Internship-based Master's thesis
Postgraduate course
- ECTS credits
- 30
- Teaching semesters Autumn, Spring
- Course code
- SDG351
- 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 problem-solving related to sustainability.
The student must have completed the course SDG349 Internship, with the internship as basis for the master thesis. In the thesis, the student will develop topics, issues or experiences from the internship further into a 30 ECTS research project. The design and methodological approach of the thesis shall be developed by the student together with the supervisors.
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 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:
- design and carry out the writing of a research project of high quality using appropriate methods and in accordance with ethical standards
- discuss strengths and limitations of the student's chosen (inter)disciplinary, methodological and conceptual approach in relation to other possible approaches and perspectives
- discuss and reflect on his/her thesis in relation to its internship organisational context, and situate it within a broader sustainability context
General Competencies
The student can:
- communicate the issues 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
Recommended Previous Knowledge
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
Participation at seminars (minimum 75 % attendance). Participation entails: presentation of own thesis and student peer review of works of others.
Students must sign a supervision contract with the department in which rights and duties are clarified. Supervision on the master's thesis is obligatory.
Forms of Assessment
Submission of the Master's thesis (40 - 70 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.