Course content

During the second year of your master's degree, you will write a master's thesis. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competence that you have gained throughout your studies.

The master's thesis gives you the opportunity to conduct an independent research project within a specific topic in your field of study. The master thesis is normally carried out in a team of two student under faculty supervision. However, it is also possible to write the thesis individually upon agreement with the supervisor.

Throughout the thesis, you will demonstrate your ability to describe, define, analyze and conclude in relation to the chosen research problem. The thesis will build upon existing knowledge, but it is also expected that it contributes with new knowledge within the field of study.

The master's thesis documents that the student has sufficient competence in analyzing actual research problems. The work must be carried out in compliance with established ethical norms, GDPR and practice within the research community.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• Have advanced knowledge within the chosen topic of the master's thesis.
• Have developed analytical competence through use of appropriate methods for research issues.

Skills:

• Be able to disseminate findings from a major research project and have developed a good understanding of the field's relevant terminology.
• Be able to develop research topics, analysis, and provide analytically founded conclusions.

General competence:

• Have competence in carrying out a focused research project in accordance with established methodological requirements.
• Exhibit understanding, self-reflection and maturity in the field.

Learning methods and activities

Compulsory activities:

• Startup seminar with information about topic selection at the end of the second semester
• Master thesis seminar with presentation of a project plan in the third semester
• Proposal to be submitted at the end of the third semester
• Poster session in fourth semester
• Supervision with faculty supervisor(s)

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignment

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.