Course-based master’s degree

Objective of a course-based master’s

Conduct  a methodical, supervised analysis or intervention in the aim of proposing a solution to a study problem or questioning conditions of practice in your profession..

Preferred training method

Coursework and supervised project

Dispositions required or to be developed during training

Dispositions, whether natural or learned, are tendencies to act in a certain way. They should be systematically leveraged in various contexts to promote academic and professional success.

• Willingness to go beyond current knowledge and practices.
• Openness to constructive criticism
• Self-discipline, motivation, and rigour
• Autonomy in making and justifying decisions in relation to one’s project
• Management of stress associated with deadlines, results, and interpersonal relationships
• Recognition of the value of new ideas and the impact of research for the development of society
• Ability to comment and critique in a respectful manner within the limits of one’s knowledge
• Adapting language to different audiences
• Use of different means of communication drawing on a variety of tools
• Use of digital tools to help develop professional and complementary skills

Professional expertise and specialized knowledge certified by the diploma

This first category includes seven core competencies assessed by the student’s instructors, supervisors, and advisors. These skills are highly sought after in the academic and research community.

Each of the competency statements is followed by actions that reflect the level of skill development. These actions are subject to evaluation and must be mastered by the end of the program.

Stating a study problem and documenting it with relevant literature

• Use digital information-gathering and acquisition systems to conduct a literature search
• Identify, access, and use bibliographic resources relevant to an analysis or a project related to your environment
• Gauge the quality, reliability, originality, and integrity of information
• Write a literature review on the issue to be analyzed or resolved

Acquiring advanced knowledge in order to intervene effectively in your environment

• Identify basic knowledge, key concepts, theories, and issues in your field or environment
• Master and judiciously use the language associated with your field, including technical or conceptual vocabulary
• Be aware of recent advances in your field or discipline
• Know the role of publishing in your field of practice

Mastering and justifying the method of analysis or intervention used

• Use rigorous methods and techniques appropriately to analyze, evaluate, or design hypotheses
• Justify a method of analysis or intervention that may use research methods

Establishing a realistic timeline and running your project accordingly

• Establish a study plan with your supervisor or advisor in order to actively contribute to the management of your project (identify the steps, deadlines, and expected outputs)
• Have a strategic plan for each research activity
• Use the resources available to you to carry out your project
• Manage your time efficiently to complete your project
• Submit the required deliverables on time

Upholding standards and rules of ethics and integrity and best practices in your field or community

• Act in accordance with the concept of corporate and organizational social responsibility
• Identify the impact of your practice on society and the environment and apply the principles of sustainable development
• Demonstrate work practices that safeguard health and safety
• Apply codes of conduct and directives regarding conflicts of interest
• Act with responsibility and integrity in applying legal rules and ethical and professional standards of conduct.
• Respect the rules of probity, privacy, anonymity, and intellectual property, including patents and copyrights

Analyzing and discussing your results in relation to the literature

• Use scientific tools and a scientific framework to propose an appropriate solution to a problem
• Synthesize or integrate what you have learned
• Analyze and make informed judgments about scientific activity and the knowledge produced to develop your own point of view and justify your choices
• Provide a critical analysis of your results and the results of others
• Justify the conclusions of your work or integration process

Sharing your knowledge

• Submit a research paper or report demonstrating a systematic or reflective approach to a problem of suitable complexity for a course-based master’s program
• Build a coherent argument by stating your ideas rigorously and structuring your arguments clearly and concisely
• Apply appropriate standards for academic and professional communications
• Draw on your skills in your professional work and in your role as an agent of change and improvement in your environment

Complementary skills to be developed during training according to your career objectives

These four important skills will be developed during your program, but are not evaluated as such (nor certified by the diploma). They are crucial to your academic and professional success. They can be reinforced and developed using related services and activities available with your program (library services, placement services, etc.; lunch-and-learn events, seminars, etc.). Each of the competency statements is followed by actions used to develop the competency.

Recognizing the value and limitations of one’s skills and experiences

• Seek the advice of others with expertise in your field of practice to gain additional perspectives
• Take advantage of advice from peers, a supervisor, or a more experienced professional
• Review your performance and learning experience to identify areas for improvement

Engaging in continuous learning and improvement to develop expertise and maintain employability

• Identify the transferable aspects of your training, skills, and experience in order to showcase them to potential employers or your superiors
• Set career goals, identify training needs, and take steps to keep your knowledge up to date or improve your skills
• Develop and maintain a record of achievements and experience

Building a professional network

• Understand the dynamics of relationships between people in the workplace
• Take advantage of a supervisory situation
• Contribute to the synergy and efficiency of a professional network
• Maintain productive professional relationships with your supervisor, colleagues, and peers
• Use personal networks and social networks for exchanging information related to your professional activities
• Show respect to your colleagues in your community of practice
• Contribute to team success
• Engage in dialogue with peers in their community of practice and users of research results
• Promote interdisciplinarity and interprofessionalism
• Cultivate international contacts and seize opportunities to collaborate when they arise

Exercising one’s role as an agent of change and improvement of one’s environment

• Develop an understanding of the social, political, economic, and cultural issues related to your field of practice
• Make a contribution on issues related to your professional practice and be willing to exercise leadership
• Present aspects of your professional practice at public events
• Be active in a variety of settings
• Strategically or commercially leverage data or results applicable to your field of practice
• Put your training and expertise to use to help serve broader community needs