ME-502 Master's Thesis in Political Science and Management
- ECTS Credits:
- 40
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Social Sciences
- Course Leaders:
-
- Charlotte Kiland
- Gjermund Haslerud
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring, Autumn
- Duration:
- 2 terms
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Political Science and Management
Recommended prerequisites
ME-400 Method and Statistics. Furthermore, the courses in the first year of study as well as ST-423 Reseach Design must normally be passed before one can begin the master's thesis.
Course contents
The content of the course is mainly related to the students 'self-chosen problem and to the students' work with it. In the 3rd semester, a project sketch is prepared which is to be presented and made the subject of discussion at a project sketch seminar where students and staff members participate with input. The project sketch forms the basis for the further work on the master's thesis. Through the work on the master's thesis, the student will apply the theoretical, analytical and methodological competence they have acquired through the study. Students will be trained in communicating their own work to others, and receive feedback in a critical and reflective way. In addition, students receive training in opposing fellow students' work.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the student should:
• have the ability to carry out an independent, limited research project in line with current research ethics norms
• be able to shed light on academic issues based on the subject's tradition, uniqueness and place in societ
• be able to apply suitable theories and methods within the subject area and work independently with an empirical materia
• be able to convey one's own work to others and receive feedback in a critical and reflective way
• be able to carry out analysis and problem solving based on the choice of theory and method
• be able to critically evaluate different sources of information
• have specialized insight within the relevant subject area to which the master's thesis relates
• be able to communicate in writing and orally about accumulated knowledge and expert insight related to the subject area
Examination requirements
Requirements for taking the exam are an approved project sketch which is presented at a project sketch seminar for fellow students and staff members. In addition, active participation in plenary discussion and responsibility for opposing and contributing input to fellow students' project sketches is expected. Attendance at the seminar is mandatory. Considered approved / not approved.Students must have participated in supervision in accordance with the agreement.
Teaching methods
Supervision, oral presentation, opposition, seminar and group discussions. Separate guidelines have been prepared for the work on the project sketch and for the work on the master's thesis. In Canvas, a separate master booklet is made available with details about this, and about the scope, content and form of the master's thesis, implementation, procedures for notification of project, supervision, syllabus, submission, assessment, copyright and publicity requirements, etc. The information is available in a single document in Canvas.The master's thesis is basically an individual work, and the expected scope of work is 1080 hours. Upon application, two students can write a master's thesis together.Students are entitled to supervision and may be appointed a main supervisor. The relationship between student and supervisor (s) is regulated in a supervision contract. The student is obliged to report progression and learning in the project according to the approved schedule.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.
Assessment methods and criteria
The master thesis constitutes 100% of the final grade.Graded A-F.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| ME-501 – Master Thesis in Public Administration | 30 |