Do I Need to have a supervisor before applying for a Postgraduate Program

[kaypump]

I am interested in applying for a Master's degree in Canada, however most of the uni. I have been checking requires you to have a potential supervisor before submitting your application.
Is this a norm in Canada because it is a bit awkward choosing a research before even starting the program.
However, can I just apply and look for a supervisor later if I do get the admission.
I will be very grateful for opinion from people that have experienced this.
Many thanks.

 

[momi]

I am interested in applying for a Master's degree in Canada, however most of the uni. I have been checking requires you to have a potential supervisor before submitting your application.
Is this a norm in Canada because it is a bit awkward choosing a research before even starting the program.
However, can I just apply and look for a supervisor later if I do get the admission.
I will be very grateful for opinion from people that have experienced this.
Many thanks.

It is very difficult to get supervisor specially if you are applying from abroad.........but if you can get a supervisor the admission process is then piece of cake. Many universities specially for research degrees require that you must be accepted by a supervisor........
Try to email to the potential supervisors describing them the area in which you want to do research......

 

[adee1]

Hi There
1) For research based masters
You must have to look for a potential supervisor if you are willing to do research based masters degree.Usually universities contact the name of the supervisor mentioned in your application themselves.But it is highly advisable that you check the area of your research interest and then do contact yourself with the associate professor working in that particular area before submitting your application.If he is agreed to accept you under his supervision then go ahead and put up your application as Momi well said it will be a piece of cake after that.

2) For course based Masters
Usually you do not need to hire a professor for the course based masters program.But as you know that too many students apply for course based program so its really competitive and admission based on your previous qualifications and grades achieved.That's why some of the universities also told you to look for a supervisor even you submitted your application for course based masters program.This is because if you will be unable to take admission in course based program you still have option of research based masters depends you already found a research supervisor.

 

[a_a_d]

Its not that hard. Try to look into what research you are more inclined to do. Once you decide that, look into university websites and faculty profiles and you will see the research interests of faculty members. Take out the one's that match your interest and then contact them with a cover letter and a draft research proposal stating what and why do you want to do this.

Normally the main problem is the fact that you dont get an urgent reply or you dont get a reply at all. But you can always make a call at their contact number at introduce yourself and remind them that you sent and e-mail and you would be really grateful if they can have a look.

If you get lucky, you will fall into a regular correspondence with the supervisor, and like it has been said, admission is then easy. But remember, the supervisor cannot guarantee admission. He can just accept you to work under him.

 

[kaypump]

Thank you very much house, that was very helpful.

 

[Bishal_manandhar]

Can you choose course based program and later on change it to thesis one after admission?