Honours Thesis (PSYCH 499)

Overview

Psychology is a scientific approach to understanding mind and behaviour. Honours Psychology students all learn about the body of knowledge that exists in Psychology as well as the scientific procedures for making new discoveries.

The honours thesis (PSYCH 499A/B/C) is an optional course for those Honours Psychology students who have a strong interest in conducting original research and wish to gain greater experience in research design, data analysis and interpretation. Students carry out the honours thesis project under the supervision of a faculty member and present the findings in a scholarly paper.

Should I do an Honours Thesis?

PSYCH 499 is an optional course, however it is strongly recommended for those who have an interest in pursuing graduate studies! This course can be seen as 'mini-grad school' as you will be working with a supervisor to produce your own piece of research. Also, an honours degree in Psychology that includes a thesis is typically required for admission to graduate programs in Psychology.

An honours thesis is also recommended for those who want to showcase the culmination of the extensive training that they have received in research methods and data analysis (e.g., PSYCH 291, 292, 389, 390,  492) while completing their Honours Psychology degree. Thus, PSYCH 499 is a good choice for students who have a strong interest in, and commitment to, conducting original research and wish to gain greater experience in research design, data analysis and interpretation.

Finally, Thesis supervisors are able to write more meaningful reference letters for students' applications for further studies, scholarships, or employment!

Next steps for enrolment

If you feel as through this course is right for you here is what you need to do next

  • Review the enrolment information below to make sure you are eligible
  • Read through our comprehensive Honours Thesis Handbook
  • Find a supervisor
  • Contact the course administrator with any questions
  • Enrol in course on Quest

More information

Prerequisites for PSYCH 499

The prerequisites for PSYCH 499 are all of the following:

  • Enrolment in honours Psychology
  • Successful completion of PSYCH 391, and at least one of PSYCH 389, 390, 483, 484*
  • 60% cumulative overall average
  • 82% cumulative psychology average

* See  calendar descriptions as well as course outlines

Enrolment restrictions/procedures

PSYCH 499A

  • Students with all of the course prerequisites and a cumulative Psychology average of 82% or higher may self-enrol on Quest for PSYCH 499A, or PSYCH 499A/B if enrolling in both courses in the same term
  • You must report the name of your thesis supervisor to Torin Young by the eighth day of classes for the PSYCH 499A term

PSYCH 499B

  • If you have completed (or are currently enrolled in) PSYCH 499A you can self-enrol on Quest for PSYCH 499B. Alternatively, if you have all of the course prerequisites for PSYCH 499A, you can self-enrol in PSYCH 499A/B in the same term.

PSYCH 499C

  • Students may take PSYCH 499A/B concurrently, or PSYCH 499B/C concurrently, but not all of PSYCH 499A/B/C in the same term.
  • Enrolment for PSYCH 499C is not allowed prior to open enrolment for the term.
  • Department permission is required to enrol in PSYCH 499C. Email your request for PSYCH 499C enrolment to Torin Young. Please include your full name, student identification number, name of the thesis supervisor, and which term you completed/are enrolled in PSYCH 499A/B.

What if I don't meet the 82% average cutoff?

The Psychology Department reserves the right to restrict or limit the number of students enrolling in PSYCH 499 in a given year with a cumulative Psychology average less than 82%.

Those appealing for an exception to the 82% cut-off may submit the PSYCH 499 exception form by email to Torin Young for consideration (see application deadlines below).

Appeals should include:

  • prior research experience as well as a statement regarding one's potential for doing research,
  • reasons why the cumulative Psychology average is less than 82%
    • Must be 75% or above
  • reasons for wanting to enrol in PSYCH 499
  • List of the prerequisite courses completed
    • Must have all done, cannot do them concurrently

Application deadlines:

We recommend that you submit your application using the following deadlines so that your application is approved in time to start your search for a supervisor:

  • May 1 for fall
  • September 1 for winter
  • January 1 for spring

However, we will accept applications for PSYCH 499 enrolment up until the first day of classes of the term you want to be enrolled.

Questions after enrolment

When are things due?

  • PSYCH 499 deadlines and important dates for Fall 2024. Please note that these deadlines and important dates will be moving to the Learn course page starting in the Winter 2025 term!

Content and deliverables for the course?

Who to contact for questions?