course-details-portlet

DID3920

Master thesis in Vocational Didactics - written thesis

Credits 45
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 2 semesters
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Master thesis

About

About the course

Course content

This course consists of work with the Master’s thesis. The subject has no scheduled teaching.

The thesis constitutes an independent academic research project supervised by academic staff. The thesis should be original, follow established research ethical principles, present clear theoretical and methodological choices, engage critical thinking, and demonstrate clear communication. The research topic, research question, theoretical framework and methodological design for the thesis will be decided by the student in consultation with the supervisor.

All students are entitled to conduct the Master’s thesis individually. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to write the thesis in pairs. This is determined in consultation with the course coordinator and supervisor and should be noted within the research proposal offered by the students.

The master's thesis has a scope of 45 credits, equivalent to 1.5 semesters of full-time study.

Learning outcome

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The candidate has

  • Advanced specialized knowledge of relevant theories and current research within the chosen vocational education field
  • Thorough understanding of academic thinking, research methods, research ethics, and specialized knowledge of the chosen research method(s) applied in the thesis
  • Advanced knowledge of the requirements for an academic study and the academic genre within the vocational education research field
  • Thorough understanding of reference systems and the formal requirements for academic texts

Skills

The candidate can

  • conceptualize and execute an independent research project aligned with research ethics and formal requirements under supervision
  • Independently employ relevant methods for vocational education research.
  • Locate relevant scholarly literature and critically assess various information sources
  • Use referencing systems in accordance with the existing standards

General Competence

The candidate can

  • Apply academic knowledge and skills to address vocational education issues
  • Disseminate independent research using the field's expressions and characteristics
  • Engage in professional and educational discussions, initiate developmental processes, and contribute to innovation within vocational education
  • Benefit from supervision

Learning methods and activities

The course primarily consists of seminars, presentations, individual work, and supervision. Supervision is mandatory for the master's thesis and is conducted in collaboration with the appointed supervisor. Students are required to participate in master's seminars and present and discuss their master's projects.

For collaborative writing, students must have a written agreement (a specific form) beforehand. The agreement involves both students and the supervisor. The thesis must include a process document detailing the collaborative process, including responsibilities and work distribution. This process document is taken into consideration by the examiners of the thesis.

Compulsory activities/assignments

  • Oral presentation
  • Supervision
  • Participation in master's seminars

All compulsory assignments must be approved in order to submit the master’s thesis.

Compulsory assignments

  • Oral presentation
  • Supervision
  • Participation on seminar

Further on evaluation

ASSESSMENT

The master's thesis is written in monograph form. The thesis may be submitted either individually or as a joint project by two students. If the thesis is submitted as a joint project, the students must sign a collaboration agreement and submit a description of their collaboration together with the thesis. When the master's thesis is submitted as a joint project, a joint grade is normally awarded. In some cases, however, it may be appropriate to assess the candidates individually. The oral examination is conducted individually.

The examination consists of the thesis and an oral examination that may adjust the final grade. Details regarding the format and conduct of the oral examination will be provided at the beginning of the semester. The oral examination will only be held if the written thesis has received a passing evaluation. In the event of an appeal, the thesis will be reassessed by an appeals committee before a new grade-adjusting oral examination is conducted.

Students should expect a period of up to three months between submission of the thesis and the final oral examination.

All other examinations in the Master's programme must be completed before the Master's thesis can be submitted for assessment.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Education (MDID) - some programmes

Required previous knowledge

Special Conditions

Requires admission to the study program: Master of education (MDID) - vocational studies.

Required previous knowledge

The course requires admission to the Master in Education program, vocational studies. The compulsory requirements in DID3203 Theory and Project Design must be approved, but the exam need not be passed.

Course materials

Course Material

Individually chosen reading material in agreement with the supervisor

Special needs accommodation

Students with disabilities and students with special needs may apply for individual adjustments in studies and assessment. Please contact the student advisor for the program (email: studier@ilu.ntnu.no).

Subject areas

  • Pedagogical knowledge

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Teacher Education

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Master thesis

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Master thesis
Grade Letter grades Weighting 100/100 Date Release 2026-11-18
Submission 2026-11-25
Time Release 09:00
Submission 15:00
Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

Master thesis with oral exam
Grade Letter grades Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment