Course content

The master's thesis in community, health and environmental psychology consists of an in-depth work in which the student writes a scientific document in line with relevant guidelines for structure and theory. The topic for the master's thesis, which can be both empirical (quantitative or qualitative) and theoretical, is determined in consultation with a competent supervisor.

Students must apply for approval of the thesis topic and have a supervisor appointed by filling in a master's thesis agreement. The agreement must contain a project description that explains the research purpose, theoretical grounding, methodological approach and practical implementation. The department informs about the deadline for submitting the master's thesis agreement.

Learning outcome

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

The student

• has advanced knowledge within a chosen topic in community, health and/or environmental psychology
• has in-depth knowledge of theory and method in psychological research and an understanding of how a scientific project is carried out
• has in-depth knowledge of the requirements for a scientific text in psychology, including advanced knowledge of APA style
• has in-depth knowledge of conducting professional reasoning using theory, research, choice of method and own data and analyses
• has advanced knowledge of quality requirements for research, including research ethical guidelines and principles

Skills:

The student

• can analyze and relate critically to various sources of information and use these to structure and formulate professional reasoning
• can analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations within the subject area and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving
• can use relevant research methods and professional development work independently
• can design and carry out an independent research project under supervision and in line with current research ethics norms
• can analyze complex issues and interpret complex research data
• can communicate scientific findings both in writing and verbally
• can find and critically assess relevant sources of information
• can familiarize themselves with relevant literature for research within a specific area of ​​community, health and environmental psychology
• can present and communicate the research work effectively
• can formulate a precise and clear problem that is relevant to psychological theory or practice in community-, health- or environmental psychology and present a well-thought-out rationale for the choice of method and use of literature
• can think critically and draw scientific conclusions based on research
• can apply the APA standard for scientific publishing

General competence:

The student

• can analyze professional, professional and research ethical issues within community-, health- and environmental psychology
• can apply knowledge and skills in new areas to carry out advanced projects and tasks
• can convey extensive independent work and masters the subject's forms of expression
• can communicate about academic issues, analyzes and conclusions within the subject area of ​​the programme
• can apply their knowledge to solve relevant problems in community-, health- and environmental psychology
• can present and communicate extensive research work with an understanding of psychology's forms of expression
• can communicate psychological research in a clear and accessible way

Learning methods and activities

The work on the master's thesis in community-, health- and environmental psychology consists of independent work combined with compulsory supervision. This guidance ensures that the student acquires the necessary knowledge, that all parts of the work meet high quality standards (e.g. when collecting and processing data), and that the project is carried out in line with current research ethical guidelines.

Master thesis seminars

In the second semester, students participate in a master's thesis seminar that provides information on how to find a suitable topic, an overview of potential supervisors and guidance in the design of the project description. In the third semester, a new seminar is organized with a lecture that gives practical tips for the writing process, followed by a presentation session where the students present their topics and receive constructive feedback from fellow students and academic staff. Participation in these seminars is compulsory and must be approved before the master's thesis can be submitted.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in master thesis seminars

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

All examinations included in the master's degree must be passed before the master's thesis can be submitted.

Special conditions

Requires admission to the study programme: Master in Psychology (MPSY).