Course content

The master thesis in Human Development consists of a theoretical or empirical investigation of a subject chosen within the above described enlarged definition of Human Development, preferably related to one or several of the specializations studied. The student should contact teachers in the master programme for advice on choice of subject. Students are required to attend a seminar which aims at preparing the students for writing the thesis. Supervision is an important part of the work with the thesis. It will ensure that the students acquire relevant knowledge and high standards in collection and analysis of data. The seminar will also ensure that the students follow the guidelines for research ethics. Supervision is therefore compulsory for every student that wishes to submit a master thesis. A Master agreement must be signed before supervision can take place.

Learning outcome

After having completed the Master’s thesis in Human Development the student should have acquired ability the to (1) carry out a scientific research project, (2) think in a principled and logical way, (3) work independently, (4) carry out a large project within a predefined time frame.

Learning methods and activities

Self-study with supervision.

Form of assessment: A Master’s thesis in monograph form or a collection of articles. Oral examination based on the Master thesis work (A through F).

In addition to their exam registration, students must announce the delivery of their thesis on a specific formular, not later than 8 weeks before submission. The thesis must be submitted in six copies. Deadline for submission is 15 May if the student wants the final examination result registered before the end of the spring semester (15 August). The thesis must be submitted no later than 7 May if you want the oral examination to take place before 15 June. The course is reserved for students admitted to the MPhil in Human Development.

Compulsory assignments

• Master`s thesis seminar
• Supervision

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The students are welcome to attend a writing course offered by the Department of Psychology. This course has no formal exam, and is foremost thought as help to get started (writing, APA manual, web based literature search etc).

Required previous knowledge

All examinations in the MPhil in Human Development must be successfully passed before submitting the thesis.

Course materials

Please consult the Department.

Credit reductions