Planning for Your Thesis or SPAR project
All theses and SPAR projects will require a supervisor. Students are therefore encouraged to identify a potential supervisor early on in their program.
Thesis Option vs. Non-Thesis Option
Both options provide students with an opportunity to conduct original scholarly work.
The thesis course (NURS 599) focuses on the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice within a variety of areas by emphasizing skill development in research. A range of courses in the foundations of advanced nursing knowledge and practice, evidence and research appraisal, and research design and methodology are available to support thesis work and consolidate students’ learning. The NURS 599 Thesis (9 credits) builds on previous course work.
Looking for inspiration for NURS 599? Go through examples of past MSN theses!
The Scholarly Practice Advancement Research project (SPAR, NURS 595) is an original piece of scholarship that builds on knowledge and skills students have acquired from coursework. It draws on accepted research and synthesis methodologies to address issues relevant to the discipline of nursing, including clinical, educational, leadership, health policy, or health administrative domains. The NURS 595 SPAR (3 credits) builds on previous course work.
Reference links:
NURS 595 SPAR Completion Checklist
Looking for inspiration for NURS 595? Go through examples of past SPAR projects!
Some Important Considerations until Program Completion
Maintaining Registration
When you are not enrolled in courses you must maintain your registration by registering in the thesis (NURS 599) or a SPAR project (NURS 595) (this includes the summer session). Students must declare their choice of either thesis or spar by the end of the first year of study. Students must remain enrolled throughout the entirety of their degree.
UBC Policies for Thesis/SPAR Writing
Students are expected to conform to the UBC Scholarly Integrity Policy (SC6) for their thesis and SPAR work. All students must complete a memorandum of understanding related to intellectual property with their supervisors, which is jointly signed.
For thesis work, students are expected to conform with UBC Human Research Policy (LR9)