We build understanding Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarships Master s program September 2007 SSHRC s Mandate > Promote and support research and research training in the social sciences and humanities > Support research on the economic, political, social and cultural dimensions of human activity > Provide advice to the Minister of Industry, the Honorable Jim Prentice 1
SSHRC research training support > Master s Level: Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Master s Scholarships > Doctoral Level: SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships CGS Doctoral Scholarships > SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships > Research assistantships and student Stipends through Standard Research and Strategic Grants programs Canada Graduate Scholarships: Master s Scholarships > Objectives > Value and Tenure > Eligibility > How to apply > Selection process > Program of study > A good application > A good letter of appraisal > Where to get help Objectives > Develop research skills > Assist in the training of highly-qualified personnel > Support Canada s best graduate students in the social sciences and humanities 2
Value and Tenure > $17,500 for 12 months, non-renewable > Tenable only at a recognized Canadian university Eligibility to apply > Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada > Have achieved first-class standing in each of the last two years of study > Pursuing your first graduate degree > Completed no more than 12 months at the graduate level by the expected start date of the award Eligibility to apply > If not currently registered at a university, you must have completed your Bachelor s degree no earlier than January 1, 2003. > Not be applying in the 2007-2008 academic year to NSERC or CIHR > Not be pursuing a degree program that combines undergraduate and graduate degrees > Not have already received an award at the Master s level from SSHRC, NSERC or CIHR. 3
Eligibility to hold an award > Registered full-time Master s student > Admitted, unconditionally, in a Master s program that includes advanced research training > Conducting research in an area that falls within SSHRC s mandate > Must have completed all requirements for your Bachelor s degree How to Apply Key Dates: Application: For applicants registered at a Canadian university in 2007: date set by university For all others: November 29, 2007 Results Announced: Spring 2008 Reminders > SSHRC will ONLY accept official transcripts 4
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Selection process: Allocations > University Allocations > Roles Department Faculty of Graduate Studies University Selection Committee(s) > Results Selection Process: Evaluation criteria > Academic excellence, 60% > Research potential, 30% > Communication skills, 10% Program of Study (maximum of 2 pages) > Explain why you want to pursue graduate studies > Indicate at which university you intend to undertake your studies and the degree program you intend to pursue > Outline the research training component of that degree program > Outline your research proposal 6
Program of Study (continued): > Special Cases Your proposed research is in Psychology, The output of your degree program is an artistic creation, rather than a thesis Your program does not involve a thesis Research Training Component > Your Master s Program of Study must include a significant research training component. Research training normally involves: demonstrating the ability to conduct research; and/or completing course work in research methods and/or statistics; and/or acquiring knowledge sufficient to interpret research in the field. A good application > Demonstrates: strong academic record excellent potential to conduct advanced scholarly research strong communication skills ability to successfully complete the Master s in a timely manner > Is clear, concise, coherent, error-free and complete 7
A good letter of appraisal > supports the information in the application; > is enthusiastic; > focuses on the applicant's skills and past achievements; > focuses on the applicant's research potential; > stresses strengths and personal attributes; > demonstrates why the applicant is of superior calibre and worthy of a prestigious national award. Reminders > Read program description and application instructions carefully > Do not use jargon or highly technical language > Get someone to read and comment on your Program of Study > Indicate your proficiency with any language required for your research > Ensure that your application is complete and error-free Reminders (continued) > Ensure your list of publications provides complete bibliographic information > Do not include research contributions which haven t been accepted for publication > Do not exceed page limits or send more information than the instructions require > Let referees know the deadline > Do not start your application at the last minute 8
Where to get help: University Supervisor Peers Past SSHRC Award Holders Department Head Faculty of Graduate Studies Where to get help: SSHRC > For more information about the CGS Master s program:(613) 943-7777 or cgs@sshrc.ca > For technical assistance with the on-line forms: (613) 995-4273 or webgrant@sshrc.ca > Web site: www.sshrc.ca We build understanding 9