Individualized graduate programs
Conduct an independent research project that makes an original contribution to scientific, technological or artistic knowledge, interpretation or development.
Program descriptions
Like our regular programs, our individualized programs lead to a degree in the fields of knowledge covered by the program.
Individualized course-based master’s degree - 45 credits
Official Description - Ulaval Program Directory (in French only)
Structure
The individualized course-based master’s program (MSc) consists of 45 master’s or cross-listed credits (6000- and 7000-level courses) that together make up a cohesive set of academic activities.
This master’s program offers you the opportunity to participate in one of Université Laval’s Les Chantiers d'avenir (in French only)
Whether you can obtain advanced standing in recognition of prior experiential learning or courses depends on program course requirements, since at least 50% of course credits must be completed at Université Laval.
Admission
Admission to the individualized course-based master’s program (MSc) is reserved for candidates preselected under the following Initiatives for the Future programs:
- Individualized Master’s in Climate Action (in French only)
- Individualized Master’s in Food Safety (in French only)
No other applications will be considered.
Visit Les Chantiers d'avenir (in French only) website for more information on projects that are currently recruiting.
Individualized research master’s – 45 credits
Official description - Individualized research master's (M. A.) (in French only)
Official description - Individualized research master's (M. Sc.) (in French only)
Structure
The individualized research master’s program consists of 45 master’s or cross-listed credits (6000- or 7000-level courses), 3 of which are compulsory.
Study plans include 9, 12, 15, or 18 credits of research-topic-related coursework, depending on the interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary scope (minimum of 3 credits per discipline).
Whether you can obtain advanced standing in recognition of prior experiential learning or courses depends on program course requirements, since at least 50% of course credits must be completed at Université Laval.
Program activities
Required courses: 3 credits
Méthodologie de la recherche or Rédaction scientifique (3 credits)
Coursework related to your study plan: 9, 12, 15 or 18 credits
A minimum of 3 credits in each discipline, offered at the University or at another institution
Research training activities: 24, 27, 30 or 33 credits
Individualized doctorate leading to a doctor of philosophy degree (PhD) – 90 credits
Official description – Ulaval Program Directory (in French only)
Structure
The individualized doctorate consists of 90 cross-listed or doctoral-level credits (7000- and 8000-level courses), 9 of which are required (including the examination).
Study plans include 6, 9, or 12 credits of research-topic-related coursework, depending on the interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary scope (minimum of 3 credits per discipline).
Whether you can obtain advanced standing in recognition of prior experiential learning or coursework depends on program course requirements, since at least 50% of course credits must be completed at Université Laval.
Program activities
Required courses: 9 credits
- Méthodologie de la recherche or Rédaction scientifique (3 credits)
- Examen de doctorat ESI-8000 (6 credits)
Coursework related to your study plan: 6, 9 or 12 credits
- A minimum of 3 credits in each discipline, offered at the University or at another institution
Research training activities: 69, 72 or 75 credits
Interdisciplinary training
The University may authorize an individualized program in special situations where no existing program meets the educational needs of a student and where training requires input from several fields of knowledge to achieve the general objectives of the student’s master’s or doctoral program.
Such programs aim to pursue objectives related to:
- A career plan
- Interdisciplinary training
- Personal knowledge and development
For more information
fesp-surmesure@fesp.ulaval.ca
How to apply for an individualized
program
It is up to you to make initial contact with professors in your chosen field of study to find a research supervisor. FESP is not in a position to suggest research supervisors.
As one of Canada’s leading research universities, UL receives generous funding that allows students to join research teams. Visit the section Find a research supervisor.
Your study plan must be drawn up in collaboration with your supervisor. The plan must be detailed and complete. It should include the working title of your project, the research team, the rationale for the project, a presentation of the research, the structure of the program, the proposed sequence, and a bibliography.
Use the following documents to develop your proposal.
