APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2015/2016

GRA 1950 Master Thesis - students admitted autumn 2015 and later

Responsible for the course
Astrid Richardsen, Debbie Harrison, Bruno Gerard, Costas Xiouros, Nick Sitter, Knut Sogner, Peter Jarnebrant

Department


Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
30

Language of instruction
English

Introduction
This is the course descriptions for thesis for students admitted autumn 2015 and later

In the course of the MSc Programme all students are required to write a thesis. A thesis of 30 ECTS is a requirement for master degrees (Masterforskriften §6). The thesis work consists of thesis seminars, guidance, a thesis proposal, a preliminary thesis report, and the final thesis.

Each Associate Dean is responsible for approving the thesis topic and thesis advisor. In addition the Associate Dean is responsible for thesis seminars in the programme.

Learning outcome
The thesis work forms a process of learning where students are given the opportunity to apply knowledge in scientific research and/or survey work. The purpose is to provide the student with knowledge and skills in survey methods and/or scientifically based research. Students are expected to treat a broadly formulated problem and prepare and submit a report, which will contribute to a solution of the problem and/or provide a sound basis for decision-making within a given time and resource framework.

Prerequisites

All courses in the Masters programme will assume that students have fulfilled the admission requirements for the programme. In addition, courses in second, third and/or fourth semester can have spesific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.

Compulsory reading

Recommended reading

Course outline
The thesis is normally written in groups of two students. Students who wish to write their thesis individually may apply to the Associate Dean of their programme.
The thesis is written in English.

Students will be introduced to research methods in research methodology courses. In addition, the Associate Dean will arrange a thesis seminar (minimum 10 hours) introducing possible topics and advisors. An oral presentation may be a part of the thesis seminar and account for a part of the grade of the preliminary thesis report. Students are expected to participate in the thesis seminars and to have individual/group guiding (10 hours) by the thesis advisor.

Students are responsible for selecting a topic/problem area, which is suitable for a thesis related to their major in the MSc programme. Students need to fill in a thesis registration form, and have the topic and advisor approved by the Associate Dean. Please see the Student Portal (@bi) for detailed information on thesis work.

Computer-based tools
Not applicable

Learning process and workload
The Schedule

Thesis seminars are held in the 2nd and/or 3rd and/or 4th semester.
The students must submit a thesis registration form.
The preliminary thesis report should be submitted by January 15th in the fourth semester.
The final thesis should be submitted no later than September 1st of your final year. An extension is only given by approval of the Dean and must be supported by relevant documentation. Read BI’s Academic Regulations carefully for more information on thesis extension and late submission.

Students are expected to devote time in the third semester for working on the preliminary thesis project. The remaining work on the thesis is in the 4th semester. Once the final thesis has been graded with a passing grade, this will cover 30 ECTS credits.

GRA 1951 Thesis seminars participations
GRA 1952 Thesis preliminary thesis report
GRA 1953 The final thesis


Examination
The thesis Registration form is graded pass/fail.

The preliminary thesis report (20%) is given a grade in points by the thesis advisor. An oral presentation may be a part of the thesis seminar and count as a part of the grade of the preliminary thesis report.

The final thesis (80%) , with the preliminary thesis project attached, is evaluated by the thesis advisor and an external grader. Students may be called upon to orally defend their thesis. Students will not be given a grade on their thesis unless the thesis registration and preliminary thesis report, as well as the thesis, are passed.