Learning outcome

The research question will be considered in the context of an area of subject-related didactics and/or subject-related scholarship that is relevant for classroom teaching and the student’s educational speciality.

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate has:

• Advanced subject-related knowledge of the selected research question
• Thorough knowledge of the history of their subject in relation to their specialist area
• Knowledge about writing an academic text and use of sources
• Knowledge about planning and completing a specific research project

Skills

The candidate:

• Problematize, define and discuss the selected topic
• Position the topic within the context of scholarly theory and the history of the subject, select an expedient strategy and apply relevant methods
• Evaluate existing theories and interpretations within the subject area
• Conduct an advanced independent academic investigation involving practical and theoretical problem-solving

General competence

The candidate can:

• Demonstrate their capacity for critical evaluation and independent reflection
• Demonstrate their ability to present a specialized topic in writing
• Document and communicate specialist research problems and conclusions in their subject area

Course Description

The content of the Master’s thesis shall encompass:

• A precise and expedient formulation of the research question
• A relevant explanation of its positioning in the context of the subject area, the history of the subject, and scholarly theory
• A link to a problem within an area of subject-related didactics and/or subject-related scholarship that is relevant for classroom teaching and the student’s educational specialism.
• An explanation of the chosen method(s)
• Clarification of relevant content and key concepts
• Systematic analysis, interpretation, reflection and discussion of results

Teaching and Learning Methods

The Master's thesis is an individual, independent study. The research process will be done in relation to the specialist course, and the chosen research question which will guide the work process. The Master's thesis may be submitted in the fourth semester as a monograph or be article-based with a summary. The thesis should comprise 70-100 pages. A four-page summary of the thesis should be submitted before the oral examination. The summary will be filed in the department database.

The thesis must also be related to practice.

In the first phase, the student will endeavour to clarify the problem area so that the basis for allocation of a supervisor may be established. This preparatory work will be done through joint teaching, group discussions and individual counselling.

After approval of the problem area each student will be allocated supervisors. The student should initiate the supervising process, and is responsible for the work on the thesis. The student will be given approx. 25 hours of guidance; a supervision agreement will be drawn up.

During the second year, the student will participate in the thesis seminars that will have various approaches. During the seminars, the presentations given by the candidates will form the basis for discussions between academic staff and the candidates.

Compulsory studies

• Preparatory supervision
• Seminars and joint discussions
• Presentation of thesis

Assessment Methods

The Master’s Thesis must be completed before the end of the fourth semester. The following parts will be assessed:

• The thesis
• Final oral examination

The final assessment will be subject to an overall assessment of the thesis and oral examination where the thesis will be given most emphasis. Assessment criteria are related to the study programme’s objectives and learning outcomes and Master’s course content. The assessment will be carried out by a committee which will consist of two external examiners.

The grade given for the thesis may be adjusted up or down one grade in relation to the candidate’s performance in the oral examination

The grade and title of the Master’s Thesis will be entered on the diploma.

Please refer to Telemark University College Examination Regulations for more information.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean