Master students in international development studies are required to write a master thesis/dissertation on a topic within the field of international development studies approved by the student's supervisor. The student can choose amongst a broad spectrum of natural and social scientific methods and theories that are part of the master study programmes.

The master thesis is an independent academic work. The key part of this work is the independent collection and analysis of sources (primary and/or secondary). The student may conduct fieldwork, but this is not required. The student is supervised in developing a research proposal. If the student is conducting fieldwork, it is required that the supervisor approves the research proposal prior to travel to the field.

The approximate length of the master thesis should be a minimum of 16000 words and a maximum of 28000 words. 

60ECTS thesis: 60 ECTS thesis: NMBU study regulations provide students with the possibility of writing a 60ECTS thesis. Students wishing to pursue this opportunity must have approval from their supervisor. This option is only feasible for students who perform particularly well in their coursework (average grade B or better).

The length of the work distinguishes it from a 30-credit thesis: A 60-credit thesis can be up to 35000 words and the writing process of the 60-credit thesis extends over two semesters. The thesis should reflect a mastering of the status of research in a particular field. Each student is entitled to 60 hours of supervision for a 60-credit master thesis.

A master thesis is a comprehensive working process. When completed, it  provides the student with in depth knowledge of a specific topic and relevant methods and theories. The student will have independently searched for  and assessed various sources. The master thesis will have been structured according to academic standards. The student will have gained experience in planning and implementing a project over a period of more than six months. Throughout this process, the student will have gained specific knowledge, skills and competence:

• The student will have experience in searching for various sources, reading and assessing them in the relation to a specified issue within international development studies.
• The student will have presented the research topic, including methodology, data collection, analysis and any challenges encountered, to peers in Noragric's thesis seminars.
• Through supervision, the student will have gained insight into the various steps of a research process, including methodical and ethical concerns.
• If the student has conducted fieldwork and gathered primary data, practical experience will have been gained in assessing sources and collecting data in the field, in addition to the explanation of research results.
• The student will have gained experience in processing feedback and can critically reflect on the results of the research and the working process.

1. Choice of topic: In the end of January students attend info meetings for study topics where they also can meet potential supervisors. This is an information and inspiration meeting. Subsequently students suggests a topic for the master thesis, on the basis of which a supervisor is assigned. Submission is electronically in Canvas. Deadline: 1 March.

2. Writing research proposal: The students develop a research proposal for their master's thesis. The supervisor approves the research proposal. Deadline for submission of research proposal in Canvas: 30 June.

Optional: Students may conduct field work. It is recommended to conduct field work in the autumn semester, i.e. year two of the master degree programme.

Supervision: Each student is entitled to 30 hours of supervision for a 30 ECTS master thesis. Students sign a contract with the supervisor. The supervisory relationship is guided by the contract as well as common understandings for supervisory responsibility. Writing a research proposal is an integral part of the thesis process and its supervision. The student has a responsibility to stay in touch with the supervisor. The main supervisor should be a Noragric staff member. A co-supervisor from another department of NMBU or at another university may be arranged, following application and subject to approval by the programme coordinator. The student submits signed contract to supervisor and a copy to study administration together with a research proposal on 30 June. 

Recommended: It is recommended that students, who have not previously attended a writing course, e.g. LNG240, do so in the second semester. NMBU's Writing Centre is available for advice on academic writing. 

REGISTRATION AND SUBMISSION OF THESIS Prior to submission, the manuscript must be approved by the supervisor.

THESIS DEFENSE: The master thesis is concluded by an oral degree examination. The student and supervisor decide a date for the thesis defence. During the defence, the student will give a 20-minutes presentation of the thesis research and answer questions from the external examiner and the supervisor. The discussion can result in an adjustment of the final grade for the thesis. The final grade is announced to the student and included on the transcript of grades.