Course structure and timelines

Developing Scholarly Independence 

An MEd Thesis requires a significant amount of self-directed learning, as students are responsible for independently managing their time, setting goals, and progressing through the stages of inquiry, data collection, analysis, and writing. Unlike structured coursework, there are no regularly scheduled class hours; instead, meetings with the supervisor are arranged based on the student’s needs and progress. This flexible, student-led approach encourages scholarly independence and critical self-reflection.

Thesis students should visit the TRU Graduate Studies website for templates and procedures for thesis, ethics, and the oral defence. You’ll find support for formatting, copyright, and plagiarism guidelines. It also connects you to enrolment services, ethics approvals, writing and math help, leave of absence forms, workshops, and professional training opportunities. Follow this link to visit the website: https://www.tru.ca/research/graduate-studies/resources-for-graduate-students.html

Course Structure and Assignment Deadlines

The MEd Thesis is 9-credits, occurs over three semesters, and involves two courses. During the first semester, students complete EDUC 5070 Research Design (Thesis Proposal). During semesters two and three, students complete EDUC 5998 Masters Thesis. Below is a tentative outline of the timelines and project deliverables for semesters 1, 2, and 3. Note that the timelines and deliverables may be adapted to meet individual learner needs and promote student agency and scholarly independence.

Semester 1: Thesis Proposal and Ethics

• First Semester Schedule (PDF)

Semester 2: Data Collection, Analysis, and Writing Chapters

• Second Semester Schedule (PDF)

Semester 3: Writing and Oral Defence 

• Final Semester Thesis Schedule (PDF)