Course content

The master’s thesis constitutes the students’ final project and builds on the project description developed in the pre-project (IDS4005), and, where relevant, on the organisational context established there. It is intended to demonstrate their competence in working with a specific research problem within a defined subject area relevant to MIIDS.

Collaboration with a company or organisation is encouraged in MIIDS, as this may strengthen the practical relevance of the thesis.

The master’s thesis should address a concrete research problem relevant to the programme and represent a meaningful academic challenge within the chosen subject area, grounded in current knowledge in the field and in line with established academic approaches.

Students are expected to demonstrate academic and methodological independence in their work.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate

• can apply advanced knowledge to select and justify appropriate research methods to address relevant issues, formulate research questions, and conduct a research project.
• can analyze and discuss research results, reflect on their practical and theoretical significance, and draw conclusions that may form a basis for further investigation.
• can understand and evaluate theoretical and methodological approaches, as well as identify relevant research questions.

Skills

The candidate

• can critically analyze and evaluate different information sources in order to structure and formulate academic arguments and research problems.
• can write a scientific thesis in accordance with academic writing conventions, structure and documentation requirements, and critically assess and use AI-based tools in an ethical and academically responsible way.
• can conduct a research project that is relevant for both knowledge development and practical application, independently and in collaboration with others.
• can present and communicate the research process, results and ideas clearly and in a way adapted to different audiences.
• can analyze and critically evaluate relevant professional, occupational, and research ethical issues throughout the research process, in line with applicable ethical standards.

General Competence

The candidate

• can understand how a scientific approach contributes to knowledge development and practical solutions, and reflect on the relationship between the research problem, research design, analysis and conclusion.
• can analyze and critically assess discipline related, professional, and research ethical issues that impact the research work and field.
• can communicate independent work with reflective capability and convey academic and interdisciplinary problem areas, analyses, and conclusions to both specialists and the general public.
• can plan, structure and complete a substantial independent academic project within defined timeframes and constraints.

Learning methods and activities

The master’s thesis is written in groups of two students.

Project work, independent study, supervision, and gatherings/seminars constitute the central learning activities for the master’s thesis.

Project work and independent study are essential parts of the thesis, and students are expected to work independently to deepen their understanding of relevant theory, methodology, and project planning.

Supervision is a mandatory and important component, ensuring that students receive necessary support throughout the process and quality assurance in data collection and processing. The student is responsible for maintaining contact, requesting meetings, and agreeing on the agenda with the supervisor.

Themes for seminars/gatherings will be posted in the course’s Canvas room.

The master’s thesis is equivalent to a full semester’s workload and is conducted in accordance with MIIDS’ Thesis Guidelines, available on Canvas.

Obligatory activities

Obligatory activities include a midway evaluation as specified in Canvas, attendance in specified seminars, submissions in Canvas related to the thesis submission, and an oral presentation with mandatory attendance thorught the day of student presentations.

Details as described in Canvas.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory participation in seminars
• Mid term Evaluation
• 3-4 submissions
• Oral Presentation and attendance Master Thesis

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The student must have 82,5 study points completed in the study program, including the course IDS4005 Project planning master thesis.

Course materials

TBA