Thesis

The MSc OEH thesis stream allows students to research and learn about topics that they are interested in.

The MSc OEH program provides students with a unique opportunity to research a topic of their interest throughout the program.  As students are not required to select supervisors before admission into the program, they can contact the many faculty members conducting research to see what topics interest them over the first term.

Throughout the thesis, students will use the many skills acquired during coursework to explore their areas of interest deeply. They will also learn many new, unique skills essential to their research process, including collecting data or performing literature searches. 

General layout of the thesis timeline

Year 1, Term 1:

  • Coursework
  • Meet with faculty advisor and other faculty to choose a supervisor
  • Begin searching for funding

Year 1, Term 2:

  • Coursework
  • Finalize choice of thesis supervisor, supervisory committee
  • Develop research proposal [Students are strongly advised to submit the research proposal by March 31 of the first year of study]

Year 1, summer term:

  • Regular meetings with the supervisor and thesis committee
  • A significant portion of the research completed

Year 2, Terms 1 and 2:

  • Complete remaining courses
  • Regular meetings with supervisor and thesis committee; complete research
  • Meet the Thesis Committee to review data and discuss the draft of the thesis

Year 2, summer term:

  • Draft of thesis submitted to Supervisor, normally returned in two weeks, iterative process until draft approved
  • Draft submitted to the Thesis Committee
  • Meet with the Thesis Committee to review a draft of the thesis
  • Examining Committee selected and exam scheduled
  • Examination copy prepared and sent to the Examining Committee by the student
  • Thesis defence
  • The signing of the final thesis by the Examining Committee
  • Submission of the final thesis

UBC rules stipulate a 5-year time limit for completing the MSc (including the time required for departmental defence revisions and submission to the library).