Course content

The master's thesis consists of an independent research work that is carried out in the last (4th) semester of the program. The course is a mandatory part of the program. The work is to result in a report of 22,500 words (+/- 10 %, A4, line spacing 1.15, Verdana 10 pt.), abstract, reference list and appendices excluded. The number of words must appear on the front of the assignment. An appointed supervisor will supervise the student. The supervision is mandatory and will ensure that the student receives advice regarding literature, methodological demands, data collection and ethical guidelines for research. After delivering the thesis the final exam consists of evaluation and an oral exam. The oral exam will be used to adjust the grade on the master's thesis. The thesis may be written as an article.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate...

• has advanced analytic knowledge about the historical development of the counselling field, and its relevance to society and has specialised knowledge from a specific field of study by carrying out independent research work in the master thesis
• has insight into analysing empirical data, knowledge about relevant scientific methods in counselling, and knowledge about critical evaluation of their own and others´ research
• has knowledge about ethical questions regarding their own research, and can convey and discuss findings and conclusions

Skills:

The candidate...

• can analyze empirical data and see it in connection with relevant theories to provide illumination and interpretation of the empirical data.
• can critically evaluate others´ and one's own research, reflect upon ethical research topics, and convey and discuss the conclusions in their own research.
• can apply relevant methods in an independent and ethically defendable manner according to norms for research ethics, in small-scale research projects.

General competence:

The candidate...

• can both professionally and ethically analyze relevant counselling research questions, and competently apply the terminology and expressions of the counselling field.
• can plan, carry out and write independent research work, and transfer this research knowledge into new areas and advanced projects.
• can communicate and mediate research questions, analysis and conclusions to specialists and the general community.
• can contribute to new thinking and innovative ways of working in relevant professional fields.

Learning methods and activities

Compulsory activity: A project description of maximum 4 pages for the master's thesis is to be submitted (A4, line spacing 1.15, Verdana 10 pt.). The subject of the project topic must be approved before submission, and the project description must be approved before appointment of a supervisor for the master's thesis work in the 4th semester. Carrying out the master's thesis Individual supervision will be offered by the Department, according to the Department's guidelines. All students must submit a master's thesis agreement. The agreement confirms that the thesis' topic is approved, and that both student and supervisor are familiar with and have accepted the procedural guidelines.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory supervision
• Project description of approximately 4 pages

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

RAD3050

Required previous knowledge

RAD3034, RAD3039, RAD3040, RAD3041, RAD3042 and VLR3008 or similar must be passed before the student can start RAD3902.

RAD3050 must be submitted before RAD3902 can be submitted.

Course materials

Will be announced at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions