Course content

The master thesis work consists of the master thesis proper which is started by an obligatory master thesis seminar within the unit. This seminar is held to prepar the student, in the best possible way, for the work with the thesis, and it is held together with the supervisor, others teachers attached to the unit and other students. The seminar is arranged early in the 3rd semester of the master programme and involves presentations by the students, and discussions of the students’ plans of their master thesis work, where the methodological design is emphasised. The seminar will also involve supervision on strategies regarding practical aspects in the writing and structuring of the thesis. It shall provide knowledge on research ethics and have discussions on relevant ethical standards. Participation in the master seminar must be approved before the master thesis can be submitted. It is possible to apply for an exemption regarding the seminar participation if the student is accepted at a university abroad during this semester. In such a case, the student provides a written design of the master thesis (exhausive) before the end of the 3rd semester (1st of December). The master thesis is recommended written within the interest and speciality area of the student. It results in a presentation of a scientific study (empirical or theorethical) of a chosen theme and specified isseu, which may well be related to earlier courses or independent tasks. There are rules available for the structuring of the master thesis, and of criteria connected to the evaluation. These can be requested from the Department of Psychology. The chose of theme and of the specific problem area of the master thesis are expected to be guided by contacts and discussions with the supervisor. Supervision is an essential component in the work. The supervision shall guarantee that the student has the necessary knowledge, and is a necessary instrument of quality assurance in the work with collection and analysis of data, as well as it should guarantee that the work is performed within approved ethical standards of scientific research. Supervision is therefore an obligatory part of the programme for students who aim at submitting a master thesis. The Department of Psychology approves of the theme of the thesis, and appoints the main supervisor. The deadline for the application of approval of the theme, and of the appointment of the supervisor, is announced by the Department. Application forms are provided by the Department.

The examination of PSY3905 takes place in the 4th and last semester of the programme, and the student notifies the Department of the intention to submitt the thesis on a form provided for that reason, in addition to the standard examination notification. The master thesis is presented to the Department in six copies.

Learning outcome

Goals: After the completion of the master thesis the student shall have the ability to:
– Carry out a research project based on sound science
– Present research results orally and in writing
– Contribute to the development of networks and the planning of research projects
– Work independently
– Supervise students at lower academic levels

Learning methods and activities

Teaching: Individual studies in relation to supervision; participation in higher seminars at the unit, RIPENSA.

Forms of evaluations and examination: The master thesis can be presented in the form of a monography or in the form of 1-2 separate papers and a summary. The evaluation of the thesis and a regulating oral examination is provided by an external examination committee.

The examination of PSY3905 takes place in the end of, or after, the last semester of the master programme. The student announces the intention to stand for examination to the Department on a specified form, in addition to the standard examination announcement. A time period of up to eight week must be allowed to pass from the time of submitting the master thesis to the final exam. If the student submits the master thesis after May 15th in the spring semester, or after November 1st in the autumn semester, the examination cannot be guaranteed before the end of the respective semesters. The master thesis is presented to the Department of Psychology in six copies.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in a master thesis seminar and app. presentation. Superv
• Supervision

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

See formal requirements.

Required previous knowledge

The master thesis is exclusive to students enrolled in the master programme in Risk psychology, environment and safety. All examinations required in the master programme in Risk psychology, environment and safety must be approved.

Course materials

Literature: Individually selected.

Credit reductions