Master's Research Paper Information

MA MRP (Master's Research Paper) Option

The Master’s Research Paper is best thought of as a "mini-Thesis" and is the equivalent of 2 one-term courses (0.5 unit weight each). The work is supervised by one faculty member who may ask for corrections and who will jointly decide with the second reader on the grade to be awarded upon completion. No oral examination/defense is required.

Choosing a Supervisor for the MRP

Students are encouraged to meet informally with faculty members in their first term to discuss possible topics for their MRP. Getting early feedback from potential supervisors can help you get a clearer sense of what your research project will entail and possible topics you would like to explore. A listing of faculty, and their areas of research, can be found on the School of Economics Research page.

If you have decided you would like to switch into the MRP program, reach out to the Associate Director, Graduate Studies to discuss your research interests and gain approval. This must be done after the first fall term.

two ECON MA students sitting and smiling

MRP forms

School of Economics Master's Research Paper Supervision Form

Students need to acquire a supervisor and a second reader for their MRP. Once you have both of these, please fill out an MRP Supervision Form and submit it to the Graduate Coordinator.

School of Economics Master's Research Paper Completion Form

Once the MRP is finished, students need to have their supervisor and second reader sign the MRP Completion Form and submit it to the Graduate Coordinator.

MRP formatting and submission

Read the Economics MRP Guidelines for further information and also see below.

Front matter
Roman numerals should be used for the Front Matter content. 

Front matter content

Page Number

Notes           

Title Page

i - page number should not be displayed

see example below

Author’s Declaration

ii                                 

see wording below

Abstract                                    

iii

  

Acknowledgements                    

iv

  

Dedication                                

v

optional

Table of Contents    

vi

see details below

List of Figures

vii

if applicable

List of Tables

viii

if applicable

List of Illustrations

ix                               

if applicable

List of Abbreviations  

x

if applicable

Table of Contents

Everything after the Table of Contents page needs to be listed on the Table of Contents. The Introduction begins on page 1 (bottom centre pagination).

Cover page must read as follows:

Title of MRP

by

Full name of author (name must appear as it does on Quest)

A Master's Research Paper

presented to the University of Waterloo

in fulfilment of the

MRP requirement for the degree of

Master of Arts

in

Economics

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, year

© Name of author year

*Please note text should be centered on your page.

Author’s Declaration must read as follows: I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this Master’s Research Paper (MRP). This is a true copy of the MRP, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners.

Tips for finishing your MRP on time

Once a supervisor and second reader are chosen and approved, the student should send regular reports to their supervisor. The frequency will be arranged by your supervisor. Talking to your supervisor regularly and agreeing on a firm timeline to submit drafts will  prevent last minute scrambling and missing term or convocation deadlines.

Both faculty members evaluating the MRP must be satisfied with the final product and either can ask for minor or major corrections or reject the MRP outright. Upon completion, the MRP is assigned a grade (passing grade is 75%) by both faculty members.

Guidelines for completing by the end of the third term:

  • Submit a complete first draft to main supervisor by July 15 (giving 1 week for supervisor to revise).
  • Submit a revised draft to second reader by August 1 (giving 1 week for reader to revise).
  • Submit the final draft to both supervisors for grading no later than August 10 for an August 24 completion date. 

*NOTE: The above timeline is a guideline only. Please discuss dates with your supervisor to set an appropriate completion timetable that works for you.

Final submission

The school requires the final copy of your MRP to be emailed as a PDF to the Graduate Program Coordinator upon completion.