Bachelor Thesis
The Bachelor Thesis will constitute a smaller independent research project, where the student applies social and political science theories and methods to a topic of his or her own choice. The thesis can be an empirical study or a limited literature study. The thesis should relate to at least one of the courses in the Bachelor Program, which the student has passed previously. This can also be a course that the student has taken while on exchange to another university abroad.
The topic of choice must be registered and approved by the course responsible teacher, based on a brief overview (1-2 pages) that includes topic/research question, outline and relevant material at the beginning of the semester. If the student has difficulty in selecting a topic, he or she should contact the course responsible for guidance.
The bachelor thesis is primarily written as an individual thesis, and must be 14-16 pages. It is possible for two students to write together, and if so, the thesis must be 22.5 - 25 pages. 12-point font and line spacing 1.5 are used. Precise referencing of literature and the materials used in the assignment is required, along with correctly formatted reference lists. The reference list, table of contents, and any appendices are not included in the specified page count.
This course is only for students at Bahclor in International relations
To take this course, the student must have completed a minimum of 90 credits from the Bachelor in International Relations
The student must have passed methods in order to take this course
Knowledge
- Have a broad understanding of key topics, theories, issues, processes, tools, and methods within the field of international relations.
- Have in-depth knowledge of and understanding of the formal requirements for independent scientific writing.
- Have specialized knowledge of research work related to a self-chosen topic within international relations.
Skills
- Be able to make informed choices regarding methodological and theoretical resources related to the chosen research question.
- Be able to independently search for, acquire, and apply knowledge related to a research question in written presentations.
- Be able to analyze empirical and/or theoretical material.
- Be able to use the field's terminology effectively in written presentations and arguments.
General Competence
- Have the competence to acquire knowledge in a field and apply it in the planning and execution of a smaller independent research project over time, in accordance with research ethics and guidelines.
- Be able to present and discuss academic issues in a systematic and consistent manner, both in writing and orally.
- Be able to receive and benefit from academic guidance, both in groups and individually.
Lectures/seminars on campus in Bodø will cover various elements of the bachelor thesis.
Throughout the semester, students are required to present their own work at one of the seminars and receive feedback from both the instructor and their peers.
Each student will be assigned a supervisor based on their chosen thesis topic. Additionally, guidance will be provided collectively during seminars.
Submission of the bachelor's thesis with an accompanying adjusting oral examination on campus in Bodø.
The thesis is evaluated on the grading scale A-F, where F is a fail.
The oral examination can have an adjusting effect on the grade.
The primary language for the exam is Norwegian, but students may also submit their bachelor thesis in English or another Scandinavian language.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT or similar, to generate responses and submitting them wholly or partially as one's own work is considered plagiarism.
Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:
STA2009 - Bachelor's Thesis - 10 credits
