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Memorial University of Newfoundland

Address: 230 Elizabeth Ave, St. John's, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
Phone: +1 709-864-8000
Email: admissions@mun.ca
Website: www.mun.ca


About Memorial University of Newfoundland

Founded in 1925 as a memorial to Newfoundland's war dead, Memorial University College was elevated to degree-granting status in 1949. When Newfoundland became a province of Canada that year, one of the first legislative actions of the new government was to pass An Act Respecting the Memorial University of Newfoundland. The Act specifies the role, responsibilities, structure and other governance and administrative aspects of the province’s only university.Today about 19,000 students are enrolled in Memorial’s undergraduate, graduate and professional programs which span a wide range of disciplines. Memorial is committed to student-centred and experiential learning in multiple modes and settings. The university has key locations are in St. John's and Corner Brook in Newfoundland, Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador, and Harlow in England and offers extensive on-line courses and programs.With a bicameral system of governance like many Canadian universities, Memorial University has a Senate that oversees academic affairs and a Board of Regents that oversees all other matters. The institutional leader is the president and vice-chancellor, who is supported by the university’s administrative leadership.

Why Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is famous for several key reasons, which highlight its unique academic strengths, research focus, and contributions to regional and global education:

1. Marine and Ocean Research

  • Marine Institute: MUN is internationally recognized for its expertise in marine and ocean studies. The Marine Institute is one of the most comprehensive institutions of its kind, offering advanced education, applied research, and training in areas such as marine technology, fisheries, and ocean safety.
  • Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering: The university has one of the few programs in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering in North America, making it a hub for marine-related engineering and research.

2. Leadership in Rural and Northern Health Care

  • Faculty of Medicine: MUN’s Faculty of Medicine is well-known for its focus on rural and remote health care, training physicians and health professionals to serve in northern and rural communities. It places an emphasis on community-based medical education, making significant contributions to the health care of Newfoundland, Labrador, and remote areas across Canada.

3. Geology and Earth Sciences

  • Natural Resource Research: MUN is a leading institution in geology and earth sciences, with a strong focus on Newfoundland's rich geological resources. Its Department of Earth Sciences is highly regarded for research in mineral exploration, petroleum geology, tectonics, and environmental geoscience.
  • Proximity to Geological Diversity: Newfoundland’s location provides a natural laboratory for geology students, offering access to diverse geological formations and resources.

4. Coastal and Arctic Studies

  • Cold-Ocean and Arctic Research: MUN plays a significant role in studying cold-ocean systems and Arctic environments. Its research in environmental sustainability, climate change, and northern ecosystems positions the university as a leader in understanding the impacts of climate change on coastal and Arctic regions.

5. Affordable Education

  • Low Tuition Fees: Memorial University is famous for offering one of the lowest tuition rates in Canada, especially for domestic students. This affordability makes it an attractive option for both local and international students seeking high-quality education without excessive financial burdens.

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) has specific English language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. These requirements apply to both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Undergraduate Language Requirements

  1. Standardized English Proficiency Tests: International undergraduate applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following standardized tests:

    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
      • Minimum score of 90 on the Internet-based test (iBT), with no subscore less than 20.
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
      • Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
    • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test):
      • Minimum score of 50.
    • PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic):
      • Minimum score of 58.
    • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):
      • Minimum score of 176.

  2. Exemptions: You may be exempt from providing an English proficiency test score if:

    • You have completed at least three years of full-time education in a recognized English-language secondary institution.
    • You have completed four years of full-time study in a recognized post-secondary institution where the language of instruction is English.

Graduate Language Requirements

  1. Standardized English Proficiency Tests: Graduate applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following tests:

    • TOEFL:
      • Minimum score of 92 (iBT), with no subscore less than 20.
    • IELTS:
      • Minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
    • PTE:
      • Minimum score of 65.
    • CAE:
      • Minimum score of 176.

  2. Program-Specific Requirements: Some graduate programs may have higher English language proficiency requirements or additional requirements, so it is important to check the specific program for details.

  3. Exemptions: Similar to undergraduate admissions, applicants may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement if they have completed a degree from a recognized institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs

  • If you do not meet the language proficiency requirements, you may be able to take the Intensive English Program (IEP) or the English as a Second Language (ESL) programs offered by Memorial University. Successful completion of these programs may allow you to meet the university’s language proficiency standards.

Conditional Admission:

  • In some cases, Memorial University may offer conditional admission to students who meet academic requirements but do not meet English language requirements. These students may be required to complete additional language courses before starting their degree program.

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) offers a diverse range of programs, but it is particularly known for its strengths in certain fields. Here are some of the key course specialties at Memorial University:

1. Marine and Ocean Studies

  • Programs: Marine Biology, Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering, Marine Environmental Science.
  • Specialization: MUN is internationally recognized for its focus on marine sciences due to its coastal location. The university’s Marine Institute is one of the most comprehensive marine educational and applied research facilities in the world, offering programs that explore ocean ecosystems, maritime safety, and marine technology.

2. Engineering

  • Programs: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Process Engineering, Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering.
  • Specialization: MUN’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is known for its cooperative education program and research in areas like offshore oil and gas, ocean engineering, and sustainable energy.

3. Business and Commerce

  • Programs: Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op), MBA, Social Enterprise & Entrepreneurship.
  • Specialization: The Faculty of Business Administration offers a highly regarded co-op program, giving students practical business experience. MUN is also known for its entrepreneurial focus and leadership in responsible business practices.

