Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance

The MSc in Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance is a degree awarded to students who successfully complete a one-year course-based program. The program also includes a major research project (MRP) that runs across the year under the supervision of a faculty member. Another requirement of the program will be a placement at a facility at Western University and the London Health Science Centre (LHSC) for full term (practicum). The program is hosted by the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Western Ontario.

Program Length

• 3 Terms

Program Design

• Full-time study
• Project-based

Funding Information

• Western Financial Assistance

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

Both health related education and health related experience are important eligibility criteria. We are interested in candidates with the following profiles:

• Individual who has earned at least a four-year undergraduate degree in a health-related field (from a recognized Canadian university or college or equivalent).
• Registered or licensed health practitioner who has earned at least a four-year undergraduate health degree (from a recognized Canadian university or college or equivalent) and at least two years of healthcare related work experience (i.g., medical residents post PGY2).
• Professionals from public health sector who has earned at least a four-year undergraduate degree (from a recognized Canadian university or college or equivalent) and at least two years of work experience in public health or public health policy.

• Must have a minimum average of B+ (78% or higher) on the last 10 full courses or 20 half-courses completed (approximately 2 years of full-time study);
• Successfully completed an undergraduate statistics course with a 75% (Canadian equivalency); and
• Proof of registration or licensure from relevant regulatory organization if applying as a health practitioner.
• Interviews in person or via teleconference may also be conducted to ensure fit between the student and the rigorous academic program.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish 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 competitive score is 5 with no individual score below 4.5. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
• The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS Academic). The competitive score is 7 out of 9 with no individual score lower than 6.0.
• The Duolingo English Test. Applicants must attain a minimum score of 120.
• The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL Assessment). The competitive overall score is 70 with 70 in both writing and speaking. 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, Advanced Academic Preparation, 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, MELAB or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency. Those who have completed the High-Advanced level at the Western English Language Centre must provide official proof of completion. Those who have graduated from Level 10 of the Fanshawe College ESL Program must provide official proof of graduation.