course-details-portlet

VL3900

Master Thesis in Adult Learning

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 30
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination

About

About the course

Course content

The master's thesis is compulsory for the master's degree and is to be written during the final term of the programme. The thesis is an independent piece of research based on a project description that has been approved in the preceding term. There will bi supervision by an appointed supervisor throughout the work with the thesis. The research topic should either be connected to topics examined during the master's program, or to other topics relevant to adult learning. The thesis should be 18000 - 22500 words (A4, line spacing 1.15, Verdana 10 pt.), abstract, reference list and appendices excluded. It is possible to do the thesis as a joint project, provided that each student’s contribution is clearly presented and is equivalent to an independent master’s thesis in work load and extent. This includes individual assessment of the thesis as well as individual oral examination.

Learning outcome

The student has knowledge about the different phases of the research process through planning, executing and reporting an independent piece of academic research. Further, the student can work with and analyse empirical material, considering and reflecting on ethical questions, constructively and critically assessing their own and others’ research, as well as conveying and discussing conclusions.

Learning methods and activities

Compulsory supervision. 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

  • Project description for Master's Thesis, about 4 pages
  • Compulsery supervision

Further on evaluation

The exam entails handing the thesis in and an oral test that includes an oral presentation of the thesis (ca. 10 minutes). The oral examination is used to adjust the grade, normally within one grade.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Learning in Working Life and Society (MVL)

Required previous knowledge

VL3000, VLR3007, VLR3008, VL3010, VL3011, VL3012 and VL3013 has to be completed to be admitted to the course. All other exams in the Master's programme in Adult Learning (EiT and elective course) must be completed before the master's thesis can be delivered.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
VILL3900 30 sp Autumn 2011
VL3902 30 sp Autumn 2020
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Adult Education and Learning

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Education and Lifelong Learning

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
Weighting 100/100 Date Submission 2025-11-15 Time Submission 15:00 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment