MSc and PhD in Obstetrics & Gynecology

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences-Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The graduate program provides multi-disciplinary research opportunities in women's health. At both the MSc and PhD levels, prospective students can apply directly to our programs and if qualified, may also choose to apply at the same time to the highly competitive Graduate Program in Maternal and Child Health (MatCH). The Obstetrics & Gynecology Graduate Program is coordinated by Dr. Denise Hemmings, a Professor in our Division of Reproductive Sciences.

Several of our department members have cross-appointments to departments in the basic medical sciences, including Physiology, Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Oncology. Graduate programs leading to the MSc or PhD degree may also be offered through these departments.

Please be aware that the MSc and PhD graduate program does not lead to any medical/clinical designations or subspecialty training. The graduate program is specifically a thesis-based research curriculum to obtain a MSc or PhD degree. If you are interested in obtaining a medical designation, subspecialty training, or resident training, please visit the Residency Training Program.

Graduate Research

As a graduate student in our department, you are encouraged to explore new avenues in translational research to improve the health outcomes for women, children and families. Research students benefit from full access to cutting-edge research laboratories on campus as well as our various off campus facilities and teaching sites.

Research interests in Obstetrics & Gynecology are wide-ranging and examine a variety of women's health issues. Recent graduate projects have explored topics such as:

  • Pregnancy complications
  • Maternal and fetal outcomes
  • Regulation of vascular function
  • Impact of pregnancy hormones on vascular function
  • Infections and pregnancy
  • Estrogen and aging
  • Control of parturition

Supervision

All graduate students must engage an academic faculty member to supervise and mentor them throughout the duration of the program. Several of our department members have cross-appointments to other departments including Physiology, Medical Microbiology & Immunology and Oncology.

Students are strongly advised to identify their supervisor(s) before applying to the program. To learn about potential supervisors, please consult the department's Academic Faculty Listing. 

Competitive Scholarships & Funding

Medical Sciences Graduate Program Scholarships are available to qualifying MSc and PhD students. Other funding opportunities exist in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

For students who qualify for the MatCH program, further funding is available. MatCH candidates may consult a list of positions available to learn about current supervisory opportunities through this program.

About MatCH

The MatCH program is a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary program that encompasses basic science, clinical, epidemiology and health services research in the departments of Medical Genetics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Women and Children's Research Institute as part of the Medical Sciences Graduate Program.

Learn more about the MatCH program.

Admissions Information

All graduate admission inquiries, including those for the MatCH program, must be sent directly to the Graduate Program Administrator for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. For basic entrance requirements into graduate studies at the University of Alberta, please consult the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website (FGPS). For specific entrance requirements for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, consult both the Medical Sciences Graduate Program (MSGP) and Department Admission Requirements. Applications can be submitted through the FGPS website.

Dr. Denise Hemmings
Graduate Program Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
227B Heritage Medical Research Centre
+1(780) 492-2098
dghemmin@ualberta.ca

Sophia Ho
Graduate Program Administrator
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
220 Heritage Medical Research Centre
+1(780) 492-8560
resadmin@ualberta.ca

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