Extended Essay option
You can choose the extended essay or thesis option for your master’s degree.
The extended essay is an independent research project. It may be an extended version of a course project. Depending on the nature and scope of your essay, the expected length will vary from shorter technical essays to longer essays with more literary content.
Course Requirements
You’ll need a grade B or above in the following courses:
| Core courses | Unit value |
|---|---|
| ECON 500 Microeconomic Analysis | 1.5 |
| ECON 501 Macroeconomic Analysis | 1.5 |
| ECON 545 Econometric Analysis | 1.5 |
| Total | 4.5 |
| Elective courses | Unit value |
|---|---|
| ECON 500 level courses | 1.5 |
| ECON 500 level courses | 1.5 |
| ECON 500 level courses | 1.5 |
| ECON 500 level courses | 1.5 |
| ECON 500 level courses | 1.5 |
| OR combination of ECON 400-undergraduate level and/or graduate courses from other departments | Max. 3.0 |
| Total | 7.5 |
| Extended essay | Unit value |
|---|---|
| ECON 598 Master's essay | 3.0 |
| Total | 3.0 |
| Program unit total | 15.0 |
For more information visit the Graduate Academic Calendar.
ECON 598 Extended Essay guidelines
The extended essay is an independent research project, which may consist of an extended version of a course project. You decide the topic in consultation with your supervisory committee, which you will defend in a final oral examination, in accordance of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Depending on the nature and scope of your essay, the expected length will vary from shorter technical essays to longer essays with more literary content.
Supervisory Committee
Your supervisor is a faculty member who will mentor you while you study at UVic. They'll guide your research and the resulting essay.
Your supervisory committee consists of a supervisor and second member, who may be a co-supervisor or a committee member. The second member can be from your home department or an outside one.
Timeline
Submit your research proposal form to the graduate adviser by March 31 indicating your field and supervisor preferences. The adviser will connect you with faculty members to discuss their research interests. By May 31 you should have met with potential supervisors.
Once your supervisor is in place and you’ve determined a research topic, you need to complete the extended essay registration form. Deadline to register is September 30 of your second year.
Oral Examination
The final component of your program is to defend your essay in an oral examination known as a defense.
Contact the graduate program assistant when you’re ready to defend. You must notify them at least 10 working days before your tentative defense date.
Oral defense procedures/checklist
Responsibility of: student
Completed by:
- November 15 (June convocation)
- February 15 (June convocation)
- July 15 (November convocation)
Apply to graduate by the deadlines above. You must be registered in ECON 598 in the term you plan to defend.
Responsibility of: supervisor
Completed by: at least 20 days before your defense
Your supervisor will appoint a second reader or member and a chair (not part of the supervisory committee).
Responsibility of: student
Completed by: 15-20 business days before your defense
Finish the written portion of the extended essay and give a copy to the supervisory committee to review.
Responsibility of: student and supervisory committee
Completed by: 10-15 business days before your defense
Once your supervisory committee has read the essay and agreed it is examinable, together you will decide on a date and time for your defense.
Contact the graduate program assistant with:
- Defense date and time
- Title of extended essay
- Who is on the supervisory committee
- Any special requirements like video conferencing or a large room
Responsibility of: student
Completed by: 7 business days before your defense
Supply an electronic copy of the essay to everyone on the examining committee, including the chair. Submit a printed hard copy of the essay to the graduate program assistant.
Responsibility of: student
Completed by: day of defense
Pick up any reserved audio-visual equipment and keys. You are responsible for the return of these items to the department.
Responsibility of: student, supervisor, graduate program assistant
Completed by: after defense
Sign necessary post-defense forms and return keys. Submit a final PDF of the essay to the graduate program assistant.