To: All Colleges

The thesis proposal constitutes a pivotal phase in graduate education, serving as the foundation for thesis composition. All colleges are required to accord this process due diligence and orchestrate it with precision. The pertinent directives are hereby promulgated as follows:

I. Eligible Candidates

The thesis proposal mandate applies to:

· Full-time international candidates pursuing Master's and Doctoral degrees matriculated in 2024.

· Students enrolled prior to 2024 who have yet to fulfill or necessitate reattempting the proposal requirement.

II. Important Dates

Considering differences between disciplines, the final deadline for 2024 students to complete their thesis proposals is August 30, 2025. There must be at least six months between passing the proposal and the mid-term assessment. Colleges and supervisors should arrange this based on their field's needs and each student's situation.

III. Content of Thesis Proposal

(1) Literature Review

With their supervisor's guidance, students must write a literature review (at least 3,000 words) using relevant sources, surveys, or early experiments. Reference requirements:

· Master's students: At least 30 references (30% or more from the last 5 years).

· Doctoral students: At least 50 references (50% or more from the last 5 years).

For both, at least half the references must be in foreign languages.

(2) Research Plan

1. Topic background: Explain the current state of research in the field, the key questions to be studied, and why they matter.

2. Research goals: Describe the main focus of the study and the key problems to solve (for academic degrees) or technical challenges (for professional degrees). This is the most important part.

3. Methods: Outline the research approach, steps, experiments, or solutions planned, and why they will work.

4. Originality: Explain what makes this research new or different.

5. Timeline and expected results: Provide a schedule and what the study aims to achieve.

IV. How the Proposal Works

(1) Organization

· Proposals are organized by colleges within each field of study.

· A review panel of 3–5 experts (with senior titles) from the same or related fields will evaluate the proposals. One expert leads the session, and a secretary takes notes.

(2) Process

1. Presentation: Students present their proposal using slides (15 minutes or more), followed by questions from the panel (5 minutes or more) about the topic's novelty, methods, and feasibility.

2. Decision: The panel votes, and approval requires at least two-thirds agreement (see Attachment 2 for the evaluation form).

3. Feedback: Students must note the panel's suggestions and revise their plan accordingly (see Attachment 2 for the record form).

4. Submission: After approval by their supervisor, students submit the final proposal (see Attachment 3 for the form) to their college's graduate office.

V. Results and Next Steps

1. Outcomes: "Pass" or "Fail."

o Passing students can continue their research, with the mid-term assessment at least six months later.

o Failing students must try again within 3 months. If they fail a second time, they wait until the next year's proposal cycle, delaying graduation.

2. Changing the topic after approval:

o Normally not allowed. The final thesis must match the approved proposal.

o For major changes (e.g., due to research problems or failed reviews), students must apply for approval from their supervisor and college, then notify the School of International Studies. A new proposal is required, which may delay graduation.

VI. Other Important Points

1. Leave of absence: Proposal deadlines adjust based on leave time.

2. Missing the proposal:

o For valid reasons (e.g., illness), students must submit a request (see Attachment 4) in advance to reschedule within 3 months.

o Unexcused absences require waiting until the next year, delaying graduation by one year.

3. College responsibilities:

o Ensure fair evaluation and follow-up.

o Set clear rules and supervise the process.

4. Deadline: Submit all results (Attachments 2–4) to the School of International Studies by September 15, 2025.

                                        School of International Studies, Wenzhou Medical University

                                                               April 11, 2025