Saumik Biswas, MSc candidate in Pathology

“The Pathology program here at Western has a very strong support network for their graduate students, which promotes a close-knit community.”

Supervisor: Subrata Chakrabarti

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree? I decided to pursue my graduate degree at Western University for several reasons. First, the Pathology program at Western is very reputable. Second, the unique translational aspects of the program set it apart from other Pathology programs across Canada. Third, Western University is home to cutting-edge research.

Do you engage in volunteer activities?
Yes, I volunteer with “Be Al U Ca-N B”. I go to elementary school classes where I teach the children about diabetes and the research that I do. I also volunteer with “Retiring with Strong Minds”, I am able to talk about my research to senior residents living in retirement homes.

Have you worked as a TA or RA?
Being a research assistant has allowed me to develop, and expand, valuable skills such as critical thinking, creativity, persistence, and communication. These skills will compliment my future academic career.

What one thing would you like people to know about you?
No matter where you come from, anything is possible. I want people to know that I’m the first person in my family to attend university and pursue graduate work.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
First, find a topic that interests you. After that, find a supervisor that will inspire you to learn and grow as a graduate student. Then it will be up to you to take advantage of the available opportunities and make the best out of these opportunities.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Tracey Koning (pathgrad@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Western University
Dental Sciences Rm 4044
London, Ontario N6A 5C1

Graduate research is focused on the mechanisms of cell and tissue injury; the etiology, pathogenesis and behaviour of disease; identification of novel biomarkers; potential treatment targets of various diseases; and molecular imaging.

Program Length

  • 6 Terms (Full-time study)
  • 12 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

Use this helpful tool, although designed to reflect costs associated with in person programs, to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, and other expenses for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants must have obtained a four-year undergraduate degree in Sciences. Although there are no course prerequisites for entry into the program, courses in anatomy, biochemistry, histology and/or molecular biology are strongly recommended. A minimum academic average of 80% for both domestic and international students during the final two years of the undergraduate program is required.
  • Applicants with graduate degrees in Medical/Public Health, or a professional degree in dentistry, medicine or other health profession may also apply. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

English Language Proficiency

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine does not offer conditional admission based on completion of an English language proficiency program. Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency. Those graduates from Fanshawe College’s ESL Program must provide official proof of graduation.

    • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score is 5 both individual and overall. Prior to 21 January 2026, minimum score of 100, with no individual score below 25. [Western's TOEFL ID is 0984].
    • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 7 out of 9 with no individual module less than 6. The IELTS is offered in 6 test centres in the US and 3 in Canada. The online IELTS Indicator test is not accepted. we are accepting the new IELTS Online test as it contains all of the components of the test conducted at a testing center.
    • The Duolingo English Test. Applicants must attain a minimum score of 120.
    • The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The minimum acceptable score is 60. The CAEL Assessment is offered in several countries throughout the world as well as Canada.
    • Western English Language Centre. The requirement is successful completion of the High-Advanced level.
    • Fanshawe College’s ESL Program. The requirement is graduation from Level 10, English for Academic Purposes, with a minimum 80% in all components.

    Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency. Those graduates from Fanshawe College’s ESL Program must provide official proof of graduation.

    Application Deadline

    These dates are an approximation and are subject to change. Applications received on or near the deadline may not be approved in time for the desired start date. International applicants should allow time for visa processing.

    Term Deadline Domestic Applicants Deadline International Applicants
    Winter (January) November 1 August 1
    Summer (May) March 1 December 1
    Fall (September) first round consideration for September start February 1 November 1
    Fall (September) June 1 March 1

    Fields of Research

    • One Health
    • Pathology