Course content

The master's thesis is an independent academic work of moderate proportions. The theme is chosen in collaboration with a 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 in exceptional cases.

Learning outcome

The master thesis should be approx. 80-100 pages and counts as 60 credits. The work may consist of one long paper, or a collection of several shorter articles, presuming 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, individuals may be granted permission to work on a joint project in teams of no more than three persons. In these cases the demands of quality and scope will be raised. The final report will include a precise description of the distribution of the work load.
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 counting 6-8000 words will be submitted. The theme will be related to the master's thesis e.g., a research survey and thesis statement, as a description of materials collected, or as 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 tied to continual master seminars. At these seminars portions of the thesis are presented and discussed among the other graduate students, the tutor, as well as several other teachers.
An oral presentation and discussion of the master's thesis will take place following the completed written presentation. Assessment of the master's thesis is based on the written presentation – the oral presentation may be used to adjust the final grade.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the master programme in Religious studies.