Master's thesis
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 60
- Teaching semesters
- Autumn, Spring
- Course code
- SDG350
- Number of semesters
- 2
- Teaching language
- English or Norwegian
- Resources
- Schedule
Course description
Objectives and Content
The objective of the Master's thesis is for the student to develop knowledge of and first-hand experience with interdisciplinary research on a specific research question related to sustainability.
The research question shall fall within the scope of one of the three specializations of the program (Climate and energy transitions; Marine sustainability; or Global societal challenges), and make active use of mandatory and elective course topics and methods. The student is expected to take active part in the research design.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course the students should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student can:
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the sustainability area focused in the thesis research, and apply concepts, knowledge and theory of sustainability and interdisciplinarity to that area
- develop a clear research question and substantiate its relevance and importance to sustainability as well as its interdisciplinary aspects
Skills
The student can:
- plan, design and carry out a research project of high quality according to appropriate methodological and ethical standards, and provide a written account thereof (as academic thesis)
- discuss strengths and limitations of the student's chosen (inter)disciplinary, methodological and conceptual approach in relation to other relevant approaches and perspectives
- discuss and reflect on the institutional and societal dimensions of the thesis subject
General Competencies
The student can:
- carry out an independent research project following appropriate research methodologies and in accordance with applicable norms for research
- communicate the research questions dealt with in the thesis in an understandable form to specialist and general audiences
- account for ethical and research integrity norms and principles relevant to sustainability related research
ECTS Credits
Level of Study
Semester of Instruction
Place of Instruction
Access to the Course
Teaching and learning methods
The students will attend 5-10 seminars (10-20 hours) each semester. The seminar sessions will include: 1) project description taking into account topics from mandatory and elective courses; 2) research preparations; 3) after the research.
Students will receive supervision for their work on their Master's thesis from members of the teaching staff, covering both mandatory and specialization topics. A supervision contract outlining the rights and responsibilities of the student, the supervisors, and the department administration is signed by all the parties.
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
Submission of the Master's thesis (60 - 110 pages, requirements may vary depending on field of specialisation), and subsequent oral examination.
The subject for discussion at the oral examination is the student's Master's thesis. Following oral examination, the final grade for the Master's thesis may be adjusted up or down by one on the grading scale. Both parts of the exam must receive a passing grade in order to get a passing grade in the course.