Course

M30-EI Master's Thesis

Credits (ECTS):30

Course responsible:Frode Alfnes

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:M0-EI and M30-EI are combined 750 hours.

Teaching and exam period:Autum parallel or Spring parallel

About this course

The master's thesis is an independent scientific research project in which students explore a specific academic problem in depth. Through this work, students develop critical thinking, analytical reflection, and methodological skills. The master's thesis is a comprehensive study that demonstrates the student's academic maturity, ability to work independently, and expertise within their field of specialization.

The course consists of independent work on the master's thesis, combined with supervision and academic discussions with the assigned supervisor. The thesis should be a high-level academic study within the student's area of specialization.

The master's thesis may be theoretically or empirically grounded, and practice-oriented projects are common, often carried out in collaboration with one or more companies. Such collaboration may also involve the development of the research question and access to relevant cases or data.

Learning outcome

After passing the master's thesis, you should have achieved the following knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has in-depth knowledge of the research process, including research design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research results
  • has advanced knowledge of planning, organizing, conducting, and reporting a scientific investigative work
  • has specialized insight into scientific theories, methods, and approaches relevant to your specialization
  • understands scientific standards and principles of academic integrity and ethics in research

Skills

The student

  • can apply social science methods to collect, process, analyze, and interpret data in a critical and systematic manner
  • can reflect on and critically evaluate their own and others' use of methods, analyses, and conclusions
  • can write an academic, structured, and coherent text that meets scientific requirements
  • can conduct independent investigations and analyses of complex issues within your area of specialization, in accordance with research ethical guidelines
  • can choose and justify appropriate methods and theories to answer research questions

General competence

The student

  • masters basic methodology and academic writing, which are relevant for research, evaluation, and development work in the workplace
  • can identify, analyze, and handle research ethical issues within your field
  • can communicate and present complex research findings clearly and precisely, both in writing and orally, to various audiences
  • can contribute to and conduct advanced research and development projects in an academic or professional context
  • can critically evaluate and provide constructive feedback on others' work, and use your competence to improve practices and decision-making processes in the workplace
  • Learning activities
    The master's thesis is a research-based project conducted with supervision. It must be written jointly by two students, with an equal distribution of work. Only in exceptional cases may a student write the thesis alone, and this requires approval from the course coordinator. Students are expected to attend and actively participate in scheduled supervision sessions.
  • Teaching support

    All students are required to have regular meetings with their assigned supervisor. Up to 40 hours per master's thesis are allocated for supervision. This includes group sessions, supervision meetings with discussions and feedback, as well as the supervisor's time for reading and evaluation.

    To establish a strong foundation for the master's thesis, a kick-off seminar is held in the second semester. The seminar aims to initiate the planning process and support students in finding a writing partner, defining a thesis topic, and, if relevant, establishing collaboration with a company.

    In the third semester, the course M0-EI Planning the Master's Thesis will guide students in developing a project proposal, providing a solid basis for writing the master's thesis in accordance with research ethics guidelines.

  • Prerequisites
    Students are expected to have completed the course M0-EI Planning the Master's Thesis and approximately 90 ECTS credits of their master's degree coursework before starting the writing of the master's thesis.
  • Assessment method
    The master's thesis is evaluated and graded on a scale from A-F. Evaluation of the master thesis has two elements: First and foremost the grade is based on the written thesis which is evaluated by the advisor and an external examiner. In addition, there is an oral defense of the thesis. This includes the student preparing a presentation of the written work, followed by an individual discussion with the external examiner and advisor. The performance during the oral defense can result in a minor adjustment of the final grade for the thesis.

    Master thesis with oral defence Karakterregel: Letter grades Master thesis Karakterregel: Letter grades
  • Examiner scheme
    The degree thesis shall be graded by at least one external examiner and one internal examiner. The main supervisor is usually the internal examiner.
  • Mandatory activity
    Attendance at and participation in agreed supervision.
  • Notes
    We will at all time refer to the current regulations of NMBU, and remind the students that it is their responsibility to learn and deliver on all mandatory guidelines. Such as reporting, contracts, registration, deliveries and eventual applications for delayed delivery (requires documentation). Follow the information at the homepage of Student information Centre (SiT) and contact the supervisors for questions.
  • Admission requirements

    Master’s students enrolled in NMBU’s Master’s Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

    Must have passed M0-EI Planning the Master's Thesis.