Learning outcome

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

Knowledge:

The candidate has knowledge of:

- Academic writing

- Planning and execution of a research project

- Application of research methods and scientific theories related to his/her research project

Skills:

The candidate can/is:

- Refine, formulate, state and explain a clear thesis question

- Select, use and justify the choice of research methodology and scientific theory in relation to the project’s research question

- Familiar with subject literature and previous research relevant to the project’s research question

- Analyse, discuss and reflect on the data collected

- Design and conduct research in accordance with current ethical norms

- Use references in accordance with recognised standards

General competence

The candidate can:

- Demonstrate the ability to critically assess and self-reflect

- Master the subject area’s forms of ​​expression

- Demonstrate written presentation skills, and disseminate and communicate the research project’s content

- Give the thesis a structured and logical composition by starting with a summary and ending with a conclusion which briefly reviews the thesis’s main concerns and principal results

Course Description

The Master’s thesis may be submitted as a monograph or as an article manuscript and should be completed in the fourth semester. The Master’s thesis is an independent research project in which the student should demonstrate understanding of current research and relevant theory and methods relevant to the thesis question. Students can work individually or in groups of two. The thesis may be submitted as an individual or joint project. Specific criteria have been drawn for documenting the individual student’s independent knowledge and research skills in the case where two students in cooperation submit a thesis. Each student will be appointed a supervisor on the basis of his/her project description. It is advantageous to begin to prepare the writing of the thesis as early as possible in the study programme. Special courses will be given on thesis writing.

Working on the thesis will enable students to consider the educational challenges and issues which can be illuminated through research. After successfully completing the study programme, students will also be able to participate in various research projects, and critically analyse the contribution current research can make to address educational challenges which he/she encounters in his/her work.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Independent supervised research work.

Assessment Methods

Master’s thesis 70-80 pages. Assessed with letter grade.

The following will be entered on the diploma:

Grades for:

• obligatory courses
• the Master’s Thesis

and

• the title of the Master’s Thesis

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