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Which master's course in Canada suits a graduate with BSc and MSc in Microbiology and IELTS 6.5?

14 Sept 2026 · Answered by Tharun Kumar U · 2 min read
Tharun Kumar U
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Because you already hold both a BSc and MSc in Microbiology, the decision is less about eligibility and more about whether you want an industry-facing degree or a second research degree, since a straight MSc in Microbiology would largely repeat coursework you have already completed.

Why Biotechnology Beats a Second Microbiology Degree Here

  • More industry-oriented than a thesis-only MSc, positioning you for biotech, pharmaceutical and diagnostics roles rather than another academic credential.
  • McGill's Biotechnology Graduate Program accepts an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher, matching your current score exactly.
  • The University of Saskatchewan's Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology graduate program also lists IELTS 6.5 as its minimum, with specific section requirements worth checking.

Biotechnology vs Public Health vs a Second Microbiology Degree

Master'sBest ForIELTS Fit at 6.5
Biotechnology (McGill, Saskatchewan)Biotech, pharma, quality control rolesMeets the 6.5 minimum directly
Public Health (MPH, e.g. UBC)Epidemiology, government health rolesOften needs closer to 7.0, worth confirming per intake
Microbiology/Molecular Biology (thesis MSc)PhD track, pure researchMeets requirements but overlaps with your existing MSc

This Information Is Also Available On

McGill University's Biotechnology Graduate Program admissions page; the University of Saskatchewan's Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology graduate program page.

My Advice

Since you already hold an MSc, I would not default to another MSc in Microbiology just because it feels like the safest continuation. Use this second Canadian degree to add something you do not yet have on paper, whether that is industry exposure through Biotechnology or a public health pivot, and lead your application with your specific MSc thesis topic so admissions committees see this as deliberate specialisation, not repetition.

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