MBA507 Master's thesis

Contents and structure

This course commences in the third semester of the programme and is completed in the fourth semester. The supervision associated with the master's thesis is an important part of the learning process and is provided by an appointed supervisor(s) and in connection with an active researcher group, insofar as this is possible.
It is a requirement that the students actively participate in the teaching and in the thesis seminars. In addition to own presentations, the students must actively contribute to good discussions about the work of others.
Field work constitutes a natural part of many master's projects.

The course includes the writing of a master's thesis. In addition to writing, a master's project involves the students working with critical reading of research literature, collecting and collating data, and analysing and interpreting results. The students are expected to actively participate in seminars with both own submissions and remarks to projects and texts presented by others.

Learning Outcome

Upon completing the course the student shall have the following overall learning outcomes:

The student

• Has in-depth knowledge of the research literature within the area the thesis shall apply to.
• Has in-depth knowledge about relevant research methods.
• has advanced knowledge about problem areas relating to research ethics and applicable guidelines.

The student

• Can critically and independently assess research literature and make connections across paradigms and research traditions.
• Can formulate and justify a clear issue, select a relevant method and data set, interpret results (for empirical projects) and challenge/develop theory in the field (for theoretically oriented tasks).
• Can conduct an independent and defined research project under supervision and in line with applicable research ethics norms.

The student:

• Can focus on a research field and use relevant research literature in an independent manner.
• Can write an academic text at an advanced level.
• Can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions within the field of study.

Entry requirements

The students must have completed all courses in the first year before they commence the second year of the master programme. If there are special circumstances, this requirement may be waived.
The master's thesis cannot be submitted until all other courses have been completed.

Teaching methods

The students work independently with the master's thesis, however are obligated to attend supervision meetings. The regular contact with the supervisor(s) for discussing different parts and phases of the work is an important parallel to the independent reading and writing work which is also part of the process.
It is possible that the students will be affiliated with a research group and participation in the research group activities will be an important supplement to the supervision meetings.

Compulsory learning activities

The students shall hold two presentations at thesis seminars. In the third semester, the students will present a project outline for discussion in the group. During the fourth semester, and no later than one month prior to submission, each student shall give an oral presentation of his/her project and submit a written draft of key parts of the thesis.

The text and the oral presentation shall be discussed in the seminar and approved by the seminar coordinator/course coordinator. Students are given the opportunity to give a new presentation if the presentation is not approved.

Approved coursework requirements are valid for two subsequent semesters following approval.

Assessment

Master's thesis.
The master's thesis must be 60-80 pages, including cover page and appendix.
Line spacing must be 1.5.

The submission deadline will be published in Studentweb and in the digital examination system.

Grade scale of A-F, where F is equivalent to a fail grade.

Information about a new/re-scheduled exam can be found on the University College's website.