Examination arrangement

Course content

The master's thesis is an independent scientific research project where you investigate a theoretical or empirical problem related to globalisation and sustainable development. You are free to choose a topic related to the master's programme and the research competence of the supervisors. The master's thesis is normally completed in one semester. The work must be carried out individually.

The thesis must contain a scientific presentation of the chosen topic; precisely formulated research questions, reasoned method choices and systematic argumentation. Data or the empirical basis for the analysis may be based on observation, interviews, surveys and / or other types of field data. It is also possible to use existing research data, official statistics or available texts, documents and more as a basis for the analysis. The thesis must follow scientific standards in accordance with reference and research ethics.

As a preparation for the master's thesis, you must write a project proposal indicating the general content of your master`s thesis during the 1st semester of the master's degree. This project draft forms the basis for the assignment of a supervisor in the 2nd semester and the final design of the project will take place in consultation with the supervisor. The master's thesis must be completed under supervision. The supervision shall ensure the necessary quality assurance when collecting and processing empirical data, and that this takes place within research ethics guidelines. The supervisor-student relationship is regulated by the master agreement.

Learning outcome

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

• have through the work on the thesis acquired advanced theoretical knowledge within delimited research topics of the thesis
• have solid knowledge of methodological and analytical approaches within the research topic of the thesis
• have in-depth knowledge on how to carry out independent research work

Skills

• can formulate research objectives as a basis for carrying out scientific work
• can critically engage in theories and obtain an overview of established research knowledge with relevance to the topic and / or research area
• can choose and use methods to do a comprehensive study
• can analyze data from different sources and use these to structure and formulate professional reasoning and conclusions
• master communication of scientific work both in writing and orally

General competence

• can complete a research project in line with ethical norms in research
• can apply professional knowledge in communication with specialists as well as the general public

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision.

Further on evaluation

Examination: The master's thesis and one-hour oral examination based on the master's thesis. At the beginning of the oral examination, the candidate must give a 10-minute oral presentation of the master's thesis where the choice of topic, research objectives, methodological choice and findings are explained. The candidate must have the master's thesis available and are allowed to bring notes during the oral exam.

An overall grade will be given based on the master's thesis and the oral examination immediately after the oral examination, included an explanation of the grading.

The thesis must be written in English. It should be between 17 500 - 24 500 words (approximately 50-70 pages), and should demonstrate the student’s ability to carry out an independent scientific research task.

Deadline for submission of master's theses is 15 May. If this date falls on a weekend, the submission date is moved to the following work day. According to NTNU's study regulations, §5-11 (12), the examination deadline for master's theses is 3 months.

In the event of delayed submission, documentation/ medical certificate is required. The last date in the spring semester is 31 August. Examinations held after this will have the autumn term on the diploma. Unjustified delays normally result in a postponed deadline till 15 November the following semester.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Completed all the compulsory and elective courses in the master's program Globalisation and Sustainable Development.