Master Thesis

2019/2020

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The Master Thesis module comprises preparation of a Master Thesis on a subject, which the student is free to select from within the disciplinary framework of the programme.

The topic of the Master Thesis must be approved by the Master Thesis Committee. The topic is submitted to the final phase of placement and supervisor in three stages. Preliminary topic and problem formulation, synopsis/exposé and connection to supervisors. These include argumentation for the relevance of the topic and for the theoretical and methodological points of departure, a preliminary bibliography.

The module includes extensive individual contact a number of seminars. Additionally, students will be offered expert thesis supervision in relation with their problem oriented thesis work.

The Master Thesis gives the student the possibility

  1. To deal with a topic from a sub-area of the course and to acquire special knowledge and 
  2. To create and present a scientifically established study. Thereby the student can prove her/his ability concerning articulating research aim, definition of problems, choice of methods and methodological performance.

An additional aim may be to publish a summary of the master thesis as story in an expert publication (e.g. magazine, journal, conference catalogue or anthology) in order to make known the acquired knowledge to a wide audience. This should be undertaken in agreement together with the supervisor.

The Master Thesis is an extensive written work and serves to acquire knowledge in the special field by generating new content and knowledge.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

In the Master’s thesis module, the student will acquire knowledge

  • the theories, methods and technologies of the selected subject area at the highest international level
  • research ethics and understanding of the implications of research work
  • the theory of science of the selected thesis topic

Skills

In the Master’s thesis module, the student will acquire skills

  • applying methods, theories and technologies pertaining to a specific issue within the academic area
  • creating an independent and systematic overview of relevant existing knowledge within the topic of the thesis
  • independently selecting approaches pertaining to the topic of the thesis on the basis of theory of science, theory, methods, design and/or technology, and substantiating academic choices and priorities.
  • applying, further developing and critically reflecting on relevant theories, methods and technologies pertaining to the topic of the thesis

Competences

In the Master’s thesis module, the student will acquire competencies 

  • critical reflection on the disciplinary area pertaining to the chosen topic of the thesis
  • independent and systematic search for knowledge, choosing and explaining this choice and planning and undertaking the research of the topic of the thesis
  • arguing for choices as regards the applied theories, methods and technologies as well as choices as regards any empirical material and/or design aspects
  • structuring and communicating the acquired knowledge in a suitable manner as regards content and language register to an academic audience within the disciplinary field of the programme.

Exam

Exams

Name of examMaster Thesis
Type of exam
Master's thesis/final project
The text-part of the thesis should be 160.000 - 300.000 characters (including spaces, approx. 80- 110 pages, 12 pt. 1,5 paragraph spacing).

The module is completed on the 4th semester by passing the following examination: Writing and defending the Master Thesis in an oral exam. The defence is held before and evaluated by a Master Thesis Examination Committee, as specified by the rules of each Partner University. The written Master Thesis is evaluated by the supervisor/s. Each student submits the Master Thesis topic for discussion, approval, and placement the Master Thesis Committee. Once the student is placed for the Master Thesis, the examination rules of that Partner University. Each Partner University requires at least one supervisor of the student’s Master Thesis, one external reviewer and a commission of at least 2 academics for the exam/defense of the final Master Thesis.
ECTS30
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingExternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleKandidatspeciale
Module codeKAMAC201519
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
This module is offered only as a part of the ERASMUS MUNDUS Master of Excellence: Media Arts Cultures
4th semester
ECTS30
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureOther location
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Communication and Digital Media
DepartmentDepartment of Communication and Psychology
FacultyThe Faculty of Humanities