Directed Research Project

The Directed Research Project is seen as a major component of the BMASc (Hons) degree in that it affords the student the opportunity to demonstrate his or her ability to critically analyse some element of his or her military experience. Students are required to submit a proposal to the Division of Continuing Studies, along with their application to be admitted into the program. Upon acceptance of the proposal, a supervisor will be assigned and the work will be carried out under the guidance of that individual. If appropriate, this project may take the form of a technical project or a directed reading course with one or two major essays. Directed Readings allow students to explore subjects of particular interest through the execution of a series of assignments, while under the supervision of a university professor.

The proposal (1-3 pages) must identify a general area of interest (e.g., twentieth-century Canadian Naval Strategy). Specifically, it must provide the following information:
*Why the area is of military interest
*Why the student is interested in the topic
*The overall objective of the project
*What issues the student would like to discuss
*Whether or not the research materials are expected to be readily available (i.e., is the material classified)
*Any extraordinary sources that might be required to carry out the work
*A preliminary bibliography (approximately 20 titles)
*The name of an advisor in the local area of the student (if applicable)

During the review period, the Division of Continuing Studies, in consultation with the appropriate department head, will approve or reject the proposal. If approved, an appropriate supervisor will be selected for the student (or the suggested supervisor will be appointed).

The supervisor will then, in consultation with the student, determine the specific aim of the research and direct the student's efforts towards the completion of a major research paper (generally at least 50 pages) or two or more smaller research papers (between 20 and 25 pages each). These papers must have a definite military content and represent significant individual research and critical analysis. All papers must be submitted according to an essay format deemed acceptable by the supervisor (e.g., The Chicago Manual of Style, or The Modern Language Association).

The student and the supervisor will work out a timetable for the various parts of the work and for final submission. Two copies must be submitted to the Division of Continuing Studies for final approval of the Directed Research Project credits. The paper(s) will be submitted to a second reader and the second reader, in conjunction with the supervisor, will determine the grade. The Directed Research Project must earn at least B to be counted as 2 credits towards the BMASc Honours degree.

The DRP is awarded 2 senior credits and should be likened to an Honours thesis, which is normally completed within 2 consecutive terms. But because most DRPs are produced at a distance, there are some delays to be expected due to this circumstance. Thus, a 12-month due date is set for the final draft of the DRP, starting from the date the project has a supervisor and has been approved. An extension beyond this 12-month due date may only be granted by the Dean, the Vice Dean or the Director of Curriculum, Division of Continuing Studies, and only due to exceptional circumstances, such as illness or deployment, can be evidenced.

NOTE: The fee quoted is for NON-DND there is a different fee for DND/FGE students.

Note: Check with the institution regarding start/end dates, prices, and delivery method. These may vary according to program, section, and/or semester.