Course content

The master thesis is an individual and independent scientific study of a topic chosen by the student, which should be relevant to child welfare work. The master's thesis will provide training in working systematically and methodically, and help the student develop skills in analytical and critical thinking. The subject consists of a compulsory seminar and the master's thesis itself. A supervisor is appointed following an application from the candidate.

Learning outcome

The purpose with the master thesis is that the students shall make an individual research work with relevance to Child Welfare Work.

Knowledge - student has in-depth knowledge of:

• relevant research methods and research design
• scientific knowledge production
• research ethics
• scientific writing

Skills - the student can:

• make research design.
• assess appropriate data gathering method(s) and analyzing methods according to chosen issue.
• document insight to national and international research within the chosen issue, and relate to own project and own findings.
• use relevant research methods regarding the concrete research work.
• systematize, analyze and discuss gathered data.
• consider research ethic issues associated own project.
• convey results from own research in line with scientific demands.

General competence - the student can:

• analyze professional and research ethical issues in child protection.
• convey extensive independent work and communicate about professional and ethical issues within the child welfare field.
• be critical to theory and research results
• show analytical and reflexive competence.

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision, master seminar.

Further on evaluation

MBV3902 is the final exam in Master's degree in Child Welfare and Child Protection, and the students sign up for the exam on Studentweb. The thesis should be approximately 30 000 - 40 000 words. The thesis can also be written as a selection of articles (for more information, please contact the department).

The Thesis must be downloaded as a pdf file in Inspera (NTNU's digital exam tool). Three printed copies of the master's thesis must also be submitted to the department. A period of approximately 12 weeks must be allowed for, after the submitting of the thesis, until the final exam can be held.

The thesis is to be delivered by May 2nd (spring semester) or November 1st (autumn semester) the semester defined as last semester in the student's individual Education plan. If the student submits the thesis after these dates, the final exam will usually take place in the following semester.

A Master's thesis in Norwegian language must have a short summary in English, and an English thesis must have a short summary in Norwegian. The Master thesis, a presentation of the thesis in the form of a lecture (approximately 30 minutes) and an oral exam. The lecture and oral exam will be arranged only if the written work is passed, and can be used to adjust the note on the Master thesis, with no more than one note, either up or down, on the scale.

Compulsory seminar are approved for 4 years.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course has admission right requirements, which means that the course is reserved for students who have been admitted to study Master's degree in Child Welfare and Child Protection at NTNU.

Course materials

Individual curriculum.