4. Earth Sciences and Geology

  • Programs: Geology, Geophysics, Environmental Geoscience.
  • Specialization: Given Newfoundland’s rich geological diversity, MUN is a hub for earth sciences, with a focus on mining, petroleum, and environmental geology. The Department of Earth Sciences is renowned for its research into tectonics, mineral resources, and geophysics.

5. Medicine and Health Sciences

  • Programs: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Nursing, Pharmacy, Master of Public Health.
  • Specialization: MUN’s Faculty of Medicine is known for its focus on rural and remote health care, training physicians and health professionals to meet the unique health needs of communities in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as northern and rural regions of Canada.

6. Education

  • Programs: Bachelor of Education (Primary/Elementary), Bachelor of Special Education, Master of Education, PhD in Education.
  • Specialization: MUN is known for its teacher education programs, with a strong focus on inclusive education, Indigenous education, and preparing teachers to work in diverse classroom settings.

7. Music and Fine Arts

  • Programs: Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Visual Arts.
  • Specialization: MUN’s School of Music is one of the leading music schools in Canada, with a strong emphasis on performance, music education, and ethnomusicology. Its visual arts programs also have a regional focus, reflecting Newfoundland’s cultural heritage.

8. Environmental and Sustainability Studies

  • Programs: Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sustainability Science.
  • Specialization: MUN offers programs that focus on environmental challenges and sustainability, particularly in relation to northern and coastal ecosystems, environmental policy, and natural resource management.

9. Social Sciences and Humanities

  • Programs: Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, History, Philosophy.
  • Specialization: MUN’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences offers programs with a focus on cultural studies, Indigenous studies, and political and social issues in the context of Newfoundland, the Arctic, and global communities.

10. Folklore Studies

  • Programs: Bachelor of Arts in Folklore, Master’s and PhD in Folklore.
  • Specialization: MUN is home to the only Anglophone Folklore Department in Canada, with an internationally recognized program that explores cultural traditions, oral history, and heritage.

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is home to many distinguished professors who excel in a variety of fields, contributing significantly to both academia and their respective industries. Here are some of the top professors known for their research, teaching, and impact at Memorial University:

1. Dr. Max Liboiron

  • Department: Geography
  • Specialization: Environmental Studies, Plastic Pollution, Indigenous Science
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Liboiron is renowned for their work in environmental science, particularly focusing on plastic pollution in the ocean. They are the director of the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR), which applies feminist and Indigenous methodologies to environmental science. Dr. Liboiron’s innovative approaches to research and activism have earned them international recognition.

2. Dr. Trevor Bell

  • Department: Geography
  • Specialization: Arctic Research, Climate Change, Coastal Communities
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Bell is a leader in Arctic research, focusing on climate change and its impacts on coastal and Indigenous communities in the north. He spearheaded the development of SmartICE, an award-winning social enterprise that provides sea-ice monitoring and information services to Indigenous communities affected by climate change.

3. Dr. Tariq Iqbal

  • Department: Engineering
  • Specialization: Renewable Energy Systems
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Iqbal is an expert in renewable energy, specializing in solar and wind energy systems. His research is focused on the integration of renewable energy technologies in remote and northern communities, making his work critical for sustainable development in isolated regions.

4. Dr. Andrew Staniland

  • Department: School of Music
  • Specialization: Composition, Electronic Music
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Staniland is a celebrated composer, specializing in contemporary classical and electronic music. His works have been performed internationally, and he has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the JUNO Award for Classical Composition of the Year.

5. Dr. Sean Brosnan

  • Department: Biochemistry
  • Specialization: Metabolic Pathways, Human Health
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Brosnan is a leading expert in biochemistry, particularly in the study of metabolic pathways related to human health and disease. His research has significant implications for understanding metabolic disorders and developing potential treatments.

6. Dr. Kelly Hawboldt

  • Department: Process Engineering
  • Specialization: Environmental Engineering, Waste Management
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Hawboldt's research focuses on the environmental aspects of industrial processes, including waste management and sustainable engineering practices. Her work has made significant advancements in the areas of resource extraction and waste utilization.

7. Dr. Chris Dennis

  • Department: Medicine
  • Specialization: Cardiovascular Health, Preventative Medicine
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Dennis is known for his work in cardiovascular health and preventive medicine. His research on public health and heart disease prevention has influenced health policy and medical practices, particularly in rural and northern populations.

8. Dr. Carolyn Parsons

  • Department: Pharmacy
  • Specialization: Pharmacotherapy, Mental Health
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Parsons is a leading figure in pharmacotherapy, focusing on medication management for mental health disorders. She is actively involved in clinical research and plays a crucial role in training pharmacists to provide comprehensive patient care.

9. Dr. Lisa Rankin

  • Department: Archaeology
  • Specialization: Indigenous Archaeology, Labrador History
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Rankin's work focuses on Indigenous archaeology and the history of the Labrador Inuit. Her research has provided important insights into the cultural and historical developments of Indigenous populations in Canada’s Arctic regions.

10. Dr. David Behm

  • Department: Human Kinetics and Recreation
  • Specialization: Exercise Physiology, Neuromuscular Function
  • Notable Contributions: Dr. Behm is a leading expert in exercise physiology, specializing in neuromuscular function and the effects of exercise on human performance. His research has broad applications in sports science, rehabilitation, and health.