Master's Thesis
The course provides training in a scientific way of working and thinking in a special field. The students themselves choose the thesis theme and problem complex, or they can do so in consultation with their supervisor. If possible, students should be involved in relevant research projects at the Faculty. The thesis must have a clear and researchable problem. The problem complex can be of an empirical or theoretical nature. Empirically oriented theses can build on data collected through the student's own study or existing data, but the requirements to high standard processing and interpretation then increase.
The thesis can also be related to the student's own professional practice, with the work then being described and made the object of theoretical reflection. The thesis should demonstrate that the student is capable of raising relevant research issues, to provide an empirical material required to throw light on the research issues, and to apply a well-suited analytical framework. It is a requirement that the thesis demonstrates a connection between the objectives and content of the compulsory modules and can show the relevance of the specific subject area. The scope of the thesis should not exceed 90 pages, exclusive of the table of contents, bibliography and appendices. Font Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing and font size 12 is to be used.
It is possible for two students to write together in collaboration. The thesis assignment must in which case be 50 % larger than the individual tasks. Students who have signed the supervision contract are entitled to a total of 13 hours supervision.
The master thesis is an independent research based work. In working with the thesis the student gains practical training and documenting skills in developing a researchable problem that thematically belongs within the special subject area. The student will learn to develop a research design, choose relevant theoretical approaches, use adequate methods, sample relevant and useful data, carry out a professional analysis and write a professional report. Working with the thesis gives the student an overview of actual parts of the research area and the research literature, gives insight in central problem areas and developing the skills to critical reflections. The duration of the work amounts to 50 ECTS.
Knowledge and understanding:
On successful completion of the thesis, the student should have gained:
- Advanced knowledge about research, theories, and methods relevant for working with a limited segment of the specific subject area
- Good knowledge about designing a researchable work
- Knowledge in how to apply knowledge in new areas within the specific subject area
Skills:
On successful completion of the thesis, the student should be able to:
- Illuminate a professional problem in light of different theoretical positions and relevant empirical data
- Develop researchable problems
- Develop a research design and accomplish analysis within a limited segment of the special subject area
- Disseminate knowledge based on his/her own research in a scientifically recognized manner
General competence:
On successful completion of the thesis, the student should be able to:
- Outline, instigate, and carry out developmental tasks
- Analyze relevant professional research ethical problems and questions
- Critically analyze and reflect on one`s own as well as others analysis and conclusions in academic articles, books and research reports
- Assess methodological and theoretical assumptions for scientific research
- Disseminate results from his/her own and other peoples¿ research
- Communicate professional problems and research questions, analyzes and conclusions within the special subject area
The students work with the thesis is mainly based in individual study under supervision from one of the Faculty members. Students are supervised face to face, by skype, e-mail or telephone, depending on the circumstances. In addition the program organizes seminars etc. to help students to develop their project. In the initial stage of this process, students are expected to work out a proposal (2-4 p) dealing with the following:
- Topic, problem and research questions
- Review of relevant research, showing the contribution of the planned study
- Relevant theory and method
- Structure and time table
The research design is to be delivered after the first master seminar. The appointment of a supervisor to approve the research design or give comments is based in the proposal.
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:
SA349S - Masters Thesis - 45 credits
SO320S - Master thesis Sosiology - 45 credits
PO311S - Master's Thesis in Politics and Social Development - 45 credits
RH335S - Master thesis - 45 credits
SO333S - Scientific based master thesis - 50 credits
SO321S - Assignment writing and research technique - 5 credits
SO321S - Masterseminar - 5 credits
RH334S - Research Design - 5 credits
SA349S - Masters Thesis - 50 credits