Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The candidate has:

• Broad knowledge within the area of study related to their thesis research question.

Skills:

The candidate can:

• Examine a research topic, refine the area of study, and focus on what has to be examined
• Place their projects within a theoretical context, selecting appropriate strategies and using appropriate methodology
• Analyze existing theories and interpretations in the field
• Work independently and with advanced practical and theoretical questions

General competence:

The candidate can:

• Document and communicate topics in the field of study, as well as conclusions so that others at a similar level are able to follow the explanation

Course Description

The course includes the submission of a completed thesis. This includes writing a thesis, the student’s own creative work and the preparation of a summary.

The thesis must include:

• A precise formulation of a thesis question
• An account of the thesis’s position in relation to the chosen field and relevant theory
• Choice and justification of strategy and methodology
• Clarification of relevant content and important concepts
• The student’s own creative work
• Systematic analysis, interpretation and/or reflection
• Discussion of results
• A didactic component included in the thesis (unless the thesis has a didactic perspective)
• Appropriate documentation: theoretical, practical and aesthetic
• Independent use of sources, using the appropriate rules for making citations

Teaching and Learning Methods

The Master's thesis is an individual, independent study. It is characterized by a research process that combines creative work, art theory and pedagogy / didactics. The research process will be governed by the thesis question that has been chosen.

In the first year, students will endeavour to clarify the problem area, problem formulation and the strategies chosen for the thesis, so that the basis for allocating supervisors may be established. This preliminary work is done partly through joint teaching, group discussions, individual guidance and the Pilot Project Assignment in Module 1: Aesthetic and Creative Area in the General Component of the study programme. The project description and problem formulation will be approved by the teaching team, and a seminar will be held as part of the approval process. After the approval, the allocated supervisors will be responsible for guiding further progress.

After the approval, each student will be usually allocated two supervisors. The student initiates the supervising process, and is responsible for completing the thesis. Students will receive up to 30 hours of supervision on their thesis; a supervision agreement will be drawn up.

Three Master’s thesis seminars will be held in the second year with different approaches. In the seminars, presentations by the candidates will form the basis for discussions between the academic staff and candidates.

The Master’s thesis must be submitted in May in the fourth semester. A four-page summary of the thesis must be submitted one week before the oral examination. The summary will be entered into the department’s database.

Obligatory studies

• Preliminary guidance
• Seminars and joint discussions
• Public presentation of thesis

Assessment Methods

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

• The thesis
• Exhibition of practical, aesthetic, creative work
• Final oral examination
• 4-page summary (which will be included in the department’s database)

The final assessment will be subject to an overall assessment in which the thesis and exhibition will be given most emphasis. Assessment criteria are related to the study programme’s objectives and learning outcomes, course content (in relation to the candidate’s chosen area of research). The assessment will be carried out by a committee which will consist of internal and external examiners and the candidate’s supervisors, where the external examiner has final authority.

The following will be entered on the diploma:

Grades for:

• The General Component
• The Master’s Thesis

And:

• The title of the Master’s Thesis

Please refer to Telemark University College’s Examination Regulations for further information.

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