Program Details

The MPhil program consists of four core courses, two electives and thesis or research project report. The first year of the full-time program consists of course work, with the second year devoted to a thesis/report proposal presentation, writing, submission and oral defense. The core courses consist of the following: MPhil 6103 Research Methodology I; MPhil 6204 Research Methodology II; MPhil 6305 Worldviews and Public Policy; and MPhil 6406 Policy, Citizen Engagement / Dispute Resolution.

Students will identify two elective courses aligned with their Thesis or Research Project Report. Elective courses can be independent reading courses rather than classroom based courses.

Thesis or Research Project Report

Students will choose either a thesis or a research project report. Each option allows further customization of the program to suit individual students.

The thesis is the standard graduate option. The thesis is ordinarily a sustained argument concerning an issue related to policy studies, and is ordinarily in the range of 85-110 pages.

The research project report is ordinarily a research document in the range of 80+ pages on matters arising in the course of a research project done in conjunction with a project partner that may be a current employer. A research project can also involve an internship. The research project option is often most beneficial to those who seek more specific  experience in policy research and development, or to those who are currently employed in a sector that might seek to engage a special research project.

Focus Areas

To provide students with an opportunity for specialization with an otherwise 'general' program, the following policy focus areas are available: International Development; Worldviews; Citizen Engagement / Dispute Resolution; Sustainability / Environmental Issues; Leadership; and Community Development. Students may also pursue other specialty areas provided supervisor availability. Supervisors for all thesis/research project areas will need to be identified prior to admission to the program. For a list of faculty members please click here