Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English/Norwegian

Prerequisites

Minimum 60 credits in the field of study, research methods course, ME-413 or equivalent and ME-521. Exchange students will need to have fulfilled the same requirements.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the master thesis project, the students should:
  • be able to apply their knowledge in key areas within global development and planning
  • be able to analyze global development and planning problems, from a research and a policy perspective
  • be able to analyze existing theories and methods, and to independently solve both theoretical and applied problems
  • be able to apply relevant research methods in an independent manner
  • be able to critically analyze various information sources, and apply these for structuring and formulating arguments
  • be able to conduct an independent research project under supervision, according to governing academic and ethical research standards
  • be able to convey comprehensive independent work by mastering relevant expression forms used within global development and planning research

Contents

The main aim of the thesis work is to train the students in practical research under the supervision of a lecturer, and to test the students´ ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge gained in the coursework in the production of an original, quality-assured academic thesis. The student will do a fieldwork and collect her/his own data. The students are free to select a topic within the scope of one of the specialisations of the Master’s programme. The topic must be approved by the supervisor.

Teaching and learning methods

The thesis’ length is around 80-100 pages. The guidelines for the master’s thesis will give further information about work requirements, structure, procedures, supervision, curriculum, format, hand in, evaluation, copy rights and publicity requirements. The guidelines will be available in Canvas.

The master’s thesis is considered an individual task, but, based on applications, two students may work and write together. The students are entitled to supervision and a main supervisor will be appointed. The cooperation between student and supervisor is regulated through a supervision contract.

The estimated work load is 1080 learning hours for the student.

Examination requirements

Obligatory supervision and a supervisor contract.

The supervisor must approve the submission of the master’s thesis at least two weeks before the submission deadline.

Examinations

The master’s thesis constitutes 100% of the final grade. The grades A-F are used (ECTS grading scale).

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
UT-503 – Master Thesis in Development Management. 40
SV-509 – Master Thesis in Planning, Place and Process. 40
SV-510 – Master Thesis in Planning, Place and Process. 40
UT-506 – Master's Thesis in Global Development, Crisis and Change. 30
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 9:12:19 AM