Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Prerequisites

In order to start working on the master’s thesis, the students must have passed examinations with no less than 75 ECTS credits in the Master programme at the beginning of the semester when the master’s thesis is to be written. The topic of the master’s thesis has to be approved by the University of Agder.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the master thesis, the students should:

- be able to apply their knowledge in new areas within ICT

- be able to analyze ICT problems, both from a research and an industrial's perspective

- have obtained skills required to analyze existing theories and methods, and to independently solve both applied and theoretical problems

- be able to apply relevant research and development 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 and development 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 ICT research and development

- be able to disseminate applied and theoretical problems and solutions, orally and in writing, both to peers and to the public

- be able to contribute with innovation and new ideas both in academic and industrial ICT projects

Contents

The master's thesis is a self-contained work with a topic within information and communication technology. The work is expected to include elements of research and innovative methods. Basic assignments within planning, programming or development should be avoided. The thesis project includes a master's thesis describing the state-of-the-art, research problem, approach, results, evaluations, and outlook, as well as an oral presentation of the thesis. A press release that presents the thesis work and the main results is also required. Prototypes and/or other products that are developed for the thesis may be included as part of the hand-ins.

Teaching and learning methods

Independent work. A supervisor will be available for regular consultations. The students choose whether they want to do the master thesis project individually or in groups of maximum two students. The duration of the Master's Thesis is normally one semester, which gives an estimated workload of 800 learning hours for the student.

The master's thesis is normally carried out in the Spring semester. The faculty may approve that some students carry out their master's thesis in the Autumn semester. This is given that the student meets all the prerequisites, and that there are available supervisors.

Examination requirements

For every student/group there will be 10 compulsory guidance meetings. The press-release of the thesis must be submitted and approved.

Examinations

Project report and oral presentation. The oral presentation can modify the grade upwards or downwards, accounting for 100% of the final grade. The grade will be on a scale.

The students choose whether they want to write the master's thesis individually or in groups of maximum two students. The thesis must be carried out within the stipulated time. Students who are taking a new or postponed exam, cannot submit an improved version of the master's thesis

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
IKT591 – Master's Thesis. 30
IKT592 – Master's Thesis. 30
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 9:00:00 AM