Examination arrangement

Course content

The master’s thesis at UEP consists of a research project, carried out and documented by the candidate. It aims to contribute to new methodological and professional knowledge in UEP’s range of focal areas related to planning and participation and it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to carry out independent research in the respective field of study.

The thesis can be based on a primary field-based study, or through association with relevant projects being undertaken by practice partners such as International NGOs, Municipalities and Bi- and Multilateral agencies. In this vein, an UEP master’s thesis can be research-based, internship-based, or practice-based. (More details are specified in UEP¨s Thesis regulations)

Learning outcome

As part of the master thesis, the candidate will demonstrate and deepen the following knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in the program:

Knowledge: The thesis will demonstrate individual and in-depth study into theories, methods and analytical models within in the chosen topic. The knowledge gained will be on substantive theories, methods of research and fieldwork and analytical frameworks/models. Some main substantive areas of theory that are included the UEP program are the theories of deprivational approach to poverty, livelihoods framework, capacity vulnerability framework , strategic planning, and concept of resilience.

Skills: As a part of the master thesis, the student will apply methods that form part of the UEP repertoire are case studies, other methods for qualitative research such as interviews, focus group discussions, livelihoods analysis, stakeholder analysis and SWOT analysis. He/ she will demonstrate the critical skills required in field work, analysis of field data and analytical theorisation of the findings. The student will also demonstrate the skills required for academic writing both in report format as well as project proposal/ recommendations.

General Competence: The UEP thesis trains candidates to work as an independent and self-responsible professional. Empirical research is undertaken in the field of urban development in contexts characterised by exclusion and inequality, and/ or weak institutions etc.

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision and regular group workshops.

The activities depend on the format of the thesis but generally include: research design; field research; data collection and analysis, reflecting on theory, scientific writing, presentation.

Further on evaluation

The thesis will be assessed by two independent evaluators, an internal and an external evaluator.

Assessment will be on the quality of:

1. Relevance, General Context, Research aims, Goals, Questions, Structure

2. Quality of methods

3. Theory

4. Study, Findings, Discussion

5. Conclusions / Recommendation

6. Summary assessment

7. Language and scientific form

1-6 count for 75% of the grade and 7 counts for 25%. Both parts must be passed.

An oral presentation of the thesis is mandatory. It will count to upgrade, or down-grade the grade for the written thesis with half a grade at maximum.

The Master thesis must be completed in 20 weeks in the fourth semester (spring).

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

It is recommended to complete a training in academic writing in English before the course (for example with the Centre for Academic and Professional Communication).

Required previous knowledge

This course is for students who are taking the full study in M.Sc. in Urban Ecological Planning. It is mandatory to successfully complete AAR 4874. Prior to starting the process a Master thesis agreement is required that includes regular supervision.

Students must present an agreement with a supervisor prior to the 20 weeks of duration of the masters thesis.

Beyond this, all formal regulations apply such as: NTNU’s study regulations, general master thesis and agreement guidelines, and UEP’s specific master thesis regulations (available at the program).

Course materials

UEP master thesis guidelines and materials are available in the program office, on the respective Blackboard page and distributed at the master's thesis workshops.