Teaching starts Spring

Language of instruction Norwegian or English

Prerequisites and co-requisites The Master Thesis is the last part of the master programme. A prerequisite to work with the thesis is that the student has passed alle examinations in the 1. and 2. term of the master programme, as well as those subjects in the 3. term the Master Thesis is built upon. The topic of the Master Thesis has to be approved by the University of Agder.

Learning outcomes After completing the master thesis, the student is expected to:

• have good knowledge of how to plan and carry out an independent scientific work
• know the importance of formulating precise research questions, and understand the role of theory in research
• be able to select relevant methods to collect data and information
• know the central principles to analyse and discuss empirical materials
• have up to date theoretical knowledge about the theme of the master thesis and be able to critically reflect on main theories
• be able to employ theory to analyse central research questions in the theme of the master thesis

Course contents In the master thesis the student focuses on a main topic in the study programme. The thesis should be marked by research, while explicit consulting work is to be avoided. A method seminar helps the student to start the work with the master thesis. The seminar includes developing a project description and plan for the thesis. The thesis consists of a report describing research questions, theory, discussions of methods, empirical analyses and results. An oral presentation is mandatory. The thesis can be carried out individually or jointly by two students.

Teaching methods and workload Independent work. A supervisor shall be available for regular consultations of 5 hours. The duration of the Master Thesis is normally one semester, which gives an estimated work load of 810-900 learning hours for the student.

Examination requirement Compulsory meetings with supervisor at a minimum of 5 tutorials.

Assessment methods and criteria

Written report and adjustable oral presentation. Graded assessment. All the examinations in the study programme have to be assessed as Pass before the master thesis can be evaluated. Students who are taking a new or postponed exam, cannot submit an improved version of the Master Thesis.

Level of course Master's level

Year of study

Second year of master's programme.

Name of lecturer/contact person Programme Coordinator Bo Terje Kalsaas