course-details-portlet

AAR5400 - M.Sc. Thesis in Urban Ecological Planning

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: Master thesis
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
Master thesis 100/100 20 weeks

Course content

The master’s thesis at UEP consists of a research project, carried out and documented by the candidate. It aims to contribute to new methodological and professional knowledge in UEP’s range of focal areas related to planning and participation. It demonstrates the candidate’s ability to carry out independent research in the respective field of study.

The thesis can be based on a primary field-based study, or through association with relevant projects being undertaken by practice partners such as International NGOs, Municipalities and Bi- and Multilateral agencies. In this vein, an UEP master’s thesis can be research-based, internship-based, or practice-based. (More details are specified in UEP¨s Thesis regulations)

Learning outcome

As part of the master thesis, the candidate will demonstrate and deepen the following knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in the program:

Knowledge: The thesis will demonstrate individual and in-depth study into theories, methods and analytical models within in the chosen topic. The knowledge gained will be on substantive theories, methods of research and fieldwork and analytical frameworks/models. Some main substantive areas of theory that are included the UEP program are the deprivational approach to poverty, livelihoods framework, capacity vulnerability framework, strategic planning, and concept of resilience.

Skills: As a part of the master thesis, the student will apply methods that form part of the UEP repertoire are case studies, other methods for qualitative research such as interviews, focus group discussions, livelihoods analysis, stakeholder analysis and SWOT analysis. He/ she will demonstrate the critical skills required in field work, analysis of field data and analytical theorisation of the findings. The student will also demonstrate the skills required for academic writing both in report format as well as project proposal/ recommendations.

General Competence: The UEP thesis trains candidates to work as an independent and self-responsible professional. Empirical research is undertaken in the field of urban development in contexts characterised by exclusion and inequality, and/ or weak institutions etc.

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision is required and regular group workshops are offered.

The activities depend on the format of the thesis but generally include: research design; field research; data collection and analysis, reflecting on theory, scientific writing, presentation.

Further on evaluation

In line with NTNUs study regulations the thesis will be assessed by two independent evaluators, an internal and an external evaluator.

Assessment will be on the quality of:

1. Relevance, General Context, Research aims, Goals, Questions, Structure

2. Quality of methods

3. Theory

4. Study, Findings, Discussion

5. Conclusions / Recommendation

6. Summary assessment

7. Language and scientific form

Part 7 must be of a satisfactory quality for the thesis to be passed.

In line with NTNUs study regulations the thesis must be completed in 20 weeks. According to UEPs study plan it takes place in the fourth semester (spring).

In line with NTNUs general study regulations an extension can only be granted in exceptional cases of personal hardship (e.g. sickness, force majeure). A timely application for extension, including evidence on the situation is mandatory.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Urban Ecological Planning (MSA1)

Required previous knowledge

This course is for students who are taking the full study in M.Sc. in Urban Ecological Planning. It is mandatory to successfully complete AAR 4874. Prior to starting the process a Master thesis agreement is required that includes regular supervision.

Students must present an agreement with a supervisor prior to staring work on the masters thesis. The agreement is facilitated by administration.

Beyond this, all formal regulations apply, such as: NTNU’s study regulations, general master thesis and agreement guidelines, and UEP’s specific master thesis regulations (available at the program).

Course materials

UEP master thesis guidelines and materials are available in the program office, on the respective Blackboard page and distributed at the master's thesis workshops.

More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  30.0 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  AUTUMN 2024

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Urban Design and Planning
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Architecture and Planning

Examination

Examination arrangement: Master thesis

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Autumn ORD Master thesis 100/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Spring ORD Master thesis 100/100 INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

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