course-details-portlet

AAR4993

M.Sc. Thesis in Sustainable Architecture

Choose study year

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 30
Level Second degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Master thesis

About

About the course

Course content

A master thesis is defined as independent work undertaken by the student under the guidance of academic staff as a completion of a master's degree. The candidate should critically use the knowledge acquired throughout the MSc Programme and demonstrate ability to develop a master thesis project based on variety of research methods that span from architectural design exploration to scientific investigation.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate

  • has in-depth knowledge within the research topics of the thesis
  • has solid knowledge of design-based and research-based methods within the thesis topic
  • has in-depth knowledge on how to carry out independent research and design work

Skills:

The candidate

  • can formulate objectives as a basis for carrying out research and research by design work
  • can critically reflect on established practices and theories with relevance to the topic and / or research area
  • can choose, develop, and employ methods to do a comprehensive study
  • can analyze data to structure and formulate evidence-based professional reasoning and conclusions
  • can utilize relevant tools and techniques to support the research and design process
  • master communication of scientific work both in writing and orally

General competence:

The candidate

  • takes independent responsibility for his/her own learning and professional development and is able to apply his/her knowledge in new fields.
  • is able to reflect critically and ethically on his/her own work, create new frameworks for understanding, and depart from conventions after critical consideration.
  • is able to communicate to specialists as well as to the general public at a professional level and in an academic context.
  • relates his/her professional competence and involvement to key societal issues.
  • can independently and critically use the knowledge acquired throughout the master program in research or architectural design projects

Learning methods and activities

Individual work with guidance from a supervisor. Workshops and intermediate group presentations accompany the process.

This course is offered to international master’s students. Language of instruction is English.

Further on evaluation

The master's thesis can be done:

1) Individually

2) In groups of two students with individual assessment

In the assignment type 2, each student's contribution needs to be clearly identifiable. Students are allowed to choose assignment type 2 provided that they themselves organize the group and that the supervisor for the group approves this.

All candidates are required to submit a master thesis contract with their main supervisor before starting the master project. In the case of a group assignment, the partnership will be noted in this contract.

There are up to three presentations in the course (concept, mid-term, and final) where the students present the work, the content, and the progress of their thesis. The presentations provide the candidates the opportunity to show and clarify their work to a wider audience and receive feedback.

The final presentation is after the thesis has been submitted and it is mandatory.

Language

The master's thesis must be written in English.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Sustainable Architecture (MSSUSARC)

Required previous knowledge

All required courses in the previous semesters in the MSc programme in sustainable architecture must have been passed (90 ECT). The faculty may accept that a maximum of one course of 7.5 ECTS is not completed provided that course is not considered essential for starting the work with the master thesis.

Course materials

NTNU master thesis templates and other material helping in conducting a master's thesis.

Subject areas

  • Architecture

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Master thesis
Grade: Letter grades

Re-sit examination - Autumn 2025

Master thesis
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Master thesis
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment