Why Transdisciplinary Sustainability @ Memorial?

Building capacity to address the 21st-century transition to sustainability, both globally and locally, is an urgent and complex task, which requires novel partnerships and the integration of expertise from a variety of perspectives. The PhD program in Transdisciplinary Sustainability (TRSU) aims to make a strong contribution to understanding and addressing complex ecological-social-economic-political issues by leveraging the unique strengths of Grenfell Campus and its School of Science and the Environment.

This program trains students to understand and conduct research on sustainability issues through a transdisciplinary approach (i.e. drawing on a broad combination of disciplines and collaborating with external partners). Core TRSU courses focus on holistic conceptualizations of sustainability, complex systems, sustainability science, disciplinary reflection, transdisciplinary research methods, team science, and knowledge co-production with stakeholders. Students are able to pursue their individual interests in sustainability-related issues through a structured but flexible program.

Description of Program

• PhD – The PhD program involves two core courses, an elective course (as approved by the student’s supervisory committee), graduate research seminars, a comprehensive exam, and a thesis. The program can be completed in four years of full-time study.

Contact a Faculty Supervisor

A faculty supervisor is required for admission to the Transdisciplinary Sustainability program. Applicants must identify a supervisor before submitting their application and the supervisor must confirm that they are willing to supervise the applicant. No applicants are offered formal admission until a faculty supervisor has been confirmed.

Visit the Transdisciplinary Sustainability program website for a list of faculty members, their research interests, and contact information. You may also use the Yaffle search application to find a supervisor you may wish to work with.

The School of Graduate Studies offers advice on how to search for and contact potential supervisors. Need more help? Try attending one of our webinars and information sessions for prospective graduate students.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• PhD – Master’s degree in an appropriate area of study and an excellent academic record OR 12 months in a Master’s program and demonstration of exceptional ability to pursue research at the doctoral level OR Bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent) and 5 years of related full-time professional experience

Note: All figures are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Fees are approved by the University’s Board of Regents. In the event of a discrepancy between the fees approved by the Board and those published on this website, the fees approved by the Board will prevail. Financial policies are enforced through the Department of Financial and Administrative Services. For the complete and official list of all fees and charges, visit www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.