Course - Theories and Methods for Master Thesis - AAR4874
Theories and Methods for Master Thesis
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About the course
Course content
The course is an introduction to science theory and research methods intended to prepare the student to work on their master thesis. The course covers relevant theory and methods and basic concepts using qualitative and quantitative methods. Research design with focus on the relation between topic, problem statement, research questions and relevant theory and methods will be discussed. Requirements for the master thesis regarding structure, language, use of references and theory will be presented.
Learning outcome
KNOWLEDGE: The candidate will have in-depth knowledge of the requirements for master's thesis in terms of structure, content, research design, reference usage and scope. The candidate has knowledge of the theory and method for conducting research in relevant subjects and adequate knowledge in quantitative and qualitative methods.
SKILLS: The candidate should have in-depth skills to formulate problem and research questions for a master level study, and to see the relationship between problem, theory and methodology. The candidate can develop a theoretical framework for analysing the problem and questions, and develop a research framework using relevant methodology and theories. The candidate should also propose the use of quantitative and / or qualitative methods in the work of his owned planned master's thesis, and can conduct an independent minor project work with theoretical supervision and good practice.
GENERAL COMPETENCE: The candidate will be able to identify possible challenges related to theory use, access to data and possible consequences with regard to research design. The candidate can develop a time and activity plan and an outline for the master's thesis.
Learning methods and activities
The lectures will cover subjects include research methods, theory of science, research ethics and the writing of the report. The schedule for the lectures and workshops is published when the semester starts, which will state the dates for mandatory activities. There will be some digital lectures about specific approaches for methods, linked to mandatory assignments. Theory thinking and research problem development are primarily in physical lectures. Presentation of different fields of work from Institute of Architecture and Planning will be done early in the semester. Students are expected to read the course literature to be actively engaged in class.
Compulsory assignments
- Practice assignment
- Assignment
Further on evaluation
- Mandatory short assignment presenting on problem and knowledge needs for a topic to illustrate method and theory thinking competence
- Mandatory assignment on qualitative and quantitative methods
- The main deliverable of the course is a written project which can be a basis for the master thesis which is graded. The assignment shall be conducted individual or eventually in pairs. At least two group feedback sessions for students over the autumn semester related to their thesis topic.
More on evaluation
The project assignment is graded by character, individually or in pairs. You must pass this course/course to start work on the master's thesis
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Facility Management (MAEIENDOM)
Facility Management (MEIENDOM)
Physical Planning (MFYSPL)
Urban Ecological Planning (MSA1)
Required previous knowledge
Passed first year of master program in Real Estate Development and Facilities Management, Master Program in Physical Planning, Masters Program in Urban Ecological Planning
Course materials
Papers,articles and textbooks.
Subject areas
- Facility Management
- Urban Design and Planning
- Architectural Design and Management
- Town and Regional Planning
- Architecture
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Carmel Margaret Lindkvist
- Helge Hillnhütter
- Ingfrid Lyngstad
- Morten Gjerde
- Peter Andreas Gotsch
- Rolee Aranya
- Terje Skjeggedal
- Yngve Karl Frøyen