MBA507 Master's thesis

Contents and structure

The course is compulsory and is held in the third semester of the programme. 

The course includes the writing of a master's thesis.

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.

Learning Outcome

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

Knowledge

The student

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

Skills

The student

• can analyse and critically assess research literature and use this to structure and formulate academic arguments
• can formulate and justify a clear problem, choose a relevant method and data set, interpret results (for empirical projects) and challenge/develop theory in the field (for theoretically oriented theses)
• can conduct an independent and defined research project under supervision and in line with applicable research ethics norms.

General skills

The student

• can focus on a research field and use relevant research literature in an independent manner
• can identify and analyse relevant academic, professional and research ethical issues
• 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. MBA506 must be completed in the third semester.

In case of special circumstances, an exemption for this requirement may be granted.

The master's thesis cannot be submitted until all other courses have been completed.

Teaching methods

The teaching mainly takes the form of seminars and supervision.

The students are expected to actively take part in the teaching and in the seminars. I addition to own presentations, the students contribute to discussion of fellow students' texts.

In addition to writing, a masters' project involve the students in reading and critiqueing research literature, collection and organisation of data, analysis and interpretation of results. The students work independently with the master's thesis, however are obligated to attend supervision meetings.

The students are expected to make use of the resources provided by the library regarding developing academic writing.

If possible, the students will be affiliated with a research group.

Compulsory learning activities

In the third semester, the students will present a project description and provide feedback on fellow students' descriptions.

In the fourth semester, and no later than one month prior to submission, each student submits a written draft of key parts of the thesis and presents their project at a seminar.

Guidelines for the coursework requirement are provided at the start of the semester

Those who do not have a coursework requirement approved will be given one new opportunity to compensate.

Approved coursework requirements are valid for two 2 years following approval.

Assessment

Master's thesis.

The master's thesis must be 20 000 - 30 000 words, including cover page and appendices. 

The thesis shall be  written in a template.

Guidelines for the thesis and the template will be provided at the start of the course.

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's website.

Examination support material

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