Course - Master's Thesis - BARN3900
BARN3900 - Master's Thesis
About
Examination arrangement
Examination arrangement: Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
Grade: Letter grades
| Evaluation | Weighting | Duration | Grade deviation | Examination aids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination | 100/100 |
Course content
Students write a master's thesis in childhood studies, based on an independent, scientific study related to children and childhood. The thesis must be 55-85 pages (Verdana 10, space 1.15). Usually, the thesis includes an empirical study that involves fieldwork. It is strongly recommended that the data collection is completed by the middle of the 3rd semester (medio October). The thesis is expected to be completed within four semesters from admission into the programme. Supervision will not be provided beyond this time.
Learning outcome
By the end of the course, the student has obtained the following
Knowledge:
- Develop in-depth knowledge of a self-selected topic related to childhood and/or children's lives
- Obtaining knowledge of the formal requirements and expectations of an academic text
Skills:
- Training and experience in analyzing empirical fieldwork data, handling and structuring large amounts of information, and writing a scientific study related to children and childhood
- Training in developing the ability to make a connection between empirical material and conceptual/theoretical ideas
General competence:
- Can carry out comprehensive, ethical and independent empirical work
- Can handle and assess the quality of various forms of sources and information, and analyze as well as communicate research results in a clear and comprehensible manner.
Learning methods and activities
The master's thesis seminar series has two parts. The first part takes place in the 2nd semester before undertaking fieldwork, consisting of 4 obligatory seminars. They focus on research design, choice of topics and formulation of research questions. Students will learn about ethical clearance and how to be prepared to undertake good empirical research. These seminars are obligatory and considered key aspects of developing the ideas for the master's thesis. Approval to undertake fieldwork or start writing a master's thesis requires the completion of the seminars and preparation for fieldwork.
The second part of the seminar series takes place in the 3rd and 4th semesters. Following fieldwork, a total of six master's thesis writing seminars will be held in the 3rd and 4th semesters focusing on how to work with theory and data. Students will share and discuss their field experiences, the process of analysing and interpreting field data as well as how to produce academic text. Students also receive tips and guidance on writing a master's thesis. Students' participation in master thesis seminars enables them to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the process of writing their research. Students are required to present and discuss their thesis as they write it.
All students will be given individual supervision amounting to a total of 60 hours. Students will get a supervisor assigned during the second semester. All students must sign a master's thesis agreement in the second semester. The agreement regulates, among other things, the relationship between the student and supervisor. Students are expected to hand in chapter drafts to their supervisor throughout the writing period.
Compulsory assignments
- Attending seminars in the 2nd semester
- Project description
- Submission of chapter drafts and supervision
Further on evaluation
The exam consists of two parts; the master's thesis and an oral defence of the thesis. The oral examination must be completed in English and can be held in person or digitally. The oral examination is a conversation about the thesis between the candidate, the internal examiner and the external examiner. The final grade for the master's thesis may be adjusted after the oral examination.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Childhood Studies (MPCHILD)
Required previous knowledge
Students must pass the examination in BARN3101, BARN3201 and BARN3202 before they can start doing fieldwork and write the master's thesis.
Course materials
Information will be given at the beginning of the semester.
Version: 1
Credits:
60.0 SP
Study level: Second degree level
Term no.: 2
Teaching semester: AUTUMN 2024
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: SPRING 2025
Term no.: 3
Teaching semester: SPRING 2025
Language of instruction: English
Location: Trondheim
- Childhood Studies
- Social Sciences
Department with academic responsibility
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
Examination
Examination arrangement: Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
-
Autumn
ORD
Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
100/100
Release
2024-11-08Submission
2024-11-15
09:00
INSPERA
15:00 -
Room Building Number of candidates -
Spring
ORD
Master's thesis with adjusting oral examination
100/100
Submission
2025-05-15
INSPERA
15:00 -
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.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"