Overview
After completing the research project (project-based route) or thesis research (thesis-based route), MSc ESS students must submit a final project report or thesis that conforms to program formatting and submission requirements.
ESSC 700 is a zero-credit course dedicated to the research review and examination process. It encompasses the setup of the examination committee, evaluation of the thesis or project report, the oral defence, and the completion of any required revisions.
Outline
Thesis-based route
The master thesis consists of two zero-credit elements (ESSC 600 and ESSC 700) and five 3-credit elements (ESSC 675–679). MSc ESS students who choose the thesis route must complete the following elements in sequence:
- ESSC 600 Research Orientation
- ESSC 675 Thesis I (Proposal Writing)
- ESSC 676 Thesis II (Research Stage 1)
- ESSC 677 Thesis III (Research Stage 2
- ESSC 678 Thesis IV (Research Stage 3)
- ESSC 679 Thesis V (Thesis Writing and Defence)
- ESSC 700 Research Review and Examination
Project-based route
The master project consists of two 3-credit elements (ESSC 697–698) and a zero-credit element (ESSC 700). MSc ESS students who choose the project route must complete the following elements in sequence:
- ESSC 697 Project I (Proposal Writing and Defence)
- ESSC 698 Project II (Implementation and Report Writing)
- ESSC 700 Research Review and Examination
Although these elements are not conventional courses, they are administered as such for registration and progress tracking purposes.
Evaluation
A PASS grade in this course signifies that the student has successfully completed all research and examination requirements for the thesis (thesis-based route) or the project (project-based route).
Materials
The Thesis Handbook and Project Handbook provide guidance for students completing the thesis or project requirements of the MSc ESS program. They outline the stages of the research process and include templates, policies, and formatting guidelines.
Students are responsible for obtaining and covering the cost of any materials required for their research. The MSc ESS program does not currently offer funding for students to conduct their projects; however, information on the Athabasca University Graduate Research Fund is available on the Research Centre's website.