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What Is a Master's Thesis?

Are you a Master's student starting your thesis or have you just decided to pursue a graduate degree and are trying to understand what it takes to get one? In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about a Master's thesis.

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As a part of your Master's program, you are going to spend a significant amount of time working on your Master's thesis. It involves thorough research and gives you a chance to demonstrate your abilities in your chosen field. So what is a Master's thesis exactly and what does it mean to write one?

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Simply put, a Master's thesis is the last and biggest project you do in the last two semesters as a culminating point of your Master's degree. It's an academic research paper meant to demonstrate a student's competence and mastery of a particular subject within their field of study. These research papers typically combine pre-existing studies with new data . The purpose is to either challenge or support an existing hypothesis, but it can take different forms depending on what your advisor and you decide to do.

Moreover, there are non-thesis Master's programs , like the MBA and the MS in Finance , that don't focus on research but rather on practical skills for you to enter the workforce. These programs normally require you to submit a Master's Degree Capstone project including case studies or program evaluations.

Master's thesis structure

Exact format requirements vary from one program to another, but a Master's thesis generally follows this structure:

• Title page: Your institution will most likely provide you with a template. It should state the name of your institution, the title of your thesis, your name, and the name(s) of your advisor(s).
• Summary: This part will be evaluated by the thesis committee so make sure to write it well. Here you should include your research question, the data you used, the methodology, and the summary of your findings.
• Table of contents
• Introduction: Your goal for the introduction is to state a problem that hasn't been properly addressed, and discuss what your thesis intends to accomplish in terms of the solution - the so-called " research question ".
• Literature review: This section describes the most important and relevant research conducted previously on your topic. It's recommended to include several viewpoints and contrasting opinions.
• Methods: Once you've identified where the existing research falls short in answering the thesis' research question, you should tell the reader your plan to find the solution. In this part, you also explain which methodologies you used to analyze the data you collected.
• Analysis of the results: Here you describe in great detail all your findings - what new information you managed to discover.
• Conclusions: The final chapter of your thesis is meant to determine how well your work answered the research question. Also, you should identify any shortcomings of your own research and discuss future research opportunities.
• List of references: Since the existing research serves as a base for your paper, you should provide a list of all references that were cited in your work.

Most parts can be split into several chapters. Students sometimes also include an acknowledgment, as well as an appendix (or multiple appendices) for additional information, like tables, graphics, or other materials that are not required to understand the main text but can be useful.

How long is a Master's thesis?

A Master's thesis is generally 40-100 pages long , not including the bibliography. However, there is no "correct" number of pages. You are free to make it as long as you need to properly and fully present all the necessary material.

Remember that longer does not mean better, it largely depends on topic complexity and discipline . For example, for a highly mathematical thesis with proof 50 pages can be more than enough, while a sociology thesis relies on a lot of diagrams and may be much longer.

Usually, your institution will have its own guide for the formatting and structure requirements , where you can check if there is a limit for word count, find the length range, font style and size, the number of references, and other useful information.

Getting started on your Master’s thesis

It's better to start thinking about possible topics early in your program. First, you should explore your interests. Then, look up a professor who works in a similar field and ask them to be your thesis advisor . They will be able to help you with forming the research question or offer you to take over an existing project they are already working on.

Don't worry, your thesis advisor will assist you if you have any issues. You can schedule a meeting with them to discuss the outline of your project and create a research plan .

They will also be able to recommend relevant literature so that you know where to begin. Since a literature review in your Master's thesis is a reflection of the existing research on a particular topic, make sure you have enough sources for an in-depth understanding of your subject.

Master’s thesis defense: how does it work?

If the word "defense" scares you, don't worry, no one will actually attack you. Much like what you did for your Bachelor's, a Master's thesis defense is where you present your project and answer a few questions from the thesis committee, which they mainly ask to make sure you understand the subject.

By this time, your paper will already be read, reviewed, and evaluated, so the defense is a formality , and it's highly unlikely you'll fail. The presentation usually takes up to 15 minutes. It's hard to say for the questions part though - it depends on the goal of the committee and the requirements of the program.

After completing your Master's thesis, you can publish the paper if your institution allows it. Research the university's publication process and independent publishing platforms.

