As a student of the International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS) the writing of your thesis represents the capstone of your graduate studies. The process of writing a thesis may seem difficult at first, but if you follow this step-by-step guide you will find it is nothing to worry about.
The complete process is divided into 3 main moments. The first one will me the presentation of your thesis research proposal. The second one will one the actual writing of your thesis according to the approved research proposal. The last step will be the oral examination and defense of your finalized thesis.
The proposal, writing and final defense of your thesis will be the last steps before graduation and requires special attention to the deadlines and regulations that govern this procedure. Please read this guide carefully and come visit us at the IDAS and IMAS office if you have any questions.
We wish you great success in your dissertation writing journey!
Step-by-step Guide
Phase One – Thesis Proposal
How?
- Apply for thesis Proposal Defense.
- Submit the “Recommendation List of Committee Members for Thesis Proposal Examination”, along with your draft proposal.
- Your application will then be processed to apply for thesis proposal defense.
What?
- For documents required to apply for thesis proposal examination, simply download the following forms.
Who?
- For thesis proposal defense, you should find at least 5 committee members (including your supervisor) for the recommendation list. Then the dean will choose 3 out of 4 (or 5) members for your panel.
- Be reminded that one of these members must be a full-time faculty in college of social sciences. At least one third of the committees must be from other universities.
When?
- You must do your proposal defense two months before your final defense.
- Allow at least 5 workdays to process your application. Once settled, the office will reserve a classroom for your proposal examination.
Phase Two – Write your Thesis
How?
- Apply for thesis Proposal Defense.
- Submit the “Recommendation List of Committee Members for dissertation Proposal Examination”, along with your draft proposal.
- Your application will then be processed to apply for dissertation proposal defense.
What?
What?
- For documents required to apply for thesis proposal examination, simply download the following forms.
Who?
- For thesis proposal defense, you should find at least 5 committee members (including your supervisor) for the recommendation list. Then the dean will choose 3 out of 4 (or 5) members for your panel.
- Be reminded that one of these members must be a full-time faculty in college of social sciences. At least one third of the committees must be from other universities.
When?
- You must do your proposal defense two months before your final defense.
- Allow at least 5 workdays to process your application. Once settled, the office will reserve a classroom for your proposal examination.
Phase Three – Final Defense
How?
- Select the best date for your final defense and ask IMAS staff to reserve a classroom for your oral defense.
What?
- Sharpen your brain and get ready for tough questions.
- Try to woo your committees with refreshment.
- Send the final draft (preferably a print-out copy as well) to your committees.
Who?
- You and your committee members.
When?
- You must apply for your proposal defense before the prescribed time stated on University Calendar.
- Late grade submission will not be allowed.
Thesis Defense Forms
These are the forms you will need to fill out and collect signatures on in order to get through your thesis defense procedures. You may find them in the IMAS office or download them here :
Thesis Proposal
- IMAS Submission of Thesis Title and Supervising Professor Review Form
- IMAS Application for Review of Master’s Thesis Research Scheme
- IMAS Thesis Format and Qualification Checklist for Proposal Exam