Master Thesis - for students admitted autumn 2015 and 2016

Introduction

This is the course description for master thesis for students admitted autumn 2015 and autumn 2016.

The final opportunity to deliver a final thesis for students who were originally registered for this course code is September 1st 2020.

Students who want to deliver a master thesis after this date, will have to register for the current active course code and do a full new thesis process, with ordinary fees.

In the course of the MSc Programme, all students are required to write a thesis. A thesis of 30 ECTS is a requirement for master degrees (Masterforskriften §6). The thesis work consists of thesis seminars, guidance, a thesis proposal, a preliminary thesis report, and the final thesis.

Each Associate Dean is responsible for approving the thesis topic and thesis advisor. In addition, the Associate Dean is responsible for thesis seminars in the programme.

The thesis work forms a process where students are given the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their MSc studies in conducting a scientifically based research..

Students are expected to treat a broadly formulated problem and prepare and submit a report, which will contribute to a solution of the problem and/or provide a sound basis for decision-making within a given time and resource framework.

Course content

The thesis is normally written in groups of two students. Any student who wants to write the thesis alone, must have this approved by the Associate Dean/Academic Coordinator of his/her programme. (This is only permitted in specific circumstances).

The thesis is written in English.

Students will be introduced to research methods in research methodology courses. In addition, the Associate Dean will arrange a thesis seminar (minimum 10 hours) introducing possible topics and advisors. An oral presentation may be a part of the thesis seminar and account for a part of the grade of the preliminary thesis report. Students are expected to participate in the thesis seminars and to have individual/group guiding (10 hours) by the thesis advisor.

Students are responsible for selecting a topic/problem area, which is suitable for a thesis related to their major in the MSc programme. Students need to fill in a thesis registration form, and have the topic and advisor approved by the Associate Dean. Please see the Student Portal (at.bi.no) for detailed information on thesis work.