Course content

The master's thesis should be an independent academic work of moderate proportions. The theme is selected in collaboration with the tutor. The master's thesis demands independence, a well-developed critical sense, and is a first taste of methodical, academic training. Thesis subjects outside one of the professors’ primary fields of expertise will only be approved as exceptions.

Learning outcome

The master's thesis should be approximately 80-100 pages and counts as 60 credits. The work may consist of one long paper or can be comprised of several shorter articles, assuming they together form a whole. In case of the latter the collection of articles must be accompanied by a preface clarifying the connection between the various parts in a satisfying manner. If a well-reasoned application is submitted, the candidate may be granted permission to work on a joint project in teams of no more than three people. In these cases the demands for quality and scope will be increased. The final report must include a precise description of the distribution of the workload.
For more information about the assessment, we refer students to the section's description of the grading scale. The description of the grading scale is found on the department's web pages and in hard copy.

Learning methods and activities

During the first 10 weeks, a written assignment of 6-8000 words must be submitted. The theme must be related to the master's thesis, for example in the form of a research survey and thesis statement, description of materials collected, or tools for analysis. This assignment must be approved by the tutor before the master's thesis may be submitted for assessment.
Work on the master's thesis will be connected to master seminars. At these seminars parts of the thesis are presented and discussed among the other graduate students, the tutor, and several other teachers. An oral presentation and discussion of the master's thesis will take place after the written presentation is completed. Assessment of the master's thesis is based on the written presentation – the oral presentation may be used to adjust the candidate's final grade.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to master programme in KRL and passed exams in KRL3010, KRL3020, KRL3030 and KRL3040.

Credit reductions