Individualized master’s degree study plan (DOC) (in French only)
Individualized doctoral degree study plan (DOC) (in French only)
Applications are reviewed as soon as the program director has the complete application package (see the tab Complete the admission process).
Admission may be postponed to a later semester for applications received after the deadline.
Fall
Québec applicants and Canadian applicants from outside Québec: April 15
International applicants: March 1
Winter
Québec applicants and Canadian applicants from outside Québec: October 1
International applicants: September 15
Summer
No summer admissions
Meeting the admission requirements does not automatically mean you will be admitted to an individualized program. Each application is reviewed by a committee that assesses every project on its merits.
In addition to the documents required by the Registrar’s Office, your application package must also include the following:
- Letter of support from research supervisor (DOC)
- A master’s or doctoral study plan (see the Develop a study plan tab above)
- Your curriculum vitae
- Two referee reports for a master’s program; three for a doctoral program
Visit the Apply for Admission page to complete the online application and pay the application fee.
For each application for admission with a study plan, the vice dean of the FESP will form a committee.
This committee evaluates:
- Your potential for doctoral studies, based on the suitability and quality of your prior training
- The quality and originality of your preliminary research proposal
- The availability of the expertise and resources required to guide you and allow you to complete the program
The committee then recommends:
- Admission
- The appointment of the persons responsible for supervising you (research supervisor, co-supervisor)
- The name of the program and its home unit.
There are administrative steps involved, so there is a wait time between the application and the offer of admission.
Once you are admitted, the members of your supervisory committee will coordinate with your research supervisor to ensure all fields of knowledge touched on by your project are represented.
Additional information
How do I register for classes?
Once you have been admitted to an individualized program, you can register for program-related courses and academic activities through FESP, in accordance with the study plan approved by your committee.
Write to fesp-surmesure@fesp.ulaval.ca to request registration for the courses you are required to take.
As a student admitted to an individualized program, you will be subject to Université Laval rules and procedures for graduate studies.
Can I include courses outside of Université Laval in my study plan?
According to Université Laval Academic Regulations, article 5.38 d) (in French only), the University will award a degree or issue a diploma, certificate, or certificate of completion to students who have acquired at least half of their required credits, without transfer credits or exemptions, by completing degree-applicable courses and academic activities at Université Laval.
Can I do an individualized master’s or doctoral program by distance learning?
No, even if your study plan includes one or more distance learning courses.
Can I do an individualized master’s or doctoral program on a part-time basis?
Students are normally required to enrol full time in these programs for the duration of their studies.
Can I do an individualized PhD program as a cotutelle (i.e., under joint supervision)?
Yes, subject to program director approval. For more information about doing a doctoral cotutelle program, see the Doctoral cotutelle section.
Who is the director of individualized programs?
The vice dean of FESP
Who will be on my committee?
Your committee will be made up of:
- Your program director (vice dean of FESP)
- Your research supervisor
- At least two other faculty members with relevant expertise in your subject areas or fields
What is the doctoral examination process for individualized doctoral programs?
View the document
Doctoral Examination Guide (in French only) (PDF)
What will be the wording on my diploma?
The wording on the diploma will be determined by the committee based on the fields of study.
Examples:
- Individualized Master’s Degree in Archival Sciences and Communication
- Individualized PhD in Design and Public Intervention
Various possibilities are available!
FESP Student Success scholarships
Student Awards and Financial Aid Office
There is an entire section of Ulaval.ca dedicated to international students. Tuition fees, admission procedures, and available scholarships may vary depending on the applicant’s status . Always validate information.
Information for international applicants
If you have a student interested in an individualized program, follow these steps to determine whether such a program can be put in place:
- Ensure that the student meets the program admission requirements
- Find people to serve on the student’s committee
- Develop a study plan in collaboration with the student
- Ensure that the student completes the admission process
Développement des compétences professionnelles
Les étudiants et stagiaires postdoctoraux ont accès à des ressources et formations sur le développement des compétences professionnelles. Un atout incontestable pour ceux et celles qui souhaitent optimiser leur employabilité.