Course content

The master’s thesis is the final culminating component of the MSc programme. It represents an independent, research-oriented project in which students apply the theoretical knowledge, methodological training, and analytical skills acquired throughout their studies. The master’s thesis should be written in pairs of two students affiliated within the same specialization/major. If there is a particular need to submit the master’s thesis alone, the department can grant an exception to this rule. This must be applied for well in advance of starting the work.

The thesis process is structured to ensure rigorous academic progress: students receive supervision, develop a formal research proposal, participate in mandatory seminars, , and follow a clear timeline of deliverables. The completed thesis should demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct a focused reserach project, justify methodological choices, choice of theoretical background/theories, analyse data and/or theory systematically, and communicate results in accordance with established academic standards, established ethical norms, GDPR and practice within the research community.

Learning outcome

• Critically analyse complex research problems by integrating theoretical perspectives, relevant literature, and methodological considerations to justify a clearly defined research focus.
• Evaluate and select appropriate research methods, assessing their strengths, limitations, and ethical implications in relation to the chosen research problem, including GDPR standards.
• Conduct a independent research project, applying analytical techniques to interpret data (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) and provide analytically founded conclusions.
• Appraise the quality, relevance, and contribution of their own research findings in relation to existing knowledge, demonstrating reflective awareness, methodological integrity, and maturity in the field.
• Present and communicate a complete research project that effectively synthesises theory, method, analysis, and conclusions, using the established terminology of the field.

Learning methods and activities

Expectations

The master’s thesis requires a high degree of independence and responsibility. Students are expected to:

• Engage with supervision and attend scheduled meetings
• Meet all formal deadlines and comply with mandatory steps in the thesis process
• Demonstrate academic transparency and ethical responsibility
• Maintain regular progress throughout the semester and adhere to the approved plan
• Prepare for the oral defence and be able to justify methodological and theoretical choices

Formalities and Deadlines

The thesis process includes several required milestones. Completion of all mandatory components is necessary to submit the thesis.

1. Topic selection: A list of research topics is presented in a thesis seminar at the end of August. Students submit their top three priorities by mid-September.Students may propose a self-suggested topic, but must submit a written draft describing: the research problem, the theoretical positioning, the planned methodological approach and timeline. Hence, submission does not guarantee approval.

2. Topic and Supervisor allocation: Topics are allocated (end September) based on student preferences and feasibility. Supervisors are assigned after the topic is approved (including self-suggested topics).

3. Research design seminar: Attendance and participation in this three-day seminar is mandatory (late October). The exact dates and time will be posted in September.

4. Proposal deadline: Students must submit a complete proposal draft by end November (using the official template). The draft must be approved and signed by both students and supervisor. No thesis work may proceed without approval.

5. Supervision contract: After approval, the students and supervisor sign a supervision contract outlining: progress plan, supervision expectations, roles and responsibilities

6. Mandatory proposal seminar: Attendance and participation in this seminar are mandatory (end January, 4th semester).

7. Submission deadlines: Ordinary submission deadline is end May. Submission is done through Inspera as a single PDF, using the official front-page template. Students who fail to submit by the deadline must wait and submit at the next year’s deadline. All mandatory activities must be approved in order to submit.

8. Oral defence: Will take place after thesis submission, in the beginning of June.The relevant weeks will be communicated in Studentweb. The exact date and time will be posted at least two weeks before the defence.

Students may request a postponement of the oral defence until August 31 of the same year in case of extenuating circumstances (such as illness). Supporting documentation is required.

Compulsory assignments

• Research Seminar
• Presentation seminar

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Exams in all mandatory and required major courses must be passed by the deadline for registration on 1 February. Students may apply for an exemption from this prerequisite if they are missing no more than 7.5 ECTS. The application must be well grounded.