Geography MA Program Degree Requirements:

The program offers two streams: a coursework with major research paper (MRP) option, and a coursework with thesis option.

The major research paper stream provides students with graduate training in a wide range of geographical topics, but with the opportunity for some focus on a specific topic.  The thesis stream provides students with opportunity for sustained, focused, independent research and analysis, while still requiring some breadth through the graduate level coursework. The two streams are equally rigorous, but designed to accommodate the backgrounds, aspirations and needs of different students.

Both the MRP and the thesis aim to be creative and innovative in their portrayals of insights about, or readings of, subject matter. They both develop a position or standpoint that represents the voice of the student. The two main differences between the MRP and the thesis are of scope and type of claim. An MRP claims to assess and evaluate other people’s research. It has a wider scope than a thesis because it can be more speculative and agenda setting. Its role is more to raise significant questions and provide illustrative evidence than to provide definitive, fully documented answers. The end result of an MRP could be a well-grounded set of new research questions. A thesis claims to produce original evidence or argumentation based on the candidate’s own novel research or theorizing. The overall scope is more focused, and the standard of argumentation and evidence are higher. The expectation is that, as an original contribution, the thesis will identify ways to push ideas forward by providing new evidence and argumentation, and some working answers to the research questions posed.

Students may indicate whether they intend to follow the thesis or major paper option when they register for their first term of study, but will not be allowed to register for either the thesis or major essay course (i.e., register in a “stream”) until permission is given after completion of the student’s first term of study (after the completion of both core courses in the case of part-time students). We expect that in most cases students will be permitted to register in the stream of their choice; occasionally we may require a student to follow either the thesis or major paper option after considering the student’s preferences, educational background, aspirations, aptitudes and educational needs.

MA Program with Thesis Option:

Candidates must successfully complete five half-credit courses, plus a thesis that demonstrates the capacity for sustained independent work and original research or thought. This normally takes five terms (20 months). The thesis topic is developed in consultation with the supervisory committee. A formal thesis proposal must be approved before research commences on the thesis. Students are required to complete the following half-credit courses: (a) GEOG 5P01: Theoretical Approaches to the Critical Examination of Geographical Issues, (b) at least one of GEOG 5P02: Methodologies for the Critical Examination of Geographical Issues or GEOG 5P03: Quantitative Analysis in Geography, and (c) three half-credit elective courses. In normal circumstances full-time students satisfy the theory and methods core requirements by the end of the second term, and the elective course requirements are met by the end of the fourth term. Full-time students prepare their thesis proposal in the second term, and commence work on the thesis after the proposal has been approved, normally during the third term. Theses are 100-150 pages, and must be defended publicly to the satisfaction of an examining committee that includes an external examiner.

MA Program with Major Research Paper (MRP) Option:

Candidates must successfully complete seven half-credit courses plus a major research paper that demonstrates capacity for sustained independent work. This normally takes four terms (16 months). The MRP topic is developed in consultation with the supervisor. A formal proposal must be approved before research commences on the MRP. Students are required to complete the following half-credit courses: (a) GEOG 5P01: Theoretical Approaches to the Critical Examination of Geographical Issues, (b) at least one of GEOG 5P02: Methods for the Critical Examination of Geographical Issues or GEOG 5P03: Quantitative Analysis in Geography, and (c) five half-credit elective courses. In normal circumstances full-time students satisfy the theory and methods core requirements by the end of the second term, and the elective course requirements are met by the end of the fourth term. Students prepare their MRP proposal in the second term, and commence work on the MRP after the proposal has been approved, normally during the third term (see p.9 for information on part-time studies). The MRP is 60-80 pages, and is graded by a supervisor and second reader.

Elective courses are selected from among the following: (a) the second methodology course, (b) electives offered in the time period of the student’s enrolment, (c) graduate courses in other programs, (d) a maximum of one half-credit directed studies course, or (e) a maximum of one half-credit fourth year undergraduate course which has been revised for graduate credit. Additional credits may be required of students with insufficient preparation.

For more detailed information on MA Program Requirements, please see the MA in Geography: Graduate Faculty and Student Handbook.