Examination arrangement

Course content

The master thesis is an independently supervised research- and/or development work at an advanced level within one of the study program's subject- and specialization areas. The topic of the master's thesis is agreed between the student and the supervisor.

The students have to attend a mandatory introduction seminar to the master thesis beyond the established ECTS. The seminar consists of lectures and assignments which has to be passed for the students to be allowed to hand in the master thesis. The content of the seminar prepares the student for writing their thesis; such as searching for literature, writing reports, scientific publishing and ethics, as well as giving the students an overview of opportunities for future ph.d.-studies.

Learning outcome

Having successfully completed the master thesis the candidate will fulfil the learning outcome of the study program. The learning outcome of the master thesis will focus on the candidate ability to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the chosen subject area's scientific basis and proven experience, in-depth insight into current research and development work, and in-depth methodological knowledge.
• demonstrate the ability to, with a holistic view, critically and systematically, search, collect and integrate knowledge and identify their need for further knowledge
• demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to plan and with adequate methods carry out advanced tasks within given time frames and to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability to develop and evaluate products, processes, systems, methods or technical solutions with regard to people's conditions and needs and society's goals for economically, socially and ecologically sustainable development
• demonstrate the ability to orally and in writing in dialogue with different groups clearly account for and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments that form the basis for these
• demonstrate the ability to make assessments with regard to relevant disciplinary, social and ethical aspects
• demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work independently in other qualified activitie

Learning outcome specific to the introductory seminar:

After having completed the introduction seminar to the master thesis the student shall: know and understand the importance of ethical research practices, as well as quality and content in research. Understand the importance of conducting thorough literature reviews. Be able to perform detailed scientific literature reviews, including searching in literature databases. Be acquainted with the desirable quality and content of independent research. Be able to conduct accurate report writing, and thesis preparation. Know how to increase the effectiveness of their individual research. Know how to write concise scientific reports, including structuring, referencing, and avoiding plagiarism. Know ongoing research work at the Department. Be familiar with opportunities for undertaking a PhD-study and the impact of having a PhD-degree. Manage their project schedule and resources, managing expectations and change. Be able to define a project description and project plan.

Learning methods and activities

Independent project work under supervision.

Compulsory participation in an introduction seminar.

Compulsory assignments

• Project plan
• Master poster/presentation
• Participation in compulsory master seminar
• Project plan

Further on evaluation

The final exam consists of an evaluation of the master's thesis and an oral test. The oral test covers the topic of the thesis, issues, methodology and discussion of conclusions. The test begins with the candidate giving a presentation of the thesis with subsequent opportunity for examination by the grading committee and audience. The oral test may lead to adjustment of the final grade for the master's thesis. The final grade is determined after the oral examination.

Information about writing and submitting your master’s thesis Oppgaveskriving The master’s thesis has to be submitted in NTNU's examination system Inspera Assessment The deadline for submitting the master’s thesis is 20 weeks from the starting date (the students have additional 6 weeks if they are writing a master thesis abroad.) + 7 days for Easter/Christmas holidays. Applications for an extended deadline must be submitted to the faculty. Students who fail the master’s thesis, can submit a new or revised thesis once. It is not possible to improve an awarded grade by submitting a new thesis. The deadline for the assessment of the master’s thesis is 3 months.

The Faculty og Engineering's standard AI-declaration must be submitted upon thesis completion.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course is only accessible for students admitted to the master programmes Marine Technology (5- and 2-year norwegian programs), Engineering and ICT (5-year program) plus the international 2-year programs.Maritime Engineering and Marine and Maritime Intelligent Robotics.

Course materials

Guideline for writing reports, lecture notes.