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Research Master's

Research Master's students complete either a major research paper/project (MRP) or a thesis, depending on requirements of the program. A suitable advisor must be available, and the composition of an advisory committee is subject to approval of the graduate coordinator. 

The major research paper/project is the final requirement for many one-year masters programs, and generally represents the final requirement of the program in the following ways: 

  • A wrap-around project that expands on and connects new knowledge during the coursework phase. 
  • Original research on an approved topic. 
  • Prepares you to identify and think critically about issues and current problems facing your discipline or profession.

The thesis is a major requirement or an option in many master's programs and when completed it marks the culmination of your program. Successfully defending your thesis can be one of your proudest achievements. The master's thesis:

  • Must demonstrate your capacity for independent work and must be single-authored.
  • Should demonstrate a scholarly approach to the subject matter and a clear understanding of how the work fits with the relevant practice and/or literature of your discipline.

Procedures and Requirements

Refer to the Graduate Academic Calendar for the regulations and procedures governing a master’s thesis, which includes the requirements concerning the structure of the advisory committee, the examining committee, and the guidelines for conducting the oral defence.

Progress and Activity Reports

Master’s students are expected to maintain continuous registration in each semester (three semesters per year), unless on an approved leave. You must attain at least a B- grade in each course and, where required by the degree program, must present and defend an acceptable thesis or research paper/project.

Two-year master's programs also require periodic progress reports. Consult the graduate coordinator for your program for details.

Role of Advisors

Whether you are pursuing a MRP or a thesis, it is important to note that your advisor, with the members of the advisory committee (where required), play a very important role in the final stages of completing a research master's degree. Review your program's requirements to determine the composition of an advisory committee.

The completion of a thesis requires an oral examination. To ensure that you are in a strong position to succeed in the oral defence, your advisor and advisory committee will:

  • Read through several drafts of your work and provided feedback on it.
  • Consult as a committee and with you in determining that you are ready to proceed to the oral defence.

Advisory Committees

Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) formation is a necessary step in meeting program milestones for a research degree. For students who are completing an MRP, please see your program’s requirements in order to determine whether an Advisory Committee form is appropriate.

The role of the advisory committee is twofold:

  • To mentor, advise and support you as you undertake the thesis/dissertation.
  • To uphold academic standards in the discipline and at the institution.

All students who are undertaking a thesis must ensure that a committee formation form is submitted to FGPS. You must:

If any changes are made to your committee, a change of committee form must be submitted.

Having your committee approved early in your academic journey helps ensure your committee meets all Graduate Academic Calendar regulations and requirements, a necessary condition for good standing and future success in your program.

Apply to Graduate

Apply to graduate at your earliest opportunity. Do not wait until your final semester to do this, because you may miss your preferred graduation ceremony if you do not apply by the final date.

Applications typically open: 

  • At the end of June for fall convocation.
  • Beginning of November for spring convocation.

To find the online application: 

  1. Log in to LORIS.
  2. Select the Student Services tab.

Learn more about convocation processes and awards for graduate students. 

Defence Process

The guidelines below will ensure that the coordination of your master’s MRP/thesis oral defence goes smoothly. Your advisor and graduate coordinator are responsible for ensuring that the necessary forms are completed throughout this process.

Scheduling the Oral Defence

Contact your department for details on how the oral examination is scheduled.

Review the regulations and procedures governing the master's thesis, as well as the thesis style guide, in the Graduate Academic Calendar.

After Your Successful Defence: Submit Your Thesis

Congratulations! Take a moment to celebrate and decompress.

Your Oral Examination Report will be returned to the FGPS noting the decision of the committee. Make sure you are aware of the deadline for making the revisions and submitting the final version to your advisor.

What You Need to Know

  • You must remain fully registered until all degree requirements have been completed. Do not drop your thesis course on LORIS (FGPS will do that for you and make any account adjustments available to you when your advisor has signed off on the changes on the Graduate Candidate Record).
  • Ensure you receive a list of the required edits, if applicable. These should be sought from your advisor.
  • Once the edits have been completed, send the revised version to your advisor(s) for review. Be sure to give your advisor(s) enough time to complete the review within the deadline as stipulated on your Oral Examination Report. The advisor will sign the Oral Examination Report to confirm that revisions have been completed, and submit the Report to fgps@wlu.ca.
  • Ensure your title page meets the formatting guideline found in the Calendar, specifically ensuring to include the copyright symbol (©).

Forms to Complete

Students completing a thesis master's program must complete and submit the following forms (to be provided at your defence by the examining committee chair):

  • Thesis Non-Exclusive Licence
  • Embargo Request Form (this form requires signatures from your advisor/co-advisors and program graduate coordinator)
  • Scholars Commons Submission Agreement
  • Oral Examination Report (consult your department)

Upload Your Thesis

Do not upload your thesis until the final document has been approved by your supervisor and until all paperwork (see above) has been sent to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Review the instructions on how to complete the upload. Ensure the embargo period field matches the same period indicated on the embargo form.

Upload the final approved version of your thesis to Scholars Commons @ Laurier. You must create an account to upload your thesis.

Final Requirements

Make sure you are aware of upcoming deadlines for coursework submission, degree (and co-op) and final requirements, to be eligible to graduate.

Check the Graduate Academic Calendar under Academic and Related Dates.

FGPS will:

  • Make adjustments to registration and arrange for any applicable adjustments to tuition and fees. After this has been done, students may submit a refund request when they have a credit balance. Note that these adjustments will also impact any funding or OSAP you received for the term.
  • Forward notice of your completion to the Convocation team to confirm your eligibility to graduate.