Mental Health and Addictions Research

A new paradigm of thought and training is needed for future graduates to tackle the complex challenge of reducing the global burden of mental ill-health, substance use disorders, and related issues. Transdisciplinary approaches to problem solving and collaboration are crucial for achieving this goal.

The Collaborative Specialization in Mental Health and Addictions Research aims to develop scientists and clinician-scientists with the skills necessary to foster transdisciplinary research across the translational spectrum, ranging from molecules and cells, clinic and community, to population mental health and mental health systems and policy.

The specialization will enable:

• the development of broad knowledge in mental health and addictions research;
• the acquisition of skills to communicate across disciplinary boundaries; and
• the ability to identify and critically evaluate the implications of scientific findings across the translational spectrum.

The Collaborative Specialization in Mental Health and Addictions Research is a unique specialization in Canada, and is an add-on to the well-established graduate programs participating in the specialization.

Program Length

• Varies depending on a student’s home degree program.

Program Design

• Full-time study
• Thesis-based

Funding Information

The Collaborative Specialization does not provide additional funding beyond what the student receives through their home department.

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

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master’s (CGRS M)
• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

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

• Current enrollment in a thesis-based graduate program at Western University in one of the participating programs listed. Student must be in good academic standing in their home department.
• A proposed research-based thesis project that is well aligned with the Collaborative Specialization.
• Supervision by a faculty member participating in the Collaborative Specialization.
• Permission of the home department Graduate Chair to participate in the Collaborative Specialization.

English Language Proficiency

• Requirements of the student’s home degree program need to be met.

Application Deadline

• October 1

Applications to the Collaborative Specialization will be evaluated on an annual basis during the Fall term for January intake, with an aim to maximize representation across participating graduate programs.