DEVG4090 – Master Thesis
Course content
Writing the master thesis is the core of the masterprogram. The master thesis is an individual research paper which should meet the general requirements to a scientific publication. You will be responsible for deciding the theme of the thesis, which method to apply and carrying out the required research.
All students must have a main academic supervisor appointed by the Department.
Learning outcome
The objective of the master thesis is to teach you how to carry out an independent piece of research on a development issue. Working on the master thesis should enable you to address a specific theme in a scientifically sound, thorough and precise manner. You will gain insight into the different stages of the research process and enhance your ability to see the relationship between choice of research question, theoretical perspective, research design and choice of method.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
Teaching for this course consists of individual academic supervision given over two semesters. You will normally meet regularly with you academic supervisor.
Examination
The assessment of the master thesis consists of two parts:
- an evaluation of the thesis
- an oral examintaion
The thesis is assigned a temporary grade before the oral examination, and you will be informed about this. You are entitled to recieve an explanation for the grade assigned the thesis. The final grade is assigned after the oral examination.
The master thesis
- The master thesis should count maximum 48.000 words all included (table of contents, reference list etc.)
Information regarding the thesis and the submission of the thesis
- The thesis should be written in Times New Roman size 12, line spacing 1,5.
- The thesis must be submitted in 3 printed copies at the reception of the Department of Sociology and Human Geography. Here is a guide
- You will in due course be contacted by the exam advisor regarding filling out a net form for submission.
Printing of your thesis
- The Department covers the expenses of printing 10 copies of your thesis.
- These copies are printed at the University Print Centre. Your thesis must be submitted to the University Print Centre as a pdf-file, and usually it takes 4 working days.
- The Department also covers the expenses of printing 5 colour pages.
Electronic publishing
- In addition, all students must submit their master thesis to DUO open research archive via Studentweb. See detailed instructions here.
- At the day of submission, it is also mandatory to hand in the Studentweb-reciept you will recieve in an email, stating your thesis has been submitted, together with the 3 printed copies. Your thesis will not be graded unless this is done.
- Your thesis will be published when you have passed your oral examination.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The thesis must be written in English, and the oral examination will be held in English.
The oral exam is held within 8 weeks after submission of the thesis.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
You can request an explanation of the grade you receive for your Master thesis. You request this explanation by sending an email to the ISS exam advisor within one week of your oral defense. An explanation of the evaluation of your oral presentation is given at the oral defense.
Resit an examination
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.