Applicants must demonstrate excellence of background preparation and academic achievement in prior degrees and, usually, possess a relevant, thesis-based master's degree. In the Faculty of Engineering, a minimum 80% standing in an applicant's appropriate master's program is the usual requirement. A master's degree obtained without a full research thesis is normally an inadequate qualification for admission to the PhD program. In exceptional cases, applicants who have spent at least three years pursuing an appropriate honours bachelor's degree may be considered for admission to a PhD program, upon request from the Department of Chemical Engineering.