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Masters Thesis

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.

Role of Advisors

It is important to note that your advisor, with the members of the advisory committee, play a very important role in the final stages of completing the thesis.

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.

Apply to Graduate

Apply to graduate at your earliest opportunity! Do not wait until after you defend or submit the final requirements to do this, because you may miss your preferred graduation ceremony if you do not apply by the final date to be included.

Fall graduation applications typically open at the end of June and spring graduation applications typically open at the beginning of November.

The online application form can be found on LORIS, under the Student Services tab. Refer also to Convocation and graduation information for details on how and when to apply to graduate.

Defence Process

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

Final Requirements

Make sure you are aware of upcoming deadlines for final requirements, to be eligible for tuition adjustments through the term. 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.