Master Thesis (MEEMAS)
The Master's thesis is an independent research project in which you will apply the knowledge acquired during your studies. It is a crafted scholarly document presenting research questions and original arguments based on scientific methods. The thesis gives you the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in your chosen research area.
This course spans two semesters. Part 1 (fall semester) is meant to help you prepare as good as possible for writing the thesis. In this part of the course, the goal is to develop an idea for the thesis as well as a project proposal. The project proposal contains the research design for your Master’s thesis project. Submitting this during the fall semester is compulsory. Without submitting you will not be able to move on to Part 2 under the guidance of a supervsior.
Students are permitted to write the thesis in Norwegian. The title will be published in Norwegian.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
MEEMAS
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
30
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
2
Exam semester
Spring, Autumn
Language of instruction
English
Content
The thesis should have a substantial research component that builds on theories, methods, and collected data within the field of sustainability studies. It is encouraged to write the thesis in pairs, and use the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in a chosen area of research. The thesis must be written under the guidance of a supervisor. The supervision of Master's theses includes various types of cooperation between student and supervisor, such as group and individual discussions.
In the thesis seminars during the fall semester, we look at possible themes, research designs, problem statements, and research questions, as well as practical issues such as guidelines and modes of supervision.The students are presented with the guidelines for the thesis, and possible cooperation with the industry and public authorities.
Learning outcome
It is expected that the students, after completing the course, will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies:
Knowledge
Students who successfully complete the course should:
- Know the demands, requirements, and guidelines for the master thesis.
- Know the content of a research design and the decisions that have to be made in order to make an outline of the master thesis.
- Understand how to define and present research questions.
- Have gained a thorough understanding of theories and methods that can be used to address the chosen research question.
- Understand how to use analytical frameworks and theories to answer research questions.
Skills
After completing the course, students should be able to:
- Develop an outline of the master thesis that can be used as the starting point for the master thesis.
- Evaluate social science research, including their own research plans.
- Identify research questions suitable for a master's thesis.
- Search relevant sources for theories and data that can address the chosen research questions.
- Review existing theories and empirical evidence.
- Organize, summarize and analyze data.
- Write clearly about the chosen research question.
- Plan social science research and report writing.
General competence
After completing the course, students should be able to:
- Present oneself as a possible participant in a research project.
- Plan and complete a large project under supervision and in accordance with existing norms for research ethics.
- Apply knowledge and skills to the chosen area of research.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Minimum 60 ECTS from the M-EES program must be passed.
More specifically MEE125, MEN185, and MEE100 in addition to three other courses recommended and/or mandatory from the study program.
Exam
| Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home assignment | 1/1 | 5 Months | Letter grades |
The advised number of pages for the master thesis are 60-80 (excluding attachments and references). 80 pages corresponds to approximately 30.000 words. Students writing in pair has a minimum length of 80 pages. Marks: A-F. A student generally has one attempt at their master's thesis. You can read more about these rules in §3-10 in the Regulations relating to studies and examinations at University of Stavanger.
Coursework requirements
The project proposal should normally contain the following points:
- Title - A working title that reflects the topic and questions of the thesis
- Introduction - A brief explanation of the topic and the questions, plus some sentences on the motivation
- Literature review - What do we know about the topic already? What are the gaps?
- Research questions - Motivated by the literature review, what are the questions that you ask in this project?
- Theory - What are the key theoretical perspectives and approaches in your project?
- Research strategy, methods and data - What kind of data will you collect/use, and how do you plan to analyze the data?
- Financing - if relevant. Progress plan - A timetable for the project.
- References - A preliminary reference list.
The research design should be around five pages. Deadline for uploading in the Collaboration Portal will be announced at the start of the seminar. The supervisors are assigned on the basis of the research design.