Examination arrangement

Course content

The master's thesis is a scientific study on a topic within Physical Activity and Health, and the field of the chosen specialization. In their work on the thesis, the students will train in resolving problems independently, undertaking critical assessment of scientific literature, formulating clear research questions and plan, organize, document and execute a scientific project. Through the scientific problem-focused approach, students will improve their ability to pursue lifelong learning. More information about the thesis is found here.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate

• has specialized theoretical and methodological knowledge on a particular topic related to Physical Activity and Health, within the field of the chosen specialization
• has knowledge on the ethical and juridical aspects of the specific chosen project

Skills

The candidate

• can retrieve and interpret relevant published scientific data
• can formulate a research question based on current knowledge
• can plan, organize, document and execute an independent project under supervision in line with current research ethical norms
• can find, learn, justify, adopt and apply relevant scientific methods to gain new knowledge
• can retrieve and analyze data and interpret results within a defined area and scientific tradition
• can report outcomes of research and justify interpretations and conclusions in a coherent way both orally and in writing

General competence

The candidate

• can work both independently and in collaboration with others to find solutions to practical and theoretical problems
• can plan and organize an extensive project

Learning methods and activities

Work with master's thesis is independent work under supervision. Supervision will be performed in accordance with guidelines set out by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The master's thesis must be written in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Project description
• Presentation of progress in a seminar
• Participation in a research ethics seminar

Further on evaluation

Individual written thesis, and oral thesis defense (Grading scale: A-F)

The thesis defense starts with the candidate giving a 10-15 minute presentation of the work.

Compulsory activities/tasks:

• Project description (max 2500 words)
• The candidate shall present the work in progress in a seminar
• Participation in a research ethics seminar

The Master`s thesis shall be written in the form of a scientific article consisting of:

• Title page
• Infographic
• Abstract
• Introduction
• Methods
• Results
• Discussion (ending with a conclusion)
• References (max 50)
• Appendices (if applicable)

The thesis can have a word count up to 8000 words for quantitative projects, and up to 12000 words for qualitative or mixed methods studies. The word count includes Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Results (excluding tables and figures) and Discussion.

If the written work is given the grade F, no oral examination will be held. If the exam is not passed, the candidate must submit a new version of the Master's thesis within 3-6 months.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The student must be admitted to the Master of Science in Physical Activity and Health. In order to be eligible to defend his/her master's thesis the student must have passed all exams, i.e. compulsory and elective courses worth 60 credits in total.