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.

Specific conditions

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.