Master thesis (MRRMAS)

The master's thesis in accounting and auditing is a demanding and independent research project where students will have the opportunity to delve deeply into a chosen issue within the field. The thesis is written in collaboration with a fellow student. Under guidance, the students will go through the research process from start to finish - from formulating research questions and conducting a literature review to data analysis and conclusion. The master's thesis marks the end of the master's studies and reflects the students' accumulated knowledge, analytical abilities, and professional competence.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MRRMAS

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

30

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

2

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

The master's thesis is a carefully designed scientific document that presents an issue and arguments, and which is documented, based on primary and/or secondary sources. The thesis must have a significant research component, and must be written with the help of an academic supervisor. The assignment gives the student an opportunity to demonstrate competence in accounting, auditing, law or finance.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completing this course, students will have knowledge of:

  • The preparation of a research question and conducting a critical literature review
  • The main theories and concepts relevant to the research question
  • The research design chosen for the master's thesis
  • The research method used for the collection and analysis of data
  • Ethical implications of decisions made in the research process
  • The analysis method used to analyze the data in the master's thesis
  • The results from the analysis and the significance of these
  • Presentation of a research-based task, written and orally

Skills

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

  • Formulate a clear and relevant research question that can be answered theoretically or empirically
  • Effectively search, critically evaluate, and synthesize existing literature relevant to the research question
  • Identify, explain, evaluate, and apply key theories and concepts relevant to their specific research question
  • Design a research study, including choosing appropriate methods and techniques, based on the research question
  • Identify and critically evaluate ethical issues throughout the research process
  • Generate or collect necessary data
  • Apply appropriate analysis methods to process and interpret data, and also assess the validity and reliability of the analysis results
  • Use the results from the analyses to discuss the research question, including discussing the implications of the findings in a broader context
  • Communicate research findings and conclusions clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally, adapted to various audiences

Required prerequisite knowledge

Completed 60 credits from the master's program in accounting and auditing. A minimum of one course in quantitative or qualitative methods at master's degree level.

Exam

Master's thesis with oral presentation and defence

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Master's thesis with oral presentation and defence 1/1 Letter grades
Master's thesis 0/1 1 Semesters Letter grades

The master's thesis must be written together with a fellow student. If strong reasons exists, a student can apply to the study program director about writing the thesis alone. Strong reasons can be, for example, that one is planning to use confidential data for the master's thesis, or that there are medical reasons.

Coursework requirements

Two mandatory supervisions
Two mandatory supervisions. One in December and the other in March. Prior to the supervision in March, the students have to hand in their preliminary written work, subject to approval from the supervisor.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Dengjun Zhang

Course coordinator:

William Gilje Gjedrem

Open for

Master of Science in Accounting and Auditing

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto