PhD Thesis Proposal

A PhD Thesis Proposal Meeting must be scheduled within the first 18 months after the start of the program. PhD students are required to submit a thesis proposal document, which will be evaluated by their supervisory committee, and defend their proposal orally before the committee.

Preparation for the PhD Thesis Proposal

18 months into PhD program

A PhD Thesis Proposal Meeting must be scheduled to be completed within the first 18 months after the start of the program. 

1 week prior to the Thesis Proposal meeting

The student submits the proposal to the supervisor, supervisory committee members and the Director of Graduate Studies. 

Thesis Proposal Evaluation

The committee decides if the student can proceed to take the Candidacy Examination.

Further details

Purpose of the PhD Thesis Proposal

The purpose of the examination is to determine the student’s ability to formulate a hypothesis based on existing evidence, and to design an experimental test of that hypothesis. The student must demonstrate a knowledge of the literature relevant to the problem to be addressed and must show an appreciation of good experimental design and the technical difficulties and pitfalls inherent in the chosen methodology. In addition, the work proposed must be of sufficient scope and originality to warrant a PhD.

Thesis Proposal Document

The proposal must be submitted to the supervisor, supervisory committee members, and the Director of Graduate Studies at least one week before the scheduled PhD Thesis Proposal Meeting. Typically, the thesis proposal meeting is conducted without a chair from NMHI.

  • A summary of relevant literature and an introduction to the research topic.
  • Presentation of preliminary results, hypotheses, and a detailed description of the project, including methods.
  • The document should be hypothesis-drive and supported by preliminary data generated by the student. The student must show an appreciation of the appropriate experimental design for their proposed research and the technical difficulties associated with the project.
  • The proposal should not exceed 5 single-spaced pages, excluding figures, tables, and references. 
Thesis Proposal Committee
The evaluation committee will review the student’s performance in formal course work, the student’s competence as revealed by the thesis proposal itself and the student’s ability to defend the content of the proposal. Committee members will assess the feasibility of the project within the projected timeline and determine whether the project is of sufficient quality and quantity for the degree proposed. Following this review, a determination will be made on the student’s future status within the program and recommend any further courses deemed necessary to attain an acceptable level of knowledge. Committee members are encouraged to provide feedback to improve the quality of the research project and identify potential obstacles or pitfalls.
Preparing for the Thesis Proposal
At least one week before the proposal, the student submits the proposal to the supervisor, supervisory committee members and the Director of Graduate Studies.
Format of the Thesis Proposal

  • During the meeting, the student will present a 20-min oral presentation followed by a 40-minute question period focused on the proposal. The committee will evaluate whether the proposed work is of sufficient scope and originality to warrant a PhD and the student’s suitability for the program.

  • Following the conclusion of the proposal, a Report of Supervisory Committee form must be completed, signed, and returned to the NMHI office.

  • Recommendation for Change of Category form must be completed and submitted to the NMHI.
Evaluation and Possible Outcomes
  • If the decision from the Supervisory Committee is positive, the student can proceed to take the Candidacy Examination.
  • If the decision on the PhD Thesis Proposal Meeting is negative, the student and supervisor will revise the Thesis Proposal and reconvene a second PhD Thesis Proposal Meeting within a timeframe determined by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the Supervisor (the suggested time frame must meet program requirements for time to completion of the Candidacy). If the decision of the second Thesis Proposal Meeting is also negative, the Supervisory Committee will decide whether a third attempt is warranted. If not, the student will be given the options to transfer to the MSc program or withdraw from the program.

  • Following the conclusion of the thesis proposal examination, a Report of Supervisory Committee form must be completed, signed, and returned to the NMHI office. If the decision is to proceed with a repeat evaluation, the outcome must be clearly articulated, with constructive feedback and a defined timeline.