Student with books under a tree

Essential requirements

Before embarking on the journey of writing a thesis, it is essential to equip yourself with the right tools and skills to establish a solid foundation by ensuring that certain prerequisites are in place. These essential requirements lay the groundwork for a more successful and productive thesis-writing process and can set yourself up for a rewarding academic experience.

Master's thesis

The master’s thesis must demonstrate that the student has the ability to produce scholarly work and is familiar with the main scholarly works in the subject area of the thesis. 

(Academic regulation II-7- Theses, section C-7.2 General thesis requirements)

Objective of the master’s thesis

The objective of the master’s thesis is to meet the requirements for the submission and defense of a thesis as part of a graduate program, under the supervision of a thesis supervisor, and evaluated by a thesis jury.

Essential requirements before writing the thesis

  1. Demonstrate the cognitive skills necessary for the acquisition of information, the integration of knowledge, and the resolution of issues
  2. Acquire and master knowledge relevant to the understanding of key concepts, theories, and main issues in the field of research
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field     
  4. Apply, deepen, adapt, or develop research methods and analytical techniques appropriate to the discipline
  5. Recognize the limitations of one’s knowledge and consult credible sources of information relevant to the research area

Doctoral thesis

The doctoral thesis must contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a given field of study and embody the results of original and rigorous investigation and analysis by the student. It must also be of publishable quality.

(Academic regulation II-7- Theses, Section C-7.2 General thesis requirements)

Objective of the doctoral thesis

The objective of the doctoral thesis is to meet the requirements for the submission and defense of a thesis as part of a graduate program, under the supervision of a thesis supervisor, and evaluated by a thesis jury that includes an external evaluator. The thesis must make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field of research and demonstrate the autonomy of the doctoral candidate. 

Essential requirements before writing the thesis

  1. Demonstrate the cognitive skills necessary for the acquisition of information, the integration of knowledge, and the resolution of issues
  2. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize and to defend one’s ideas, supported by rigorous literature evaluation and evidence-based findings
  3. Acquire and master knowledge relevant to the understanding of key concepts, theories, and main issues in the field of research
  4. Demonstrate independent and innovative critical thinking by making a unique contribution to the advancement of knowledge in one’s field of research     
  5. Apply, deepen, adapt, or develop research methods and analytical techniques appropriate to the discipline
  6. Recognize the limitations of one’s knowledge and consult credible sources of information relevant to the research area 

Comprehensive examination

Terms and definitions- Office of the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

The Comprehensive Examination allows students to demonstrate their ability to:

  • demonstrate broad knowledge in the field of research and a global view on the subject;
  • integrate the concepts, principles and theories they have studied during their course work;
  • demonstrate the required knowledge to undertake and complete their research project; and
  • present and defend their written work.

Objective of the Comprehensive Examination

The objective of the comprehensive examination is to determine whether the student has a thorough grasp of the research field as a whole.  The comprehensive examination can cover subjects directly related to the doctoral candidate’s own research as well as debates or topics relevant to the candidate’s discipline.

Essential Requirements before undertaking the comprehensive examination

  • General and field-specific knowledge of the discipline
    • Goal of the general component of the examination: The doctoral candidate is expected to demonstrate the breadth, depth, and synthesis abilities, as well as an extensive and critical understanding of the major perspectives and debates in the broader field.
    • Goal of the specific component of the examination: Similar to the general component, however, related to a specific area of focus of the candidate’s anticipated thesis.
    • Definition and appropriate use of concepts
    • Ability to link the various authors and perspectives
  • Mastery of the relevant literature in the field
    • Knowledge of theories and approaches relevant to the field of expertise
    • Knowledge of the main issues and debates in the discipline
  • Organization of the text according to the program requirements.