Course content

The master's thesis is an independent written work that can be compared in scope and depth to a scientific article. The master's thesis must show that the candidate can define and investigate a film or media studies argument in a way that constitutes a new contribution to the relevant research field.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course the student will have:

• in-depth knowledge of film and media studies theories and concepts with relevance for their self-selected topic.
• an overview of and insight into historical and contemporary debates within a specific film or media studies research field.

Skills

Upon successful completion of the course the student will know how to:

• execute a thorough, research-based written work (master's thesis).
• use relevant theories and methods in an appropriate way.
• justify their choice of sources, specialist literature, and methods of presentation in relation to a formulated argument.
• reflect critically on their own professional practice and adjust this under supervision.

• communicate their reasoning in adequate professional language, and according to academic standards.
• make assessments of relevant research ethical problems.

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision, seminar.

The master’s thesis can be written in Scandinavian or English. Every master’s thesis must include a Scandinavian and English summary.

Early in the semester, students will receive written feedback on their first draft of the MA thesis, which was one of the compulsory assignments in FM3100. In light of the feedback, the student and the supervisor draw up a revision plan which forms the basis for the work to complete the master's thesis within the stated deadline.

The scope of the master's thesis must be approx. 10,000 words. The number of words does not include the bibliography and appendices. The number of words must be listed in the assignment, and it is the student's responsibility that the number of words listed is correct. The topic for the master's thesis must normally be approved within the framework of the project development course FM3100, which is taken before FM3200.

Students are obliged to keep informed of current messages from the department or teacher via Blackboard. Follow this link for information about the standard number of supervision hours for master's theses at the Faculty of Humanities.

Compulsory assignments

• Revision plan

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires that the student has passed the preparatory course FM3100.