If you're considering pursuing a postgraduate degree, your Master's thesis topic can be researched further in the PhD dissertation. Or, in case you want to go into industry after your Master's program, your thesis will say a lot about your abilities to research and analyze information, and experience in a particular field.

Overall, a Master's thesis is a crucial part of your degree , especially if you aim to get more into research and pursue a PhD. It is an independent work designed to back up your academic and professional qualifications , as well as demonstrate your research and even presentation skills.

Writing a Master's thesis is a long and tedious process: it takes about a year from choosing a topic and reviewing the literature to conducting research and submitting your paper. To avoid failing, start early and create a realistic plan with your thesis advisor with many intermediate deadlines to keep you accountable. Take guidance from your advisor and don't hesitate to ask for help.

• The Ultimate Master’s Degree Guide
• After a Master’s Degree: Your Career Options
• How to Get an Internship
• Networking Skills for Master’s Students

Tetiana Sokolova Author

With a Bachelor's degree in System Analysis and Applied Statistics, Tetiana brings a strong analytical foundation to her role as a Content Editor at Keystone Education Group. She is dedicated to researching, producing, and refining content to support students worldwide in their education journey, applying her technical expertise and analytical skills to ensure accuracy and relevance.

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Masters research paper guidelines

See the PDF version of the masters research paper guidelines .

The master’s research paper is worth 2 units of credit towards the MA or MES degree. The student will normally prepare a master’s research paper over three terms, in two stages

• the research paper proposal, and
• the completed research paper.

At University of Waterloo this paper is considered a “milestone” and at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) this paper is recorded as "GG 698".

I. The proposal

Each research paper MA/MES student will have a supervisor and a reader. The student will develop a research paper proposal for approval by her/his supervisor prior to the end of the first term.

Detailed guidelines for the preparation of the research paper proposal are attached.

II. The completed paper

Each research paper MA/MES student will have a supervisor and a reader. The student will develop a research paper proposal for approval by her/his supervisor prior to the end of the first term. A copy of the approved research paper proposal will be kept in the student’s file.

The research paper will normally be completed in the Spring (third) term. The paper should be approximately 8,000 - 12,000 words and be organized into clearly defined sections on problem statement, status of research, research procedure, findings, and conclusions. Student and supervisor together must agree on the organization of the paper into discrete chapters and on the necessity or suitability of maps, statistics or appendices.

Research papers can take a variety of forms such as a journal article format or a standard research paper. In principle, the research paper shall be of such quality that it is publishable in a refereed review journal relevant to the discipline in question.

The research paper must be evaluated by the student’s supervisor and one reader, who will review the paper independently, and then agree upon a final numerical grade.

Guidelines for the preparation of the research paper proposal

The title should be as short as possible with key words given prominent place.

Proposal format

Divide your proposal into 5 sections: the problem statement (1-2 pages), status of research (10 pages), research procedure including a time frame for each task (2-3 pages), references cited (1-2 pages), and a chapter outline for the research paper (1-2 pages). The text should be presented as a series of well integrated paragraphs. Some ideas on what to include in each section are provided below.

Section 1 - Problem statement (1-2 pages)

• Ease your reader into the proposal. Identify current activity in your research area and indicate reasons for your interest in the area.
• Clearly and succinctly state what you intend to do. In one sentence, identify your problem statement, either as a question, statement, or hypothesis.
• Briefly indicate the scholarly and practical/social relevance of your project. Here you should state the contribution that your work will make, i.e. why bother?

Section 2 - Status of research (about 10 pages)

Place your research into context with previous work. The literature review should be presented in a way that justifies both your topic and your methodological approach. It is normal to go from the general to the specific. For example:

The first paragraph might describe the general area of human or physical geography that is involved and identify landmark works, key authors, and the main research emphasis. At this general level, much has been written and you will need to be selective in what you reference. The idea is to give a brief historical overview of the field.

The next paragraph(s) might focus on research that is similar to your own. Try to provide a brief overview of the different questions that have been asked and the most common methodologies that have been used. Include references to works that exemplify or illustrate these various questions and approaches. The purpose is to establish what already is known about the general problem, so it is clear how your study will contribute to further understanding.

Finally, you will want to provide more detailed comments on research studies that are very similar to your own, noting what questions have been answered, what questions are left unanswered, and what evidence and methodologies appear appropriate for research of this type. You may find only a few studies that fit into this category (or possibly none). Studies that fit into this last category can sometimes provide a blueprint for your own research.

Section 3 - Research procedure (about 2 or 3 pages)

This is where you state how you plan to operationalize the research problem, i.e. how will you accomplish your research goal? Consider the following:

What general approach or framework will you use? synthesis and critical evaluation of qualitative materials? survey work? statistical analysis of quantitative data? comparison of different cases/places? numerical modelling? reasoned logical argument? development/application of a technique for a specific type of problem? etc. The general approach largely determines both the information and techniques needed to answer your question and can usually be explained in one sentence.

What information/data is needed to answer your question? How much information will you need? What should it look like? Where and how will you get this information - from direct field measurements? questionnaires? secondary data (e.g. census or other government data)? air photos, maps, or archives? participant observation? published literature? etc. Check out as far and as early as possible the availability, reliability, comprehensiveness, costs, and format of data. Also be careful about logistics, such as the need for specialized computer support or training, language or distance barriers, and the need to have all research involving human subjects reviewed by the Office of Research Ethics.

- What techniques will you employ in the examination of your data? Be as specific as you can. Decide before you collect the data whether you want to make statements of inference as this will affect how the data must be collected. Decide how you would like to present the evidence (as statistics, graphs, tables, verbal argument). Determine what skills will be needed for data collection and data analysis, e.g. field techniques, survey design methods, library skills, techniques like content analysis, cost-benefit analysis, parametric and non-parametric statistics, GIS. Decide how you will develop your skills in these areas and make concrete plans to do so. Remember - the research paper is an opportunity to learn.

-Prepare a time frame that indicates when you will undertake the various tasks that are necessary for the completion of the project. Present this as a chart in the proposal.

Section 4 - References (about 1 or 2 pages, 20-40 references)

A reference list is not the same as a bibliography; a reference list includes only those materials that have been cited in the proposal. As a general rule, references are needed when the information is not general knowledge or when specific points are being made. An acceptable method must be used consistently. The author-date system is strongly recommended as it is the most widely used method in the social sciences. Remember that the page number is included in the reference only when you are using direct quotes or when you are reproducing tables or figures. Of course, page numbers for articles are given in the reference list.

Section 5 - Outline for the completed research paper

Most research papers are 40-60 pages long and contain 4-6 chapters. Usually you will have an introductory chapter, followed by a literature review or research context chapter, followed by a methodology chapter, followed by one or more results chapters, followed by a concluding chapter. Give your chapters appropriate titles and decide on the approximate length of each chapter. Then decide what is likely to be included in each chapter and organize these themes into chapter subsections. Give these subsections titles and once again indicate the approximate length of each.

Writing style

Model your writing style after a refereed academic journal. Expect to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. Reorganizing paragraphs, polishing sentences and searching for the best word are all part of the revision process. Identify your weaknesses (spelling, grammar, adjective use, useless phrases, etc.) and work on them. Don't treat what you have written as sacred. If necessary, scrap part of your text entirely and start with a fresh piece of paper or a blank computer screen.

Referencing guidelines

For detailed guidelines on the appropriate formatting of references consult a reference relevant to the discipline in question, such as:

Northey, M. & Knight, D. (1992). Making Sense in Geography and Environmental Studies: a student’s guide to research writing and style. Toronto: Oxford University Press.

Graphical, tabular and photographic illustrations

Graphs, maps and tables all provide information and so they can be used in any report, including a proposal. Never include filler, however, such as graphs that are not referred to in the text or tables that contain too much detail. Always think about how information can be best communicated to the reader. Be careful so as not to over describe a graph or table; just make the points which are central to your argument.

Masters research projects: what to expect and how to prepare

Embarking on a Masters degree is an academic journey that often ends with a research project. This in-depth exploration into a specific topic or area of interest is a rite of passage for many postgraduate students, and can be both a challenging and rewarding endeavour. 

Unlike Masters coursework, which imparts foundational knowledge and develops or expands skill sets, an academic research project or dissertation is an opportunity for students to delve deeply into a specific area within their field of study. It involves original research and the application of theoretical concepts to address specific research questions. But good research isn’t just about finding answers – it’s about asking the right questions and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

What is the purpose of a Masters research project?

