Term Papers
The preparation and defence process for term papers at HSE is governed by the Regulations for Term Papers and Theses Prepared by Students of the Bachelor’s, Specialist and Master’s Level.
Referencing conventions for academic papers.pdf
Term Paper FAQ
What is the deadline for selection of term paper topics?
Students must select their term paper topics and submit them for approval by the deadline stipulated by their faculty (no later than December 01).
Students who failed to choose a topic by this deadline may do so during the extension period: from the start of Module 3 to February 15. Those who still haven’t chosen their topics by February 15 will be dismissed from HSE, pursuant to the Procedures for Student Dismissal at the Initiative of HSE (Appendix 9 to HSE Internal Regulations).
Students are not eligible for the extension period and will be dismissed for academic failure if, in addition to not choosing a term paper topic on time, they have over 2 failed academic components for Modules 1 and 2.
What happens if I fail to complete my term paper by the deadline?
Non-submission of a term paper on time constitutes academic failure.
How do I make up for academic failure arising from a term paper?
Academic failure may arise from a term paper in the following cases:
- failure to complete the term paper on time
- receiving a fail grade for the term paper
- absence from the defence without a valid reason
Pursuant to the Regulations for Interim and Ongoing Assessment of HSE Students, students facing academic failure associated with a term paper will be allowed only two retake assessed by a special board of examiners.
Can I propose my own term paper topic? Can my term paper supervisor be from a different department or a different faculty?
Yes, students can propose their own term paper topics, as long as they observe the deadlines stipulated by their faculty. Term paper supervisors may also be from any department of any HSE faculty.
A request for approval must be submitted, stating the proposed term paper topic and supervisor, along with the rationale behind the choice of this topic. Topics proposed by students are reviewed by the corresponding Academic Council or Academic Supervisor. At this stage, a topic may be approved, declined (for a valid reason) or refined jointly with the student.
Can I change my term paper topic?
Yes, students who want to change their term paper topic should submit a written request addressed to the Dean and enclosed with a brief justification for the change. The request must be signed by the term paper supervisor and submitted to the Programme Office.
A topic may be changed no later than one month before the final deadline for term paper submission (no later than May 30).
Can a term paper supervisor be changed?
Yes, students who want to change their term paper supervisor should submit a written request addressed to the Dean and enclosed with a brief justification for the change. The Dean may accept or decline such a request (with an explanation provided).
A term paper supervisor may be changed no later than one month before the final deadline for term paper submission (no later than May 30).
How are term papers assessed?
There are two options for term paper evaluation:
- term papers are graded by their respective supervisors
- term papers are subject to a mandatory defence, as requested by the department
Can I incorporate the text of my own term paper into my thesis?
In general, using a term paper as the basis for a thesis is acceptable. As stated in the Regulations for Final State Certification of HSE Students, "An undergraduate thesis may present a synthesis of term papers prepared by the student previously".
The final decision of whether the text of a term paper may be incorporated into the thesis is up to the student’s supervisor, pursuant to the Procedures for Using Antiplagiat System for Collection and Checks of Academic Papers at HSE.
To avoid self-plagiarism and repeating information published previously, list your own works in the bibliography.
Procedures for Applying Disciplinary Measures for the Violation of Academic Norms for Student Papers
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