Major research paper

The major research paper must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the existing literature in the subject area.
The major research paper must also demonstrate the ability to perform independent, graduate-level work in the discipline.
The scope and depth are less extensive than those of a master’s thesis.

study

Enrolment to the major research paper

Students must have completed all other program requirements prior to enrolling in the major research paper (MRP 6999). The major research paper must be completed within the final term of enrolment, by the date indicated in the important dates and deadlines calendar. Students may only enrol to MRP 6999 for one term only.


It is expected that before the beginning of the term of enrolment for the major research paper, the student and the supervisor will establish the following points:

  1. Research paper topic: The topic may be developed from previous academic work or a special project, with the approval of the program director. In such cases, the professor previously responsible for the academic work or special project will normally be the supervisor. The research paper must demonstrate a significant advancement in the development of the research, beyond what was demonstrated in the original work;
  2. List of readings;
  3. A work schedule to meet the deadline;
  4. The most appropriate research approach.

Requirements and guidelines

Length

It generally consists of a maximum of 50 pages, double-spaced print with normal fonts and margins (approximately 12,500–15,000 words).

Submission and revisions

Once the final version of the MRP has been submitted, it cannot be revised. 


Grading

The major research paper is submitted to the supervisor and an evaluator (selected by the supervisor) for independent evaluation. The supervisor and evaluator have 10 business days after the submission to evaluate the major research paper and submit a final grade.

The evaluation of the MRP will result in one of two grades:

  1. Satisfactory (S): The MRP is accepted and meets the program requirements. In this case, you will have completed the requirements of your program. 
  2. Not Satisfactory (NS): The MRP requires major revisions and does not meet the required criteria. 
    • If no other final grade is on file, you will have to enrol again in MRP 6999 the following term. Your new version will be evaluated again by the director and the same evaluator.
    • If this is your second failing grade on record, you will be automatically withdrawn from the program.