The purpose of a Masters research project is multifaceted. It showcases understanding of the subject matter and also demonstrates an ability to conduct independent research. This process hones critical thinking skills, cultivates a deep understanding of research methodologies and contributes valuable insights to the academic community. 

Understanding the difference between a research project and a thesis

In the United Kingdom, a research project or dissertation is typically undertaken at the end of a Masters degree, while a thesis is typically undertaken during PhD studies . But both offer an opportunity to conduct extensive, in-depth exploration of a research question.

A step-by-step guide to developing a research project

Beginning a research project can be daunting. The task ahead requires extensive planning and exhaustive research before the writing even begins. Breaking the project down into smaller pieces can help to make it more manageable. 

Step 1: Choose a research topic

Identify an area of interest within your field of study for the research proposal. This might be a current issue in the field or perhaps a more theoretical problem. 

At this stage, it helps to explore existing literature to understand gaps in knowledge and research, and to identify potential research ideas. Then, narrow down the focus based on personal interest as well as feasibility. 

Step 2: Formulate a research question 

Develop a clear and concise research question that encapsulates the essence of the project and the research aims.

Ensure the question is researchable, relevant, and will contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field. 

Step 3: Conduct a literature review

Explore relevant journal articles, books and other scholarly sources, and analyse existing literature to identify key theories, methodologies and any gaps in knowledge.

Step 4: Develop a research plan

Outline the scope, objectives and timeline for the research project. This step also includes specifying the research design, methodology and data collection techniques such as focus groups or questionnaires.

Step 5: Data collection

Implement the research plan by collecting data and conducting research using appropriate methods. Ensure ethical considerations are adhered to throughout the data collection process.

Step 6: Data analysis

Use qualitative research and/or quantitative research methods based on the project’s specifications, and then interpret the findings to address the research hypotheses or questions.

Step 7: Write the research paper

Structure the paper with clear sections such as an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion. Remember to ensure proper citation of sources and adherence to academic writing conventions and styles.

Advice on preparing and researching for a Masters research project

There are a number of ways to ease the pressure during the pre-writing stages of a research project:

• Start early . Begin as early as possible to allow ample time for each stage. Early planning minimises stress and allows for thoughtful consideration of research ideas.
• Seek guidance . Consult with any dedicated academic advisors regularly. Seek feedback on the research question, the methodology and overall progress.
• Use resources wisely . Leverage the university’s libraries, databases and online resources for comprehensive literature reviews, and attend workshops and seminars to enhance research skills.
• Stay organised . Implement effective project management techniques . Keep meticulous records of the research process including data collection and analysis.

Tips for writing a Masters research project

After all the preparation, planning and research are underway, it’s time to start thinking about writing. This process can be time-consuming but can be made more straightforward by:

• Crafting a compelling introduction . Clearly outline the significance of the research through introducing the research question and justifying its relevance.
• Ensuring a thorough literature review . Synthesise existing literature to provide a solid foundation for the research. Highlight gaps and justify the need for the study.
• Establishing and maintaining methodological rigour . Clearly articulate research design and methodology. Justify the choice of methods and demonstrate their appropriateness.
• Creating a clear results section . Present findings with clarity and precision. Use tables, charts and graphs to enhance data visualisation.
• Building a coherent discussion section . Interpret results in the context of existing literature in order to discuss the implications of the findings and propose avenues for further research.
• Planning for a solid conclusion . Summarise the key contributions of the research and emphasise the significance of the findings in the broader field of study on the topic.

Conduct a Masters research project in finance, leadership, and management

Develop leadership skills and professional adaptability with the University of York’s 100% online MSc Finance, Leadership and Management programme. This flexible Masters programme will give you valuable insight into your own professional development while building your problem-solving and communication skills.

Your studies will prepare you to respond rapidly and effectively to changing business and financial environments, and upon graduation you will receive affiliate CMI membership and be awarded a Level 7 certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice .

As part of your postgraduate programme, you’ll also conduct a longer sustained research project that you can use to demonstrate your critical analytical skills, your ability to gather and synthesise data and literature from a range of sources, and your subject-specific knowledge. You’ll work under the guidance of a personal supervisor with expertise in the subject you’re studying, and they’ll help you develop research questions and identify methods and theories to investigate and analyse your topic.

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