Master’s in Liberal Studies (MLS) in Psychology

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Master’s in Liberal Studies (MLS) in Psychology

The MLS program allows students to complete a piece of original scholarly work that contributes substantially to the knowledge and/or application of the discipline. Doing a thesis requires a substantial amount of research skills, commitment, and time management skills. 

Composition of your thesis committee

Your thesis committee consists of two faculty members. One of them is your advisor; the other is your reader. The role of your advisor is to guide students regarding developing a clear research question, research design/methodology, analysis, and writing. Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their advisors for tracking progress of the students. The role of your reader is to provide comments and evaluate your final proposal and the final thesis; they do not serve as advisors. 

In case the student wishes to change their advisor they must set up a joint meeting with the current advisor and the prospective advisor to discuss the shift.

In certain exceptional circumstances, it may be possible for the student to work with two advisors. The student needs to present the rationale for a second advisor prior to the start of the MLS year (before the course registration), and the petition needs to be approved by the Psychology Department Faculty. Once approved, the advisor and second advisor are expected to work together on the evaluation and supervision components.

  • Thesis Format

    The thesis can be written in chapter format or manuscript format, after consultation with the advisor. Thesis may be no longer than 15,000 words, excluding references and appendices. 

  • Grading

    Advisor’s assessment of your peer review = 10%

    Advisor’s assessment of student’s research performance/progress = 30%

    Advisor’s assessment of student’s research proposal (see attached guidelines. Table 1) = 30%

    Reader’s assessment of student’s research proposal (see attached guidelines. Table 1)= 30%

     

    Advisor’s assessment of student’s research performance = 30%

    Advisor’s assessment of student’s final thesis (see attached guidelines. Table 2) = 35%

    Reader’s assessment of student’s research proposal (see attached guidelines. Table 2) = 35%

    *Note: Your grade is not dependent on the statistical significance of your findings.

    The evaluation of research performance by the advisor might include aspects such as the student’s work ethic, independence in pursuing the project, perseverance, being proactive, timeliness and adherence to deadlines. 

  • Research Practicum

    2 credits i.e. 60 hours (Monsoon) + 2 credits i.e. 60 hours (Spring)=4 credits (120 hours)

    1. The aim of the Research practicum is to help students explore research that is being undertaken by the department.
    2. Students are advised to approach faculty and assist them in their research.
    3. In every semester, students are required to complete 60 hours of work.

  • Teaching Practicum Requirements

     2 credits (Monsoon) + 2 credits (Spring)=4 credits

    1. Students are required to assist their advisors/ another professor from the department as a teaching assistant during each semester.
    2. Teaching Practicum credits can be obtained in multiple ways depending on the educational background of the student.
    1. Those students who have a psychology background are eligible to assist professors in core and introductory UG courses upon prior approval. 
    2. Students who do not have a psychology background are required to approach the head of department and their advisor to discuss what UG courses they would be eligible to assist for.
    3. Students can also gain teaching practicum credits by applying for Teaching Assistantship in YIF PG courses and get the credits converted on OAA approval.

  • Other responsibilities

    As per department needs, students are required to assist in

    1. Administrative work involving organising department activities, talks, seminars
    2. Attend research meetings
    3. Work with PhD/ASP students

MLS Psychology Handbook

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